Away day ale in Winchester
Take a train from Waterloo and be in Winchester in less than an hour. The city is famous for its cathedral, Winchester College (the oldest school in the country) and The Great Hall.
The Wykeham Arms (75 Kingsgate Street, 01962 853 834) is its most famous and most popular pub, with ale and home-cooked food. The ales include Gales Bitter on the pumps, and there's more than 20 wines by the glass.
The Eclipse (The Square, 01962 865 676) is a shabbily charming old pub with a low-beamed ceiling and rickety old furnishings. Expect quality ales such as Ringwood Old Thumper and Hampshire King Alfred. But the pub of the moment is The Royal Oak (Royal Oak Passage, 01962 842 701). A recent refurbishment of Winchester's oldest pub has brought a bright modern look, already attracting a younger clientele.
If it's vodka you're after, Moloka (31B The Square, 01962 849 236) offers regular and infused styles for its young-at-heart punters who pack the place out at weekends.
At the upmarket end, The Champagne Bar at Hotel Du Vin And Bistro (14 Southgate Street, 01962 841 414) is the most stylish, elegant bar, with a hint of Edwardian glamour. It's also the best place to stay overnight, should you need to.
