The Hyde Tavern, Winchester

We left this pub to the end of our days crawl as it opened at 6pm. We arrived here at 4 mins to six and a small queue had accumulated, luckily there were only two people in front of us for the dash to the bar. The beer choice was Bowman Hop Hearted, Flower Pots Bitter, Renegade Mister Chubb's session bitter and Hogs Back Surrey Nirvana Session IPA. The beer quality in here was sublime, open fire lit in the front room and friendly and chatty like minded customers.

Very much as described by others, below, including the caveats on restricted opening hours and high prices. This pub has long been a well-known venue for ale drinkers and diners, so maybe they're exploiting that reputation, and while it is a good pub by most standards, it does have some serious competition for the top slot in Winchester. Ales on were Pressed Rat and Warthog, Twisted Urban Legend, Flowerpots Bitter and Buster's Best, and Dark Start Hophead. Ciders were Rosie's Pig and Old Rosie on pump plus 3 boxed ciders from Meon Valley. My Pressed Rat and Warthog was at the end of its life and getting flat, but it was otherwise OK. The barmaid was chatty and welcoming,and the locals were civilised. Entertainment was had when a grumpy looking lady pulled up in an immaculate VW beetle and whisked away one of our companions, though she did smile as she drove away. Worth a revisit, subject to opening times.

This is a grade II-listed building with a low-ceilinged interior, the ensemble oozing charm and character. However, it’s not as old as some believe, with Historic England citing an origin of the 19th century, though it may have a history dating back a lot earlier. I went for a half of Hophead at a very pricey £2.50 which was very fine, served by friendly, charming staff. This is a must-visit if in Winchester, despite the slog to get here, but as mentioned, the limited opening hours don’t help when planning a trip.

A proper old school boozer away from the circuit drinkers in town,this is a locals pub but strangers are made welcome.There is a very low ceiling ,bar to the right but as you move away from the bar,the wooden floor slopes significantly,so beware if this is at the end of a crawl.There is a back room ,which adds to the character. The barman was quick to engage in banter,and was helpful with the ale choice,interesting to see a barrel on stillage.Mr Coombs lists the ale choices and there is a lot of real cider offered. I enjoyed my Twisted Urban Legend (NBSS 3.5),and this pub really should be included on any crawl.Not too far from the station either.

A cosy low-ceilinged local, oozing with character, with a reliable selection of ales kept in good condition. On this occasion on handpump there were Triple Fff Pressed Rat & Warthog, Flower Pots Bitter and Twisted Urban Legend, with a firkin of Flower Pots Buster's Best behind the bar. My only grumble is that the restricted opening hours make it tricky to visit, but perhaps that's part of its success.