The Old Vine in Great Minster Street is a modern pub and restaurant with rooms with a fascinating history.

Built from stones taken from the demolished royal palace on the High Street, it's said to have a secret tunnel leading to the cathedral crypt. 

READ MORE: The cosy New Forest pub with donkeys grazing outside

The cellars and parts of the original pub date back to the 14th century. It was originally two buildings that were knocked into one and a Georgian frontage added. It has been a private residence and a shop as well as an inn over the years.

"We're best known for our racking pub food, lovely warm atmosphere and friendly staff," director of 15 years Ashton Grey told the Daily Echo.

The delicious menu includes a host of carefully prepared pub and bistro classics, using local suppliers wherever possible.

Locals and visitors to Winchester rave about the great pies, superb sausages and home-made Scotch eggs. The home-made bread and butter pudding i s always a favourite on the dessert menu.

Alfred's Saxon Bronze, brewed in the city, and Winchester gin and tonic prove popular behind the bar, along with Camden Hells and Beavertown Neck Oil lagers.

They can be enjoyed on a small patio at the rear of The Old Vine or on seating at the front facing the cathedral green.

Six stylish guest rooms, some with views of Winchester Cathedral and the Square, are all individually designed.

From family celebrations to small-scale wedding receptions and business dinners, the bright and airy Little Minster room can seat up to 16 guests on one table.

The business, which served drinks and takeaway food to a grateful public when allowed during Covid, is going great guns since reopening for good. Staff are now making more use of outside space and takeaway opportunities.

The Old Vine attracts a healthy mix of residents of the city and visitors to the cathedral, built over a timespan of 500 years from 1079 to 1532. It is the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe and the longest medieval cathedral in the world.

• The Old Vine is our pub of the week. We love featuring Hampshire watering holes, from back street boozers to inns set in acres. If you'd like to see your pub in print and online, click on the link below, visit dailyecho.co.uk/pub-of-the-week or email lorelei.reddin@dailyecho.co.uk

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