St James Tavern, Winchester

Old style pub with at least 4 real ales on. Pretty quiet in daytime so best not to make too much noise.

Up a few steps into an open plan space, but still two distinct areas. Ahead is the bar and a wedge shaped room with sanded floors and tables, bottles on a high shelf, beer mats above the bar. To the right, up a few more steps is a carpetted area with more traditional seating in fours, more suited to dining. There are fireplaces in both sections. 5 handpumps, Wadworths JCB, Henrys Original IPA, Butcombe Bitter, with two reversed, 6X and Bishop's Tipple. An extensive food menu offers 13 varieties of burger amongst other options. The pub is a music venue with a number of forthcoming bands advertised and has a bit of a younger vibe but was relaxed and laid back on my afternoon visit.

Busy, small pub with a wine bar like atmosphere, in a pleasant panelled and stripped pine interior. Wadworths beers plus a guest, Butcombe in this case, in good condition but too chilled. The service was a bit slow and a bit offhand, the bar maid obviously more interested in her social life with the young guys at the other end of the bar, oh well such is life. Mainly a younger customer base with a few wrinklies to leaven the mix. Live music is a regular feature and the burgers are well regarded.