The Wykeham Arms, Winchester

Really enjoyed a recent visit to The Wykeham Arms for a few drinks one Saturday evening with friends.

Staff are very friendly and the wine list is compact but loaded with good grapes, a nice selection of ales (but sadly not ciders) will suit a range of tastes.

The interior is olde worlde, but very much in keeping with the area. There are a few tables with heaters outside at the rear of the pub along with a small number of car parking spaces.

We didn't eat on this visit but the restaurant area was busy, many tables were reserved, so it would seem booking is advisable.

27 Jul 2009 13:43

The Queen Inn, Winchester

We visited on a Sunday at 1pm and found the pub to be busy but very underwhelming.

There was a one hour wait for our meal, with some disgruntled customers nearby suggesting it might have been longer. We were informed of the wait when ordering so were prepared and it wasn't a major issue. The food was well priced and arrived within the hour but was bland, poorly seasoned and my partners roast beef was luke warm at best. Like much of the pub the food was underwhemlingly average (as suggested by the score on BITE).

As others have commented the beer garden (front and back) are the saving grace, although it's not the most challenging achievement to place some benches and an awning in a large garden.

I think many people, including us, were seduced by the exterior and prime position. However once inside the experience fails to live up to the expectations these factors encourage.

Plenty of much nicer places nearby including the Wykeham Arms which is only a short walk.

27 Jul 2009 13:36

The Anchor Inn, Lower Froyle

Quite simply the best pub I've been in. The food, service, atmosphere and location were all first class. Staff were attentive and friendly. No snobbery here just quality all the way.

5 Nov 2008 08:55