The William Walker, Winchester

Stylish place close to the cathedral, more a restaurant with beer than a boozer although as a casual drinker I didn't feel uncomfortable or very out of place, although the staff were a little aloof. The beer choice was limited to Doom Bar or Deuchars ales or the Peroni – Amstel end of the lager market. I plumped for Doom Bar and it was competently kept, not bad for a beer that seems to be harder to look after than many others. Price was pretty reasonable too given the location. The menu was very Italian when I was there but the date at the top hinted that it changes regularly however I don't know if the style changes or just the content. Décor is fairly conventional modern, you know the form; light wood tables with high back chairs, plain walls with the occasional piece of no doubt carefully chosen art work, faux lanterns interspersed with halogen ceiling spots. A middle aged, middle class clientèle if you hadn't guessed already. Oh the name is in honour of a diver who reinforced the foundations of the cathedral wearing an old fashioned diving suit with a big brass helmet, a diver was needed as the foundations are water logged.