DESCRIBED as the best little pub in Hampshire, this tiny front room boozer in a small hamlet is punching well above its weight. 

The Wonston Arms won CAMRA pub of the year in 2018, less than four years after it stood derelict, unloved and being eyed up by developers. 

Despite never having pulled a pint in his life, local Matt Todd decided to leave behind his corporate job and become a landlord in 2015. 

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He and wife Lisa live just yards from the pub and had seen it closed during the 2008/9 recession.

From day one, The Wonston Arms opened at 5pm to try to generate enough takings for the next day's renovation.

Word spread and recognition came from the CAMRA Good Beer Guide as early as 2016.

Matt, a passionate advocate of the British boozer, said: "It was very much a community effort.

"I really thought we could do something with it. I had a vision of it being the sort of traditional wet pub I was used to in Cumbria, where I was brought up, at the heart of the community.

"It was a big risk, but it's worked."

Daily Echo: A pint outside The Wonston ArmsA pint outside The Wonston Arms (Image: The Wonston Arms)

Although times are 'harder than ever before' according to Matt, The Wonston Arms is thriving post-Covid and despite the cost of living crisis. 

It's become a mecca for beer aficionados who come to try the well-kept Hampshire ales from breweries including the Flower Pots at Cheriton, Droxford's Bowman Ales and Alfreds Brewery in Winchester. 

The pub's gin cabinet boasts 200 varieties from around the world and renowned chef and local resident James Martin had a hand in the small but exceptional list of Spanish wines available. 

Pub-goers are treated to acoustic live jazz, informal community jams, sporting get-togethers in front of the TV, and a monthly charity pub quiz.

The Winchester Morris Men can often be found performing outside and pop up food vans also visit.

Families and four-legged friends are welcome at The Wonston Arms, which has been a pub since the 1800s.

With its close proximity to the M3, A34 and A303, you're just as likely to find 'locals' from West London, Esher, or Runnymede as you are from Wonston, Sutton Scotney or Micheldever. 

Beer lovers have travelled from as far afield as Scotland and the Isle of Man for a pub pilgrimage.