The Old Vine

Spent two nights here, loved every minute. The location is amazing, mere yards from the Cathedral and a very short walking distance from everything that you want to see, and must see, during your visit. Winchester is the quintessential British village, and The Old Vine is the quintessential English pub/inn, but adapted for a modern audience who wants quaint atmosphere but with every modern amenity. When you arrive to check in for your stay, you head to the bar and announce that you’re here, and one of the staff gets you settled. The rooms are above the pub but the rooms are QUIET, oh so quiet - plus the pub isn’t open very late anyway and the crowds are not raucous! Truly, it is very quiet! We were blown away with the luxurious amenities - true, they are represented on the Old Vine’s website, but seeing the room in person was another matter. Lovely touches such as fresh flowers in the room, a fridge stocked (and restocked) with apple juice (what some might call cider), waters, fresh milk for tea or coffee; robes and slippers. We were in the “Osborne & Little” room, so we had a great view of the street in front to watch what was going on which was very fun. The included breakfast is outstanding, all freshly made - nothing buffet style, but like a restaurant, with a full menu (which of course, The Old Vine is - a B&B as well as a restaurant, but nice to know that the included breakfast is anything that you could want or imagine, freshly made for you). We also enjoyed in the evenings, sitting in the pub, enjoying adult beverages, and conversations with the local residents - one evening we thought we’d pop down for a quick drink then ended up staying for nearly two hours, immersed in conversation - a great time! This was an authentic experience for us - the building is quite old but completely modernized, so you’re living in history all around you, but with the comforts of the 21st century. Fantastic time!

We stayed at the Old Vine 2 nights after a transatlantic flight and an hourlong drive in a rental car (on the wrong side of the road for us!) what a lively place to land and recover. The room couldn’t have been nicer. Large, clean, and lovely. All the amenities- robe, slippers, tea and biscuits, luxury toiletries. And so convenient to all there is to see in Winchester. The staff was friendly and helpful and the included breakfast is as one of the best we had in our trip. Can’t recommend highly enough!

Just for information share really. The Old Vine has gone cashless, even at the bar. So if you are a customer who wants to use cash, The Old Vine does NOT want you as a customer. Hopefully this update will future customers who wish to use cash and will avoid confusion once you try and order.

We spent 5 nights at the Old Vine in their Annex apartment, right across the street behind the pub. The space was very clean, quiet and nicely decorated (in a modern style rather than the traditional style of the rooms in the pub building). It is very spacious, laid out as two bedrooms one bathroom, kitchen and living room, on three floors. We really appreciated the clothes washer and drying rack as we were in the last week of a three week trip. We chose not to cook (we ate dinner three times in their excellent pub and dining room) but the kitchen is completely equipped if we had wanted to. As well, we got full daily maid service and a delicious breakfast served a few steps away in the pub was included. We were very impressed with the staff of young people who seem to be running everything from check in and baggage carrying to dinner service. We always had smiling good natured service in spite of the pub being quite busy most of the time. And of course as others have said, the location is unbeatable. If we return to Winchester we'll certainly stay at the Old .vine again.

I was served by Izzy the assistant manager Didn’t listen and keep giving the Grimm look that she wasn’t wrong One of the worst called assistant managers I have came cross She didn’t really care and I thought she was up her own A££ I know I won’t be back in till she’s gone

Average food, tiny portions but the reason this review is a one out of five is down to the service. I have never been to a place in a central city and experienced such poor service since the 90s. It was like they dragged a random set of strangers off the street. We constantly had to wave our arms to get anyone’s attention, often at a bunch of young folk ( the service staff) gathered around a coffee machine drinking coke and looking at their phones. The couple next to us were frustrated and equally irritated. We spent a lot of money as there were six of us, but when we wanted a drink at the bar area they called last orders at 10.30pm with a ton of people in there. These kids had no interest in serving the customer, they wanted to get out asap. Overall, VERY disappointing, won’t be back. Will stick to a place that has some form of management and training of staff.

We stayed at the Old Vine for three nights. Room was very nice with old charm. Large, bed, plenty of warmth and a table/chairs. Bathroom was very modern with lovely shower. We had one evening meal there which was nice. Only had one breakfast there on last day as we hadn’t realised we had it included(!). We had a drink and played scrabble in the bar after eating out on a couple of evenings. Unfortunately last orders at 10pm in the main pub and no separate residents bar. Weather terrible while there so felt like we had forced early night. Location was very good. Staff all nice.

Had a lovely afternoon watching the world go by in the bar and came back this morning for breakfast. Huge portion for the full English. Excellent quality, well cooked and presented. I won’t need anything for the rest of today! Definitely recommended.

We had a lovely stay here. The room was clean and beautifully decorated, with good amenities (coffee maker, well-stocked tea and biscuit tray, bathrobes, slippers, etc). Breakfast in the morning was absolutely superb. Fantastic location right by the cathedral. We will definitely stay here again next time we're in Winchester.