Hyde Tavern, Winchester

This small, medieval building is dominated by its twin gables, and inside the pub is cosy, friendly and unspoilt. The main pub is split into two rooms with low wooden beams and modern artwork plus wood carvings on the walls. Down a concealed narrow staircase is a small paved garden with plenty of seating (some of which is under cover) and a cellar room used mainly for bands. The small bar serves up to five real ales (four on hand pump and sometimes one on gravity), mainly from local breweries, plus three boxed ciders (including one guest real cider). No food is served, except for Thai on the last Friday of the month, but customers are welcome to bring in their own or order a takeaway and the pub provides plates & cutlery for a small charge.

The pub regularly hosts live music, including folk/community music evenings, specialist DJ’s and occasional bands from around the world performing in the cellar bar (see pub website for details). A beer festival is held in June and there’s also an annual pie competition.