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The Westgate, Winchester
Winchester
SO23 8TP
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 5½ of 10) see review guidelines
Real Ale Ray left this review about The Westgate
Luckily for us there was two Flower Pots Ales on handpump on our visit, Four Candles and Perridge Pale. We went for the Perridge which was in top class condition. The interior in here is quite trendy, but we found there to be limited seating, I tried an armchair in the raised section on the left and I was practically sitting on the floor. We however found some high stools across from the bar and had a great view along the street. There was also a choice of four ciders and perry's on our visit. Lilley's Pineapple, Mango, Bee Sting Still Perry and Crazy Goat Blended cider and perry.
On 26th December 2023
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3382 recommendations about 3381 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Westgate
Updated review:
The Westgate is the one pub in Winchester I'd been meaning to visit, but was still outstanding on my to do list. It enjoys a prominent corner location and a pub quiz was in full swing for our Thursday evening visit. The quiz seemed to have some kind of Friends theme, with a mock Central Perk sign at one end of the room. With pretty much all tables taken, we were consigned to standing at the bar, where there were 3 real ales on - Flower Pots Best Bitter & Goodens Gold & Fuller's London Pride. I was tempted by the boxes of Lilley's cider at one side of the bar - Mango Cider, Bee Sting Perry & Crazy Goat, but thought it was rude to have visited Hampshire and not sampled a local beer. So, I selected the Bitter instead and thoroughly enjoyed what was to be my final drink of the night.
It's difficult to judge a pub when a quiz is on. Patrons were mostly from the younger generation, probably students. It would be interesting to know who frequents the pub on non-quiz evenings. Service was friendly, but I'll stick with a 6/10 for this one. There are plenty of better pubs in the city.
Original review 4/8/20:
Whilst the hotel part of this building has re-opened, the bar/restaurant is still closed following lockdown.
On 23rd April 2023
- rating: 6
[User has posted 2452 recommendations about 2451 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about The Westgate
As described by others, below, this Victorian city hotel has seen better days. There is a supposedly a 'secret garden' but it can't have been that secret as there was a sign pointing to it; we didn't explore it as there just wasn't the will or the curiosity. There were 4 dry pumps on the bar and a fifth dispensing Red Cat Prowler, which was past its best. A sign advertises a range of crafty [sic] ales, but only Neck Oil was on offer. Somersby cider was also available. The young barman was more interested in his mobile phone than in serving customers, and the awful muzak was rather irritating. On the plus side there were dog biscuits available on the bar, though there were no canine customers present. I shan't be rushing back.
On 18th July 2022
- rating: 5
[User has posted 3285 recommendations about 3250 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Tris C left this review about The Westgate
Dating from 1877, this grade II-listed pub was originally called the Westgate Hotel and indeed today there are 10 en-suite rooms.
This place was trendified in 2016, so little if any original character remains, now with lots of grey paint, bare boarding, bare brick and a rough wood bar back; the only compliment I could pay the place is the fine view out over the Winchester museum complex.
Disappointingly, there were four unused pumps, then just one dispensing Red Cat Prowler at a very agreeable £2.15 a half. However, it was as dull and boring as the pub; I didn’t finish it. The St. James Tavern over the way is a far superior option.
On 16th July 2022
- rating: 3
[User has posted 1985 recommendations about 1951 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Graham Coombs left this review about The Westgate
Prominently located on a busy road junction, this is a large high-ceilinged pub done up in a slightly gastro sort of way with lots of grey decor and framed prints. A long and narrow room at the backs leads to an outdoor area at the rear. The nice bank of five handpumps was sadly underutilised, with just a solitary and rather tired Red Cat Prowler on offer. Could be much better.
On 16th July 2022
- rating: 5
[User has posted 3339 recommendations about 3276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Moby Duck left this review about The Westgate
Now refurbed ,the interior room shape reflects the curved exterior as does the bar,stripped wood flooring and mixed seating, high and low including some banquet seating along with functional tables and chairs with dining in mind.Five handpumps with three beers on,two from West Berks,Mr Swift's Pale and Good Old Boy along with XT 1 Blonde which was in average drinkable condition,the Good Old Boy was changed during my visit for Flack Manor Flack Catcher.It's an OK pub as was the Roast Pork I indulged in to bolster myself for the rest of the afternoons beery exploits.
On 21st February 2017
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1872 recommendations about 1845 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about The Westgate
There’s been a modern upgrade in here since my last visit though the layout remains the same. Duck egg wood panelling, bare brick walls, rough pine surfaces and stripped wood flooring is now the order of the day. Papers available. Five pumps with four ales on: Flacks Double Drop (not brilliant), Animal Pacific, Flowerpots Bitter, Red Cat Porter (flat). Shame the beer wasn't up to much as it looked very promising. 5.5
July 2011
Our revisit found a fresh coat of paint and three ales (Jennings Cumberland, Ringwood 49er and Best Bitter) though annoyingly with sparklers used on the southern ones, which knocked the stuffing out of mine. The same genial landlord was still in situ, which was good to see. PSM does a good job of describing the interior, so I’ll just mention the raised area to the rear, military prints and etched windows. Still a decent stop for a swift one before the train. Rated 6.5
July 2007
Enjoyable hostelry, with a neat, bright interior from the large windows (some nice glasswork), contrasting with darker wood by the bar. Three ales on the go from the Marstons stable - 2 Jennings and a Banks, my Honey Bole was in good form. There was a decent selection of music and the most genial landlord in town to greet us. Quizzer was a bit harsh though. Two minutes walk to the train station and worth a stop on this evidence. Rated 7
On 1st February 2017
- rating: 6
[User has posted 5099 recommendations about 5082 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Malden man left this review about Westgate Inn
Closed yesterday and looks to be in the middle of a refurb, all the fixtures and signage remain intact. I haven't formally closed it on here as it looks like it will reopen and there is no way of knowing when another PG reviewer may pass by.
On 17th April 2016
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 1708 recommendations about 1681 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Ian Mapp left this review about Westgate Inn
Last pub on way up the hill to the station.
Nice curved bar inside. A very good pint of Itchen Brewery Gold.
Recommended.
On 5th September 2015
- rating: 8
[User has posted 1338 recommendations about 1324 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about Westgate Hotel
Quite an interesting building, with a rounded facade and a reversed 'J'-shaped interior on two levels. Semi-modern decor, with several items of interest of you look about. B&B accommodation available. Two banks of three handpumps on different parts of the counter, offering - as a Marstons house - Ringwood BB (£3.30, but not in the finest condition), 49er and Cumberland. (NB - Review dates from August 2012.)
On 10th February 2013
- rating: 6
[User has posted 8117 recommendations about 8117 pubs]