The Old Vine, Winchester

This very smart Gastro pub has been well described by previous reviewers so nothing to add in that respect, except to say that it continues as a very popular eating place in the centre of Winchester. So much so that it was fully booked over the weekend we visited and we were unable to use it for an evening meal. Did use it for a pint in the right hand bar section though as the beer choice was decent and the bar section is fairly comfortable. Ringwood Bitter, Flacks double Drop, Skinners Cornish Knocker and Brakespears Gold were on for our visit and the couple we tried were well kept.

Opposite the cathedral gardens in a quiet spot off the High Street. Its a very pleasant pub, beams, brick, nicely laid out and Olde Worlde charm, with a central bar. Its expensive due to its location but you do get quality (at least for the beer - didn't try the food), so you don't mind the cost so much. Beer is served in the Southern style (no head) and/but is very good and there is a choice of 4 locally sourced ales. There is a terrace at the rear and some small table on the quiet street at the front of the pub. A bit twee but altogether a fine place. Appropriately there is an old vine growing on the outside of the building.

Architectural details having been addressed by an earlier contributor, suffice it to say that the pub presents a picturesque façade to the Cathedral Green:eponymous vine and a Georgian pillared doorway. Through the door, the pub divides:to the left, behind a tempting heavy curtain, lies a comfortable looking dining room, to the right, a long and narrow bar with comfy seating. Behind, up some steps are more tables and chairs and I think a terrace.Flagstone floors, oak beams coupled with a selection of contemporary artworks contrive to create a slightly Central European bohemian air. Released from the Christmas Market on a bright and cold December Saturday late afternoon, I sat in here with my hat, enjoying an excellent pint of Flowerpots Cheriton Porter. Indeed, it was so good, I fetched the ladies, diverting them from the Cathedral Tea Rooms, so I could have another. Other real ales were Ringwood Best, Tim Taylor Landlord, and Adnams’ Lighthouse. To a terminal nostalgic, there is something magically English about a good pub in a Cathedral Close, indeed something fairly unusual,as I cannot think of many others. Good pub.