WINCHESTER’S ever-growing reputation as a culinary hotspot means it’s awash with fancy restaurants and gastro-pubs.

A good old-fashioned boozer though, can be harder to come by.

That’s where The Crown & Anchor on Winchester’s High Street aims to plug a hole.

“We have tried to maintain the atmosphere of a typical English boozer and we’re passionate about not trying to be a gastro-pub,” explains landlady Nic Whybrow.

Nic and her husband, Dave Whybrow, were approached by GT Pubs in 2011 to turn around the ailing venue, and after relocating from Ipswich, they haven’t looked back.

“When we took it over it was on its last legs. The place was losing money hand-over-fist and the biggest challenge was getting it cleared up,” Dave says.

Situated in the city centre and next to the coach station, the pub has the ingredients to be a success – and judging by the bustling trade it does even on a Tuesday afternoon, it appears to be headed in the right direction.

So what’s changed?

Dave explains: “We got the place completely cleared up. New bathrooms, garden redone. The thing we’re most proud of is the atmosphere and that everyone is treated like a regular.”

That everyone is treated like a regular is all the more remarkable because its location means the Whybrows see a steady stream of tourists - but they mix easily with the locals.

“Our regulars like to sit at the bar and have a good banter and the tourists love that – it’s very authentic,” Nic says.

And there’s an emphasis on being a “community pub” – perhaps exemplified by the Crown’s cribbage, darts and quiz teams.

A look at the specials board gives another clue as to why The Crown & Anchor is enjoying brighter days.

Dave takes pride in the seafood which is cooked fresh and to order, and with the fish bought from the trawlers that come in daily to Lymington, the specials board is an ever-changing affair. The Crown’s own beer-battered fish and chips is a constant though, and will set you back £10.95. Other pub classics, such as gammon, egg and chips, or bangers and mash, come in at a reasonable £9.95.

Four ales are on offer, and four lagers. The priciest pint is San Miguel at £3.90 – by no means outrageous by Winchester standards – and the cheapest is IPA bitter at £3.40. A standard house white will set you back £3.90, while the merlot comes in at £3.95.