Black Boy, Winchester

Q. What do the following things all have in common? A stuffed donkey, a collection of fire buckets, a window frame adorned with chilli peppers, a table football table, a framed bin liner fashioned into a waistcoat, an Aga, a Donkey Kong arcade game, plastic hams and a monkey in a kilt. A. They are just a small selection of the eclectic range of items on display in this mad yet delightful pub. Split across a number of inter-connected rooms dominated by dark wood and with muted lighting, some of which seem to be themed (kitchen, butchers etc...), there are endless discoveries to be made. Stuffed animals seem to be one of the main areas of interest to the owner, as in addition to the donkey and monkey, I spotted a seal, peacock, warthog, leopard and countless dogs, most of which are lying in front of the various fireplaces in each room. There are bookshelves at the back near the toilets which would put some local libraries to shame and many of the tables have boards for various games painted on them. Even the raised patio area out the back has a few curios in it. There were five hand pumps at the bar, each offering a relatively local ale; Ringwood Best, Flowerpots Bitter, Andwell King John, Dark Star Saison and Hop Back Summer Lightning. I tried a pint of the King John which seemed to be in pretty good condition. Putting aside the quirky nature of the place, this is still a very good pub and one which I doubt I would tire of returning to. They are presumably doing rather well at present as they also have a nearby restaurant (the Black Rat), with a wine bar (the Black Bottle) due to open soon. Certainly the highlight of a day spent in Winchester, this would be my first port of recall when I next return.