The Hyde Tavern, Winchester

Nice pub with a warm and traditional feel, as well as the pub dog which is friendly.

Supposedly the oldest and smallest pub in the city, it is reputed to be haunted by a ghost that pulls the bed clothes off visitors. The ghost is blamed on a woman who is supposed to have died from cold and hunger in the one of the rooms centuries ago. Don't let that put you off as this is the sort of pub Americans dream off. Every things in place, low ceilings, sloping wooden floors and a 'hidden' lower garden. It is at the lower end of Hyde Street - a comfortable 10 to 15 minute walk from the center of town. Great beers on handpump, while Bowman's Quiver and Flowerpots Bitter were 'from the wood' behind the bar. Yes a bozzer from a time past and I love it!' Just to add that this pub has gone to number one on the 'Beer in the evening' site.

Down a couple of steps from street level into a genuine old tavern with uneven floors, wonky walls and a low beamed ceiling ("Duck or Grouse"). There is a log burning fire, grand in winter, seating is a random mixture, from settles, stools and old benches, to an old threadbare armchair which appears to be the pub dog's favourite. Hops are entwined along the bar and picture rail, some of the photos and paintings on display are for sale. There is another room to the rear (available for hire so it says), and down a flight of steps to a rear garden area. Beers priced according to gravity, were at the time from £2.80-3.20, my visit had Hogs Back TEA, Ringwood Best Bitter and Ballard's Midhurst Mild on handpump, while Bowman's Quiver and Flowerpots Bitter were on stillage behind the bar. A real cider was also available, name unrecorded, sorry. Snacks available, no main meals, but you are allowed to bring your own takeaway with a nominal £1 charge for crockery and cutlery. Two pint take outs are offered, and rather curiously hammocks are sold here. A lovely spot with real old rustic charm, from another age. Highly recommended.

Low ceilinged ancient pub, I used to drink here 25 years ago and it looks about the same and the beer is still excellent. A range of beers from mainly smaller breweries on my visit, Ballards, Hogs Back and Hidden plus Ringwood from Marstons, coincidently previous owners of the pub. Quiet bunch of customers apart from a loud mouth builder, but this was on a very wet monday night.