A QUIRKY pub in Winchester has 'the widest diversity of customers you can find in the city' according to its landlady.

The Black Boy in Wharf Hill is one of the city's most popular pubs, situated in a building that dates back to 1750.

It started out as just singular barn serving as a coaching inn, which still stands, but has extensions either side to accommodate the large number of visitors.

The pub is now one of entrepreneur David Nicholson's four properties in the area - the other three being The Black Hole, The Black Bottle, and Michelin Star restaurant The Black Rat.

Stuffed animals, lots of clocks on the walls and open fires give The Black Boy a unique feel, that many punters say 'you just can't get anywhere else.'

Tracy Field, 43, has been the general manager at The Black Boy for five years.

She said: "Everyday, we get about 20-30 regulars come in for a drink.

"Old staff still frequently come in and see us for a drink and some food.

"I would say the pub is all about the regulars, but as much as we love them there's just such a range of people who come in."

"We have the most diverse community out of all the pubs around."

Owner David's wife, Sarah Nicholson, said: "It's true. We always have different people in - students, couples, older people and tourists.

"But it's as if whoever steps in that door becomes part of the family. "Lots come in on their own and just find others in here that they can talk to, which is partly thanks to our brilliant staff who are always getting conversations going."

The dog-friendly site, that has its own Jack Russell called Derek, offers more than just the regular pub lunch.

Every dish on the menu is home cooked, with each ingredient, from the batter on the fish to the tar tar sauce, being made from scratch.

Tracy said: "The fish and chips is definitely the best seller.

"There's a lot on the menu to keep everyone happy.

"Our local ales always go down a treat, too.

"We have a gin bar in the corner with 80 different bottles. We call that 'Trixie's' and it's open from 7pm til late every Friday and Saturday."

The Black Boy opens at 12pm every day.