This week I was treated to a historical walk around Winchester followed by a tour of their bars and cafes. Living only an hour away by train, I am wondering why I haven't really uncovered the delights of Winchester before. It is a foodies dream with many locally produced foods. New Alresford is famous for it's watercress, but I hadn't even realised that it also distilled Twisted Nose Gin. If you fancy trying it in some handmade chocolate then Chococo is the place to visit.

My foodie tour guide for the afternoon was one half of Cabinet Rooms, Gary. Now may I recommend that this be one of your stops when you are next in Winchester. A few minutes walk from the station, this is a hidden gem. Infact there are a lot of hidden gems in Winchester. Whilst the big brands dominate the high street, if you take a side street, you will unearth some special treats. Cabinet Rooms is a cafe bar. I can highly recommend the sour dough tuna melt.


Gary told me of his love of Iceland (making me want to visit even more!) and the homemade Icelandic happy marriage cake he gave me to try was delicious. Sweet and sticky with rhubarb and vanilla. The cakes are all homemade by Gary's partner Marcus. In the evenings, cocktails are on the menu, but Gary is keen that that they aren't sickly sweet. The coffee liquer he gave me to try was similar to Tia Maria without all the sugar.



He then showed me some of his favourite places to visit. The Corner House has been recently refurbished and is often home to The Spitfire Sisters a 1940's harmony group.

If you are looking for a quirky pie shop then Piecaramba! fits the bill. The decor was fantastic and it's reviews on tripadvisor are outstanding.


Unfortunately, Kyoto Kitchen was closed as I visited on a Monday. Here, Gary recommended trying the Winchester roll. The restaurant claims fame to the world’s first sushi roll to use wasabi leaf instead of seaweed. It uses locally sourced trout and locally grown wasabi. Who knew that Winchester grew Wasabi!?!

If you are looking for a good cooked breakfast then Forte Kitchen is worth a try. Then we moved onto coffee. I have no idea why people always assume I like coffee! Again there are all your big chains, but some amazing independents too. Flat Whites is one of these. When Pret opened up next to their plot, I can imagine their worry. However, I think it shows how good they are when the people of Winchester continue to chose them. I have to say the blend they gave me was delicious.



Another independent coffee shop with seating that Gary recommends a visit (as did my tour guide) is Coffee Lab.

For juices and great vegetarian food then Rawberry on St Gerorges Street is a great place to visit. My husband, however, who is a Green King fan (coming from Bury St Edmunds) would feel right at home at The Royal Oak.

One thing that really struck me about my bars and cafes tour of Winchester was the community spirit. Independents were helping each other and collaborating to make themselves better known. It really was a lovely thing to see. So if you are planning on visiting Winchester soon, maybe check out some of these places. Let me know what you think.