The Winchester Stable

I honestly can't think of anything better than a Friday evening, except perhaps for a Friday evening that ushers in a Bank Holiday weekend - especially one where the weather's warm enough to sit outside on a night out!

Surrounded by like minded people enjoying the last of the sunshine, we were able to do exactly that over a few of the dishes from The Winchester Stable's new menu...

The Winchester Stable has labelled itself as a "Cider Cathedral" (It's closely situated to Winchester Cathedral after all, one of the main reasons people visit the city), and as it offers over sixty varieties of the stuff, we think it lives up to that claim.

We started by sampling a few in a "tasting board", a great way to acquaint yourself with the different cider style classifications, and pick your favourites for later! Our board consisted of West Country, Flavoured, Perry, Modern and Keeved (an artisanal method using only the cider apples themselves and absolutely nothing else to create it!) varieties. Whilst I preferred the sparkling options, Mr Winchester Eats preferred the still, and as there were a few of each, there were no arguments!

Our starter charcuterie board arrived shortly after our drinks, consisting of three excellent Dorset cheeses, a Blue Vinny, a Smoked Red, and a Mature Cheddar, all served with toasted bread alongside a spicy tomato chutney, whipped garlic butter, pickled vegetables, smoked ham, chorizo and some coppa (a Corsican style smoked pork).

Mains quickly followed, served by friendly, efficient and knowledgeable staff. We had opted for a "Duck Norris" Pizza on a sourdough base (they make their own here) topped with spring onions, duck, hoisin sauce, edamame, plums and mozzarella. All the flavours married well together with plums cutting through the richness of the hoisin and the mozzarella. We also ordered a Bulgar Wheat and smoked tempeh salad with roasted broccoli, sweet potato and feta cheese in a tahini dressing and with a decent hummus on the side. Not something I would typically order personally, but it was tasty and felt like a good way to start the unhealthy weekend ahead in terms of Bank holiday food and drink...

We were impressed with the range of dietary options available, gluten free pizza is no problem, and the range of vegan dishes is extensive compared to similar eateries. It's also great to see a restaurant buying local produce as much as possible as well as meat that is fully traceable. All these things help don't they?

We headed back inside after eating to enjoy a bit of live music courtesy of the fantastic Ollie Butler and Courtney Gray and to sample a few more ciders. There's usually music or comedy at the Winchester Stable on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night.

The interior consists mostly of long tables - not a common concept in the UK, but it should be, as it's a great way to get talking to people should you end up sharing one.

The Neon signs are fun, and not too in your face, and upstairs there's a lovely huge space that would be perfect for a party (*makes mental note*)...

Whether you are looking to eat out as a couple, a group of friends, or as a family (we have also eaten here with our youngest and given the portion sizes, the children's menu is good value!) The Winchester Stable is a great option to enjoy quality food, drink and entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere

A brilliant start to a Bank Holiday Weekend from a great Winchester all rounder...

The Winchester Stable, 31b The Square, Winchester SO23 9EX

* we were invited to review the new Menu at The Winchester Stable. All words and opinions are very much our own...