The Eclipse in Winchester

This is one of my favourite bars in Winchester. It's quirky plus great outside courtyard tables in the summer. Late night drinks is always fun and lively.

My friends and I were regular customers 50 years ago (!) and we decided to meet here for a drink and a sandwich recently during a visit to Winchester. Only a short visit to the Eclipse but the atmosphere was still good. Since our original times, the dividing wall between the two tiny front bars has been removed, making one still tiny front bar but we found space to sit. The sandwiches were excellent and came with a few crunchy chips and salad. Service was friendly. A pleasant visit apart from one thing….I am sure the gents toilet is absolutely exactly as it was 50 years ago. I am all in favour of the smallness and quirkyness and really dont mind that they are antiquated, its part of the atmosphere of the old building but really we felt that they were not that clean. The floor in the cubical was soaking wet but there is really no excuse for the toilet tank being falling apart and held together with Sellotape or the only just operative flush handle instead of a chain fitted to the high level tank ! Details really do give away the care taken by the owners and it would be so easy to sort out.

Lovely old pub (circa 16C) opposite the Cathedral. Supposedly haunted. Small bar and beamed ceilings. Very quiet on our Monday afternoon visit but a good range of ales.

It is patently obvious from the attitude of a senior female staff member that this Inn / Pub has no time for a casual drinker, when they are focussed solely on exploiting the lunchtime dining trade from the nearby Christmas Market. I get it that the pub is 'compact', but - arriving as a small group and having acquired our drinks, standing in the bar area (as you expect to do in an 'Inn') - we were asked in a voice higher than normal conversation to "Move" from the area. No reason, just an irritated tone. We asked where (as the space is very limited) to where we should move, to be ignored with a blank, almost disinterested expression. We were not a horde of students lingering over half a fruit juice - just mature gents enjoying a lunchtime pint (and meal, had the atmosphere been less frosty). We drank and left. The casual drinker is not welcome, at times where the pub is clearly looking to serve meals (at an increased profit) only. A sound business model, but it does nothing for customer relations to be made unwelcome in this manner. Other patrons noticed and remarked on the abrupt nature of this female. If the pub has set its sights on being a dining establishment, then it should advertise as such. The seasonal Christmas Market lasts for only a couple of weeks - the remainder of the year relies on local and passing trade. The pub would do well to remember that. The pub lost several potential meal and additional drink sales as a result of this unwelcoming attitude.

So we booked for Xmas Dinner set menu and believe me that the food is excellent. Seating arrangements were not great in a small, busy pub, but it didn't put us off. Really nice attentive staff that made for a really enjoyable night

Visited on Saturday 2nd Dec, we were very disappointed they had run out of mulled wine, the coffee machine wasn’t working so no hot drinks, and worst of all the ladies were expected to use the gents toilets, which is totally unacceptable, you would think that being the start of the busiest weekends of the year, the pub would have been more prepared.

Very welcoming landlady....really made us feel welcome and has turned this place around since our last visit....fantastic atmosphere and great food. Whats a shame is all her hard work is seemingly undone by whomever owns the building. Noisy plumbing, blocked toilets and the beautiful smell of raw sewage. This pub would be a fairytale if the owners backed up the hard work of the staff.

Wow, just WOW!!!!! We’ve just had the most amazing meal at the Eclipse. We’d asked if we could dine in the Lady Alice’s private dining room. As there was only 9 of us (and 2 dogs!) we were very surprised and delighted to be granted that large room just for us and for free!!!! We never expected the table to be dressed so beautifully, everything was done to create a very peaceful and unique experience, and THE FOOD WAS DELICIOUS!! The vegans and vegetarians amongst us also loved their meals. The staff was exceptionally professional, from Emma organising it all for us over the phone to everyone else on the night, who coped so well despite it being an incredibly busy night. Thank you Eclipse inn you really went above and beyond for us, we’ll be back!

We popped in on a very wet day and had a lovely lunch here , the service was excellent and to was the food and drinks Would recommend this cute pub with all its history and definitely will return, We note it’s also dog friendly so next time are furry friend will come to!

While looking around Winchester on Saturday lunchtime, we decided to stop at The Eclipse Inn. We were glad we did, as the food was really nice and reasonably priced. We had sandwiches and chips and they were delicious. Definitely recommend and the Inn itself dates back to the 16th century and has a fascinating history!

South African Lad working there was extremely loud, abrasive and rude. I did not think this was ethical or professional from management to allow this kind of sexual behaviour in front of customers. I will not recommend my friends or family to visit for the mere fact that this behaviour is extremely embarrassing to the Winchester community. We used to like The Eclipse but more and more people are talking about a selective amount of staff creating a bad image of the place.

Came here for a lunchtime pint and sandwich. Excellent roast beef and watercress sandwich. Washed down with a couple of pints of Timothy Taylors landlord. Log fire,friendly staff and two minutes walk from the cathedral.

My wife and I were looking for a place for Sunday lunch and we went in on spec having walked past it many times. The Sunday lunch menu was very small, beef, chicken or veggie but there were other items on the menu. In the event we both went for beef and it was MAGNIFICENT! The best Sunday lunch I've had anywhere. Everything was perfect, glazed carrots, roast parsnips, roast potatoes with crispy outer and fluffy inside and a separate dish of cauliflower cheese to feed six. The chef came out to check all was good and was a lovely man.

Popped in for a quick drink and something to eat for lunch and so glad we did! What a wonderful little pub with such friendly staff - really made us feel welcome. We had the soup of the day and the fish cake from the starter menu and they really were superb! (Generous portions, there’s no way I would’ve been able to eat a main following this!) Definitely will be back next time we visit Winchester - not to be missed! We might even meet a ghost or two next time as I understand this is supposed to be haunted!

This is one of the most haunted pubs in Britain. We never sensed anything paranormal but enjoyed the pint in first floor where was Dame Alicia Lisle the last night before she was beheaded the next morning. The room is for private rent now (birthdays, celebrations...) but it was quiet when we were there.

Excellent beer, great food, lovely staff, fantastic pub. Use the toilets at your peril. They must be as old as the pub itself. Much more frightening than the ghost. I cannot remember any men’s toilet quite so disgusting. It needs sorting, this is a health...

1st weekend in December. Very busy place to be. We were fortunate to get a table for lunch 2 days: sandwiches, croquet monsieur, pies all very good. Staff really under pressure but didn’t let it get to them and managed brilliantly in difficult circumstances. Great...

What a lovely place we had a lovely meal and the service was fantastic, we had a beautiful room upstairs in this very old pub ,the manager set the table up beautiful ,would definitely book this again well done to all the staff thank you

Friendly, efficient service, delicious vegetarian lunch and sticky toffee pud to die for. Lovely festive atmos and classy decor. Booking however is essential!!!

Excellent service food and welcome .I booked Sunday lunch . This small establishment provided a hearty Roast beef dinner and a beverage of Timmy Taylors Landlord all in a timely fasion. The food was piping hot and excellent quality and value for money. The beer...

Sunday lunch with teenage son and elderly father. We had roasts, two pork and one beef roast. Each meal was absolutely delicious! The roast potatoes were wonderful fluffy. Couldn't fault our meals. Definitely going back next time am in Winchester

Visited on a Sunday, had never visited Winchester before. This pub is in a great area and near the cathedral. I had the beef roast dinner and it was beautiful, massive Yorkshire pudding and just good cooking. Would definitely return and recommend. Cute old pub.

Me and my wife visited last night for a bottle of wine before heading off for dinner. We were really excited to visit this historic pub and had planned to come here over all the other pubs in the area due to the history etc....

The Eclipse Inn what a lovely pub, quirky complete with ghost. After visiting the cathedral popped in for a sandwich. The best prawn sandwich on lovely fresh bread complete with a layer of lettuce in the sandwich, served with a salad garni and fries. Staff...

Small Tudor pub opposite the Cathedral. Quiet when we visited on a Sunday evening. David, the barman was very welcoming and made interesting conversation, not just on the pub's ghostly history. It was a chance visit, just noticed that it was open but glad we...

I had a lovely vegan meze, excellent! Came with toasted flat breads, hummus, roasted peppers and a selection of olives. Best lunch I have had in a long while.

Another pub on my tour of Winchester, this Tudor look building can be found on the side of the cathedral green, as you enter it looks tiny but there is a small seating area behind the bar and a dining room upstairs (be careful on...

Wonderful old pub with very attentive staff! This is a must if your just passing through! They serve food all day too.

Excellent friendly staff. Good excellent. Have the burgers they are really good and a speciality of the chef. He’s also super friendly

Lovely gem of a pub with a really interesting history. We were looked after by Elliott who was so attentive and informative. Food was delicious and great value. Highly recommend.

Lunch time drink and snack. Small menu but excellent sandwiches. Lovely friendly staff and a great atmosphere in a 16c building. Outside tables to sit and watch the world go by on a sunny day

I used to live in Winchester about 15 - 20 years ago and recently took my other half here as my memories of the Eclipse were of a quirky pub with lots of history; it used to be pretty dire atmosphere wise though. I was...

All of the staff here are so lovely! It's such a cosy atmosphere and the music is always brilliant. Highly highly recommend to everyone in Winchester

Unfortunately, the generally pleasant, warm atmosphere of the pub and its patrons is spoilt somewhat by certain staff members. I’ve seldom encountered such rude, bordering on bullying staff members before. The experience left me feeling deeply depressed. A real pity because there’s otherwise a lot...

The bar staff were kind enough to ID me (I'm 34), so it's good to know that they take their "Challenge 25" policy seriously! A lot of good-natured banter ensued. Had a lovely night - prices were reasonable, the pub was clean and cosy and...

We have now been twice to this little pub all i can say is the food was lovely the staff very helpful. it started raining outside and the staff gave me umbrella to get back to the hotel if I was staying for any longer...

Birthday drinks in the private room upstairs - what a gorgeous room. So cosy for a group - will be returning regularly now. Elliot went above and beyond to make everything perfect - he is simply incredible. A fabulous host - gave us a talk...

Elliot & his team absolutely made our weekend - lovely little pub, & we were lucky to interact with some like minded customers too….lots of banter, bit of a sing song. Thanks for the hangovers Elliot! With best wishes from the 6 old girls who...

20 of us went to The Eclipse Inn last night, having a Fish & Chip supper in the private Lady Lisle Suite to celebrate my Husbands & my Birthdays. We were so well looked after. Every thing was to utter perfection. Thank you Elliot, Terri...

Elliot makes visiting worth while. He is very enthusiastic about the history of the pub & goes above & beyond to do what he can to serve you.

After visiting Winchester Cathedral, we walked over to The Eclipse Inn to have a lunchtime drink. This building dates from the 16th century and was formerly amongst other things the rectory of St Lawrence Church. It is a framed timber building with a seven-light casement...

Two of us turned up without booking. All we knew about the pub was that it was old. The manager (I think he's Elliott) immediately made us both feel very welcome and gave us a guided tour, explaining the history of the pub and the...

Amazing pub highly recommend, the food is lovely especially salt and pepper squid and Halloumi sticks. Made us feel very welcome all 8 of us and a dog. Great friendly helpful staff.

Called in the Eclipse Inn for lunch. Very welcoming and good food. Lovely friendly people. Will definitely pay another visit.

I came to Winchester as a sole traveller. Popped into the Eclipse Inn and very warm welcome from behind the bar from Milly . Very bubbly and was great atmosphere in the place. Made it my local for the rest of my stay. Will visit...

A really lovely, unspoiled pub. Roaring wood fire, good range of beers and friendly staff. There was some gentle live acoustic music on Friday night. Really enjoyed our visit.

Millie and the two Morgan’s were amazing! They couldn’t do enough for us. This was the best pub we went to in Winchester! Thank you for making us feel Christmasy! Great night and lovely staff!!!

what a great pub, friendly staff, Spencer is a lovely lad. Decent beers, pork scratchings are tasty.

What a great place and hands down, Spencer was an incredible host. Table service when not supposed to. He also has great arms.

Really busy night but Spenser had time to look after our every need. Really nice guy. Great Pub. And even Santa payed a visit.

Had a lot of fun with friends. Still quite new to the area and had fun learning the strange history of the place (and the ghost that still there lol) thanks to one of the staff, Morgan. The food was great and the staff were...

Fantastic atmosphere with incredibly friendly staff. We were visiting for the day and were made so welcome by the staff, especially the manager (Joss Stone look alike). Food fab and we will definitely be back for Sunday lunch.

I have been here a few times with a different group of friends each time. Without a doubt every time we have been welcomed with smiles and the most welcoming staff. A great selection of gins, beers and other spirits. The food, wow amazing. If...

My family and I have visited this beautiful pub on a few occasions in the last month and highly recommended you pop in! The management and staff are so friendly and welcoming and have decorated beautifully for Christmas, it has such a lovely atmosphere, with...

I don’t usually write reviews but my time at the eclipse inn was amazing! When I first got there I was greeted by Spencer and Elliott and already I felt welcomed. The food and especially the drinks where incredible I will definitely be going again...

The pub is very small but with loads of character. It’s cosy and very welcoming. Elliott and Spencer were so attentive and friendly. We loved our time here.

Absolutely exactly what we needed on a chilly evening! They have a cozy fire, and serve a good range of beers on tap. We also enjoyed an amazing mulled gin - would 100% recommend! They were also offering the pieminister pies, which we have had...

We were so lucky to stumble in this wonderful pub after having terrible service in the cafe around the corner. Elliot the landlord provides a very warm welcome to everyone and is happy to chat you about this unique little pub gem in the heart...

Such a great find in Winchester- a lovely cosy environment inside, with great seating outside. Friendly, relaxed, fun and easygoing. A wonderful real fire, oak beams, really friendly staff and a magnificent range of gins and rums - what’s not up love.

Stumbled across this pub on Friday whilst celebrating my birthday with friends. From the moment we walked through the door we were welcomed by Elliott and Spencer. We were told the history of the pub and in no time felt like part of a big...

I came in for quiet drink. Was served by a smiley man named josh and seated promptly by Connor. All in all great service.

Served by Josh and Connor amazing service. Really nice pub and lovely feel to the place. Will defo return ASAP.

Popped into Winchester to visit Cathedral, walking around town spotted a quaint pub to grab a snack. Spoke to lady asking if required to book and they accept walk-insTable was cleaned before we ordered, menu has a lot of choiceHad scampi, cod and two piesDefo recommend the pies as they were delicious

My boyfriend and I went for a romantic dinner in Winchester and chose The Eclipse through a friend's recommendation. We both had a pie which we absolutely loved and had the best service. Only critic would be there wasnt a lot of veggie options (meaning I had a chicken pie that broke my 3 month veggie streak!) However, it was delicious, warm, friendly and a lovely night out. Will definitely go back for drinks when COVID restrictions ease up.

Amazing food and service at the Eclipse! Delicious warming winter foods and served with a smile- much needed and appreciated!

Incredible! The food was totally amazing. As a coeliac, I was delighted and very reassured with the level of understanding of different dietary requirements. Very impressed indeed! The staff were really friendly and welcoming and atmosphere was fantastic! Just perfect! Thank you so much. Can't wait to visit again!

Exquisite food and immaculate atmosphere, the food was divine so much so couldn’t even photo the food, absolutely incredible night.

What a great place to come and relax The staff are very friendly .The Sunday lunch looked really good.First time I saw a Sunday lunch in years properly served with extra gravy and vegetables on the side .By the look of it it made my mouth watering .I ll give it go soon .

For a last minute, okay two days before, booking we were absolutely bowled over by The Eclipse Inn. We were offered a table for six upstairs in the private dining area. The room was lovely and warmly decorated. Michelle was so welcoming and nothing was too much trouble. We had a fabulous Sunday roast, washed down with a delicious Malbec, and the whole experience was the highlight of our weekend. Thank you so much to all the staff for being both attentive, but leaving us to chat and not rushing us out when we had finished

Hard to believe this was once a rectory! Staff very friendly and had time to chat. They took correct precautions for our safety during Covid

Quirky little pub with very friendly and helpful staff. We ate from the pie menu and the food was very good.

I dropped in for a pre dinner drink as they were not serving food. The staff were friendly and chatty and the landlady introduced herself and took me on a tour of this old pub including a charming private dining room on the first floor. If I return to Winchester I would hope full service is resumed as I'd like to to spend the evening there.

Just had the most fabulous Sunday lunch...Great value and quick professional service. Enjoyed by all..you will eat with your eyes! A must visit! You won't leave hungry!!!

My friend and I have been visiting The Eclipse Inn this Summer on a regular basis for drinks, since pubs re-opened in July after lockdown. A quirky old little pub in a great spot in the town centre. A perfect place for sitting outside and watching the world go by (weather permitting) and people watching around the beautiful square and Cathedral and it's grounds. Excellent, efficient and friendly service has always been provided by a lovely member of staff called Elliot. Many thanks Elliot. Would highly recommend and will be back very soon.

Cute and cosy little haven within the hustle and bustle of winchester. Would recommend to all friends and family! New owner is the loveliest and manager is super friendly! Defo worth a visit!!!

Residing in the old part of Winchester this pub is close to the places of interest. My lady went for the traditional fish and chips which she enjoyed, I went for the Chicken of Aragon pie, most enjoyable, we sat outside in the pleasant sunshine opposite the sight where Alice Lisle was executed, apparently! Nice selection of pies!

Had lunch here yesterday sat outside in the sun. Food was brilliant, hubby had roast beef sandwich and tempura prawns and I had ham egg and chips. Staff were very friendly, would definitely recommend.

Delightful pub serving outside only because of Covid , so a few chosen seats if you are lucky. Super friendly staff and delicious light bites . We had fantastic crab sandwiches served with chips and salad garnish . Inside was quaint and interesting. Worth a visit for sure !

A really lovely lunch. Which is amazing as our Autistic daughter had a meltdown. The owner / landlady allowed us to continue our lunch in an upstairs room so that our daughter was not overwhelmed with stimulus. It was wonderfully kind and we got to enjoy our cracking crab sandwiches and very well kept beer. Great experience.

Great little pub with good atmosphere. Good real ale, music and chat! They also have a big selection of Gins if that’s you’re tipple. We will return to this characterful pub.

I have to say this little place is a Gem every thing about it is amazing, people that knock a place please dont I will be going back again and again. Thanks to the Land lady and Landlord plus all the Staff thank you x

I like this place in the winter months as not too busy and noisy but with good beer and a roaring fire. The only negative is that the gents toilet isn't that great.

The new Landlady has changed this place beyond recognition. Same pub, but a fantastic atmosphere. It is now strongly recommended as a place to visit in The Square. It also has the benefit of some decent live music, from time to time. One of the best drinking houses in Winchester. Give it a go!

We had a set meal booked for 8 and from start to finish we were really well cared and catered for. Portions were generous I had soup to start, followed by salmon and new potatoes and others had roast turkey with all the trimmings. There was plenty of veg to go around. The fruit crumbles and chocolate yule log were delicious. The room was cosy, quirky and full of character and the staff really friendly and helpful. So glad we chose to try somewhere different.

Pleasant place - lovely fire on and very inviting - we had a drink and some chips - lovely place to stop off to rest your wary feet on your trip to Winchester

Nice cozy pub - lovely fire Very welcoming - had some chips and a drink - very pleasant Quite small inside but very friendly

Nice little pub right in the centre of town near the cathedral. Good range of beers, wine and spirits and also serves food. Outside seating area with patio heater.

We visited here on a cold day and found the pub cosy, but not welcoming. The lady bar staff was disinterested and didn’t even give me a total for my order, just my change! I wanted a coffee, but no alternative to dairy milk and the lady couldn’t have cared less! I am vega and in this day and age I would have thought they could cater for everyone. The menu did not appear to have any vegan options. Disappointing visit and won’t bother again.

My friend and I came here for an afternoon roast after Going to the Christmas Market. The building is quaint and quite old, in addition to the interior being kept close to the original period. With respect to the food, yes there may be fewer options due to potentially a small kitchen, but you get a very generous portion and it tastes divine. Furthermore, the owner was a delight! She was quite personable and very customer oriented; ensuring everyone is happy! It is my most memorable pub experience! If only other pubs had the welcoming personality this one does! Also it is the best Sunday roast I’ve had in Britain in a very long time. Thank you!

A group of us visited the Christmas fair on Saturday and were shocked to see how incredibly busy everywhere was. We were concerned about finding somewhere to have lunch. The Eclipse was rammed and were about to leave but popped upstairs to use to loo. We bumped into the friendliest landlady who offered us the upstairs private dining room which was really festive. The mulled wine was great and I had scampi and chips which was the best I had had for a long time. Another friend had the pie which was also excellent. The service was so friendly. I would thoroughly recommend this pub.

È la seconda volta che vengo a mangiare qui perché è proprio un localino tipico sia per il cibo che per l’arredamento oltre che per la location! Si trova infatti esattamente al centro storico in una traversa vicino alla cattedrale del paese! Diviso su diversi piani tutto con moquette, nei piani di sotto tanti tavoli piccoli mentre nella stanza all’ultimo piano una bella e ampia tavolata adatta per gruppi di anche 10 persone! Un po’ angusto il bagno ma ovviamente è datato! Carne buonissima in un piatto composto di verdure e sughetti; patate al forno molto buono ed anche il dolce al cioccolato! Ci hanno offerto il digestivo, cosa molto rara da queste parti! Prezzo basso rispetto alla media UK

Had a brilliant beef roast in this lovely pub. Great food, very welcoming staff and very accommodating to our love of loads of gravy!! Highly recommend!

Well we popped in for a drink we think it was the landlady and one other staff working made us feel welcome and we had a great laugh with them rearranging upholstering some of the seats if i lived in winchester i would make this my local without going any were else loved it clean and tidy and beer tasted great and average prices for winchester.

The Eclipse is probably the last authentic pub in the centre of Winchester. Excellent beers, log fire, occasional musicians, and enough beams and atmosphere to keep any American tourist happy. Not that you see many: it always seems to be full of locals discussing proper manly things like you're meant in a proper pub.

Popped in for lunch and felt immediatly at home, very welcoming.

This is a pub of unexpected charm. It is unpretentious not at all minimalist but retains the atmosphere of a medieval building. The food was excellent well cooked and substantial and on a wet miserable day was exactly what we needed.

Best Sunday Roast ever! Highly recommend and we'll always come back. Fab way to spend a cosy Sunday.

Called in for lunch today and ordered steak pie etc. Food tasty, but waited a long time for my order and it arrived just warm. Admittedly, I was asked more than once if everything was alright. As I had spent longer than I wanted to, at the inn, I did not ask for it to be returned to the kitchen to be heated up.

My father and I were in Winchester looking for somewhere to eat and walked past the eclipse and saw roasts advertised so decided to pop in. My dad had the roast beef served with a slight pinkness with homemade roasties, veg and yorkies. I opted for pie and cheesey mash and peas. Both meals were thoroughly enjoyed and served with a smile. Lovely atmosphere, will definitely use again.

This little pub is just what a tradtional old English pub should be like. I had a fabulous lunch. Very good value. Service good.Great location. Would highly recommend. I did notice they have an excellent gin menu.