A stunning 18th Century pub with rooms overlooking Winchester Cathedral has been named pub of the year by premium pubs and hotel brand Fuller, Smith and Turner. 

The Wykeham Arms in Kingsgate Street is the 2024 winner of The Griffin Trophy, a coveted competition open to all Fuller’s 185 Managed pubs and hotels and 153 tenanted inns. 

Nestled between Winchester Cathedral and Winchester College, the pub is popular with locals and tourists alike, a bustling hub for those exploring the historical city centre. Former school desks from Winchester College are even used as tables. 

(Image: Fuller's) READ MORE: Historic Hampshire pub once housed the village fire station

Managed by Jon Howard, The Wykeham Arms boasts large bar and dining areas, 14 comfortable bedrooms, and plenty of nooks and crannies in which to enjoy a fantastic range of drinks and delicious food. 

(Image: The Wykeham Arms, Winchester) The pub’s menu has been carefully crafted by Head Chef Luke Emmess, a previous winner of the Fuller's Chef of the Year competition.

For 13 years in a row, The Wykeham Arms has been awarded two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence and is best known for its famous Wyk Pie. For every pie sold, the pub donates 25p to the Winchester Cathedral Fund, which contributes to its ongoing restoration, and 25p to Play to the Crowd – a local arts and education charity.

(Image: The Wykeham Arms, Winchester) The pub has recently been licensed to hold wedding ceremonies, which can take place anywhere in the pub from the beautiful secret garden to the private cellar.

Jon Howard said: "I’m over the moon. We’ve been in the final before and won our category more than once – but to win the overall trophy is a real honour. I can’t wait to see that shiny trophy behind the bar at The Wykeham. A big thank you to my whole team – this is a great reflection of their hard work."

Fuller's Chairman Michael Turner added: "It is difficult to keep pushing the quality forward each year, particularly after 15 years in the same site, but Jon has done just that in every aspect of the business.

"Breaking into new markets, such as weddings and receptions, as well as hosting events such as wine and food pairing evenings, means that Jon and the team are constantly appealing to new customers."

(Image: The Wykeham Arms, Winchester)