Phoenix Inn, Winchester

With custom from motorists rather than pedestrians, the Phoenix has a rather dowdy street frontage with the entrance now in the rear off the car park, taking you into the toilet access behind the bar, which is a little strange. Once inside, there is one long opened-out room in a fairly traditional pub style, with a fair-sized bar. There is a garden area behind and also a skittle alley. Excellent range of ales still much as described below and in good form. Rather more worth stopping off at than it first appears.

Long L shaped Greene King pub with light green shades, exposed brick, light wood panelling, varnished herringbone flooring. Various black and white prints on the walls as well as an unusual feature, some hogs head ends. Dog friendly and a Wednesday quiz. Skittle alley to rear. Looks like a Local Heroes GK pub and the jolly landlord was taking full advantage with eight ales on; just three GK (OSH, St Edmunds and house rebadge) with some excellent guests – Bowman Swift One, Flowerpots Bitter, Dark Star Partridge, Red Cat American Brown and Weltons. The Flowerpots was in very good shape and the Red Cat was fine. Run well and I’d be hoping to persuade Desmond to swing by again in the future.

Looks a bit plain from the street, but the partly opened-out interior of this old Greene King pub retains a fair amount of character despite the various modernisations. Mix of furniture in the lightly decorated bar, with the tables in the darker side room all full with those dining. Also has a rear room which was being used for pre-Christmas lunches when I stopped by, and a small patio beer garden at one side. Live music advertised. Decent selection from the eight handpumps, ranging from the 'house' ale and the inevitable IPA and Old Speckled Hen, via the seasonal Old Spirited Hen and Fireside to the local Itchen Valley Gold, Bowman Swift One and Flower Pots Bitter (£3.80). With a friendly welcome from the efficient bar staff, I liked it here.

Official site of the Phoenix, includes wine list and menu - www.thephoenixinn.co.uk

Easy access off the M3 if you happen to be making your way to catch a ferry and a lunch stop is required. Decent pub food and friendly service. Children now allowed in the Churchill room

Official site of the Phoenix, includes wine list and menu - www.thephoenixinn.co.uk