IT might be a brisk walk uphill from the city centre, but the St James’ Tavern in Winchester is well worth discovering.

The popular watering hole stands on the corner of Romsey Road and Mews Lane. It is a stone’s throw from Oram’s Arbour, and less than five minutes on foot from the railway station.

Laura Phillips runs the pub with Max Greenwood, who is the chef, and also works behind the bar from time to time. They took it over in late 2008.

Max said: “We had intended to look at running a pub ourselves, and the St James’ Tavern was too good an opportunity to miss.

“We both loved the place on our first visit, and though it has been hard work getting to grips with everything, it has been exceptionally rewarding and we are very proud of what we do.

“The regular customers have been very welcoming, and we hope to extend the welcome to others who may not know us.”

The two of them used to work in one of Southampton’s trendiest pubs, The Cricketers in Carlton Place.

The venue stocked a wide range of English ales and Belgian beers, and it is a similar story at the St James’ Tavern.

Along with a good variety of drinks, the pub also offers plenty of tempting treats to discerning diners.

Main meals typically cost around £6.95 and Sunday roasts are also available at £7.95. Much of the food is home made and sourced from producers in Hampshire.

The venue also organises live music events from time to time, and hopes to resurrect its previously popular quiz nights, which were held on Mondays.

It also has a large stock of board games if the conversation in the pub every flags.

Call the pub on 01962 861288 for more details about upcoming events.