The Wykeham Arms 75 Kingsgate Street Winchester Hampshire So23 9pe

So, there I was, wandering around Winchester, Hampshire, on a crisp autumn afternoon. I'd been exploring the city's rich history, from the magnificent cathedral to the ancient Great Hall, and I was feeling peckish. I turned a corner and there it was, like a beacon of warmth and promise, the Wykeham Arms.

Now, I've been around the block a few times, and I've seen my fair share of pubs, but this one, the Wykeham Arms, had a certain something. It was like it was winking at me, saying, "Come on in, mate, you know you want to." And you know what? I did.

First Impressions

As I pushed open the heavy wooden door, I was greeted by a cosy, inviting space. The real kind, not the kind you get in some of those overdone gastropubs. The Wykeham Arms is a proper, old-school pub, with low ceilings, wonky walls, and a fireplace that looked like it had been there since the Middle Ages. I felt like I'd stepped back in time, in the best possible way.

I made my way to the bar, which was a sight to behold. It was a proper old bar, all dark wood and brass fittings, with a gleaming array of optics behind it. The barman, a friendly chap with a twinkle in his eye, greeted me like I was an old friend. I felt right at home.

What's on Tap?

Now, I'm not one to shy away from a good pint, so I asked the barman what was on offer. He reeled off a list of local brews that had me salivating. I settled on a pint of something called "Bocking Benedict," a dark, rich ale that slid down a treat. It was like drinking a liquid hug, if you can imagine such a thing.

But the Wykeham Arms isn't just about the beer, oh no. They've got a cracking selection of wines and spirits too. And if you're feeling peckish, they do some mighty fine food. I had a ploughman's platter that was the size of a small country, and it was delicious. The cheese was so good, I could have wept.

History Lesson

As I sat there, pint in hand, I started to notice the place was decked out with all sorts of interesting bits and bobs. There were old prints on the walls, ancient coins displayed in cases, and even a few old muskets propped up in the corner. I asked the barman about them, and he launched into a fascinating tale about the pub's history.

It turns out, the Wykeham Arms has been serving thirsty Winchester residents since the 18th century. It's seen its fair share of history, from the Napoleonic Wars to the Victorian era. It's even got a secret tunnel that was used to smuggle contraband into the city. I kid you not!

The Wykeham Arms Today

But enough about the past, what's the Wykeham Arms like today? Well, it's still a proper pub, that's for sure. It's a place where you can go for a quiet pint, a hearty meal, or a good old-fashioned knees-up. It's a place where the locals mix with the tourists, and everyone's welcome. It's a place where the fire's always on, the beer's always cold, and the conversation's always good.

And that, my friends, is what makes the Wykeham Arms so special. It's not just a pub, it's a living, breathing piece of Winchester's history. It's a place where you can feel the weight of the past, but also a place that's very much alive in the present. It's a place I'll definitely be visiting again.

So, if you find yourself in Winchester, do yourself a favour and pop into the Wykeham Arms. Tell them I sent you. They might not know who I am, but they'll welcome you with open arms. After all, that's what the Wykeham Arms is all about.