The St James Tavern in Winchester

Consistently lovely food and excellent service at this pub- definitely one of the (if not the) best pubs in Winchester. The lighting and decor gives it so much character and I find it’s the perfect cosy winter pub. Also have to add the playlist is always 10/10. 🤌🏻

We came looking for the best Sunday Roast and the St. James Tavern did not disappoint! A must see when in town!! Also, do not pass up on the dessert, especially the toffee pudding.

Late Sunday lunch today with hubby and daughter who has just started university in Winchester All of us had a roast after reading the reviews online - all agreed it was one of the very best pub roasts we’ve had, gravy was top notch. Service was great, attentive but not overbearing. Decor and ambience was warm and cosy with dark hues and candles. They even sorted me a dairy free pudding ! Despite getting absolutely drenched on the walk back to the car we will definitely be back when we are next in the area

Struggled to find somewhere in Winchester last minute for Sunday Roast that would accept our dog too. At James Tavern was an absolute hidden gem - few minutes walk from Tower Road multi-storey carpark. We pre-booked, tables were all candlelit and well presented, carafes of water brought to table without having to request. Service prompt and courteous and the roast dinner was absolutely superb! The loos were also good, clean with quality soap (ladies was up steep/narrow flight stairs so perhaps not ideal for ladies with mobility issue) Thoroughly enjoyable Sunday Lunch, great quality & value too

Second visit for lunch as we enjoyed it before. Lovely steak and kidney pie with veg and a small fish and chips - great idea for those with a smaller appetite. Service was excellent, staff really friendly and helpful.

Simply the perfect pub! Lovely building, really nicely decorated but not ‘gastro flashy’, just cosy pub loveliness! The food was delicious (some really good gf vg options), the wine was great, the staff were charming and friendly, and the live blues music was fantastic. We all had a truly great evening.

Booked here for Sunday lunch on recent trip to Winchester. On the Saturday we walked here just to find it and it was heaving with football supporters ...England v Switzerland...not sure how they coped with so many people however they did. Sunday....we got to SJT really early as weather promised to drown us...this time the pub was so busy due to a large party the day after a wedding....and a wedding. The manager...bless him ...run ragged however advised if we could order quickly he would prioritise our order other than that we might have to wait an hour. Roast amazing ...belly pork and chicken....large portions...5 vegetable....roast potatoes and yorkie....Good value for money as was wine. Would definitely recommend

We hired the room upstairs for a work leaving do and had the hot buffet. The food was wonderful; chicken curry and veg tagine and the service just amazing. James and the staff are so helpful, friendly, generous and make sure you have everything you need. Its a lovely pub, and the room upstairs is quite stunning, a real treat. Thank you James. You helped us to have a really special evening. Thank you.

Cool place to start off our conference. Friendly vibe. Fast drinks. Cute dishes. If you are staying at the Westgate, this is short walk away.

First visit to St James Tavern and so pleased we choose to celebrate our Anniversary meal there. The staff were excellent. The food was devine. The chef really know how to combine favours. The place itself was steep in history, lots of things to look at, very traditional british pub. Would definately recommend a visit!

We went for a birthday celebration and enjoyed an amazing evening meal. I had the plaice risotto, which was an unusual mix on the menu but was so good and as it was Pie night, my husband enjoyed one of the array available, which he loved. Polished off with the SJT's signature Sticky toffee pudding which is not to be missed and we may have enjoyed a glass or two of something alcoholic ;) The service was outstanding, very efficient and the right blend of being available but not annoyingly so! If you haven't visited, you must, a pub with a traditional feel, brought to life by the team and the fabulous food, would definitely recommend.

Went in here for lunch after being recommended by our son who attends quiz nights here. Worth the walk up from town. Excellent menu, good selection of beers,served by friendly barman Ben. Lovely cosy welcoming pub. We’re not down in Winchester very often but this will be our lunch stop

We have walked and driven passed this pub for 34 years and never gone inside. Big, no HUGE mistake! This is a cosy, warm, friendly, traditional pub with great food and drinks and a helpful amusing team serving. Seared Hake with Rosti and the most tantalising samphire and pickled fennel was divine. Many ingredients supplied locally. We loved it and will be back.

One of the best roasts I’ve ever had! Speedy and smiley service and at such an amazing roast, will definitely be back one day!❤️

Had our work Christmas dinner here. Were all in a lovely room upstairs. So impressed with the whole evening. The guys organising the drinks were great and the food was truly impressive. How they bring that quality of food to a big group of people at the same time. Really gorgeous meals. Thanks for a fantastic evening.

One of the best Sunday Roast dinners I have ever eaten. I cant recommend enough. I ordered the roast beef and it was delicious. Very fresh, & the gravy and red cabbage were so good I forgot to look for the roast potatoes ! Thank you & we will be back

So I’m reviewing this on my last 2 visits over the last week (many previous fab visits also, no complaints ever!) Last Sunday with my hubby and dog for roastie. It was AMAZING! Very dog friendly 👍🐾very important! Tender roast beef and pork, hubby had the trio which has chicky too, really good food, fabulous trimmings and great really staff. Beth looked after us so well like old friends and James the lovely landlord came and had a chat and little catch up. This is what we need and love as a local ♥️ Then tonight was bingo night. 2 (delicious) burgers (from a big choice) for £20. I was with 2 friends and all 3 different burgers were delicious and devoured. Then onto the bingo which was great fun although despite my many tickets it wasn’t my night but it’s all about the taking part! I’ll win next time!! (Table booked already!) Brilliantly hosted by Malcolm with the aid of the lovely Abi! Thanks for such lovely evening. Fabulous place and staff 🎉

Booked here on recommendation of my daughter for luch post her Graduation. We were not disappointed. Service was great and t he food portions were fantastic. We will be returning.

We booked the St James Tavern for Sunday lunch on the recommendation of a friend and we’re certainly not disappointed. Three of us had beef and one mixed meats. All were delicious and one of his best Sunday roasts we have eaten. The meat was superb quality and the veg cooked to perfection. The service from a lovely guy from Colorado was excellent. We will be back!

Absolutely delighted with the hosting of my retirement drinks by this excellent venue. A lovely pub, great atmosphere, good food, and despite a much larger number of guests than I expected, Ben and his team worked hard to ensure that the event was a success and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Highly recommended!

Went here for dinner last night on a cold, wet evening. It was spot on. Charming atmosphere, cosy and welcoming. Friendly staff. The food was fab. Had the homemade pie, hubs had the beef stew with horseradish dumplings which was also delicious. Fresh, hot, tasty food and the perfect winter warmers menu…we could’ve chosen anything. Really impressed. Will be back soon. Thanks SJT!

Stopped here for a spot of lunch before visiting the Great Hall. Nice environment, good staff, great drinks! My one complaint would be the sandwiches, we ordered 'Doorstop Sandwiches' which were according to the menu 'thick cut white or grain farmhouse bread', not sure if they'd run out and didn't mention the substitution or it was what they considered 'doorstops' but in my option the bread was akin to something you'd get in a plastic bag from the supermarket - a shame as the filling was ok but the bread ruined it, hence was left.

I suffer with a lot of food intolerances, The staff were friendly and very helpful in sorting a meal for me. Which was amazing, which is a rare thing for me. Would so recommend them.

We really enjoy sjt for the relaxing ambience , atmosphere and warm welcome made by the lovely 'Bearded Ben' !! Very professional service and always a delicious meal. Well done guy's.

Great pint and excellent burgers. And within walking distance. Very welcoming atmosphere and comfortable surroundings.

I enjoyed a really excellent lunch here with my colleagues earlier this week. I never have very high expectations for such events, as producing really good food for several large groups mid-week is a challenge for most kitchens, but the SJT exceeded at this. The service was friendly and efficient as always, and everyone enjoyed their meals - I had the beef shin which was really delicious with even the side dishes of veg all perfectly cooked and so tasty. I loved the option to have a mince pie and coffee or a glass of port instead of a dessert (I always struggle with three courses at lunchtime but don't want to be just sat watching others eat), and the menu selection overall was very well thought out. SJT will be top of our list for next year's office lunch!

Had the best time at The SJT last Sunday afternoon being brilliantly entertained by the Blues Band’s fantastic music, coupled with the most delicious of roast dinners. Wonderful hospitality and service - thank you!

Having had a lot of Sunday roasts in pubs and restaurants over many years it takes a lot to impress me. As soon as you walk in the atmosphere is truly unique in a very good way interesting way. Then the food well I’m just going to say the roast chicken and vegetables were simply the best I’ve had followed by a gorgeous sticky toffee pudding. The staff were great too. I’m going back and you should too - you won’t be disappointed. Just GREAT!!

Sometimes we leave less than 5 stars, when deserved and much to the annoyance of certain proprietors! Happily on this occasion I’m happy to say that we gave a well deserved 5 stars. The location was very nice, not withstanding very noisy neighbours on the adjacent table, no reflection on the pub. My wife and I both had roast beef, there was so much that we couldn’t eat it and cooked to melt in the mouth perfection. This certainly wasn’t an ‘average’ Sunday roast, as experienced elsewhere recently, it was a meal cooked with passion and imagination, there was a subtle garlic oil on the cabbage that lifted the veg to another level, the roasts were cooked with fresh rosemary and were very crunchy and tasty, carrots were sweet, perhaps cooked in orange juice, I’m not sure. The gravy, oh the gravy….. I can’t wait to go back, thank you St James Tavern for an exceptional Sunday roast, what a pleasant change from recent experiences, see you soon.

Popped in for a relaxed lunch now that James is back running the pub. Excellent food, lovely ambiance. Thoroughly recommended.

Had the Sunday roast with some friends, having never been there before was nicely surprised! The inside is very cosy, the staff are lovely and the food was very good! Good sized portions! They were very flexible as well, allowing us to have a table in a quieter area to accommodate a mischievous puppy! Would definitely recommend.

Had a lovely meal on Friday in the SJT. Great ambience, service attentive and food was lovely, we had burger, mud pie specials and a curry.

Had a great Sunday lunch; also good for after-work relaxation, says my son. It's traditional without being tired, spacious but cosy with comfy seating. The staff were charming, helpful and discretely on-the-case. Location feels like edge-of-city-centre and handy for the station and Tower St car...

If I fancy F&C I go here - good quality fish, nice chips, and if asked nicely I can get a double portion of the mushy peas which are real peas mushed, not those nasty marrowfat things. Smaller portion available too. It's a nice comfy...

Was a little disappointed to be honest. We booked a week in advance and when we arrived on Easter Sunday, we were told no lamb and no cauliflower cheese…. On Easter Sunday…. And we had booked…. We asked to have Yorkshire puddings with our chicken...

Been here a few times as we live locally and have always said we wanted to try the roast dinner. Had it today (Sunday 15th August) and it did not disappoint. Went for the ‘Trio of Meats’ as I couldn’t decide what to have and...

The pub is part of a small group which includesThe Mucky Duck & the King Alfred who have the same ownership & known for they're good service. The St James Tavern is located about 5 - 10 minutes from the centre of town, 5 minutes...

We booked the function room at the SJT for a family meal following our wedding yesterday. Unfortunately, due to another booking on the Friday night, we weren't able to get our table decorations set up ourselves so had to rely on the staff to do...

Attended Burns night supper. Live music was lovely. Food was amazing. Staff were extremely attentive. Thoroughly recommended.

Feels like a proper pub with a great atmosphere, the team deliver a fantastic service, the menu and quality of food are both excellent. Next up will be trying their Sunday roast.

Hired the private room upstairs for lunch for our small wedding party and were so happy to have chosen St. James Tavern. We were well looked after by Becki, James and the entire team. There was so much food and it was delicious. The atmosphere...

We booked in advance and were really excited about dinner with Jazz. We were not disappointing. Lovely evening with great music provided by Cinnamon Jazz. Pub is welcoming and full of character due to its unusual shape. Friendly staff and a good food menu. Food...

We are regulars here for the Sunday roasts and pie nights. Every now and again we try different Winchester pubs for a roast for a ‘change’ but it’s never as good and we come back here. This is such a gem of a pub and the team are lovely too.

Went for a Christmas meal there and the food was lovely hot and plenty of it. The service was friendly would recommended

I've been a regular here for the last few years. Staff have always been helpful and friendly. There is a lot of variety with the food, including vegan and gluten free. If you enjoy real ales, this is the place for you! Lots of variety...

Met with a group of friends and had a table booked for lunch which was fine. It was a bit disconcerting on ordering to be told that there would be quite a wait for the food, especially since one of our party ordered a burger!...

We visited this fantastic pub because we knew there would be Jazz, which we love! What a great evening! After a very happy day of walking and Christmas shopping, we wanted to relax somewhere cosy and authentic... and this was a perfect venue. The Jazz...

Great experience at this pub restaurant. The made every effort to make space for our family (6 adults + 3 kids). Didn't need to book for lunch. We needed dairy-free options and for a place that was dog friendly and we had no issues.

We had been to a wine event upstairs at the St James and had a superb late meal (9.30). Great fish super steak and a delicious melted Camenbert. Best proper pub I've been in for ages. Massive choice of ales great wine list and a lovely atmosphere. Absolutely recommend!

A home away from home, with well-kept ales, a fine selection of wines and spirits, charming service, generous portions of tasty food, and a range of nuts.

Had a very nice meal here last night, staff were friendly and helpful. Food was good and dessert was great (Sticky toffee pudding).

Dropped in for Sunday lunch and were impressed. Large, well presented portions of good food which left us feeling full and satisfied. One of the best Sunday lunches that we have enjoyed. The setting was full of character and comfortable. We will definitely be coming back for more.

Pub sur une rue passante dont le charme réside dans la décoration intérieure, le service et le bon rapport qualité/prix de sa nourriture. 3 Fish & Chips, une sausage purée vraiment excellents avec 2 bières : £40. Belle étape

Great selection of food; especially Roasts. The staff there could not be more helpful and friendly. Old style pub but modern food. Excellent local larger but the banter with the staff is excellent. Very focused on food allergies. Well done. Phot bombed by barman. Nice feller.

Fabulous cosy, relaxed interior and friendly welcoming staff. A good quality and great value Sunday roast and wide choice of drinks. We shall be returning soon

Had a fab evening last night in our local. Busy and buzzing with efficient and friendly staff supper wa delicious. Garlic prawns and confit pork belly, yummy and fantastic value. Our pal had Sea Bream also top marks. This pub getting v busy so best to book your table.

We spent a lovely couple of hours here today. It was cosy and warm; staffed by friendly staff with smiles on their faces.

We've been to the SJT many times for food now and decided to write a review as it really should come higher up the list! This pub is great, the wine and gin list is extensive and well priced, the staff are lovely and the food is amazing. Better than many of the other pubs in Winchester. They do a great Sunday lunch too. It surprises me that it doesn't come higher up. Perfect atmosphere for lazy Sundays, cosy winters or summertime in their garden terrace. Love it.

Had a really good evening meal here, in large range of dishes on the menu and plenty for vegetarians. The house wine was decent, the service was really good (if anything too fast) and the food was well cooked and tasty. Would highly recommend this restaurant if you’re looking for a nice country pub feeling place with good reasonably priced food. There was a large selection of beers on tap and an outdoor seating area.

Booked the upstairs dining room for 13 for a pre Christmas meal, we were returning having had a good experience last December.

A lovely evening with great food and very attentive service which made for a great evening with good friends, this place is a real gem which has loads of character if I had to give feedback would be just to say it would have been nice to have a few more vegetables

Il est 18h tous lès pubs sont blindés du coup nous avons fini par rentrer dans celui la !! Cool super ambiance ... bière très bonne bref bonne adresse ..

Popped in for a drink and was very busy.Managed to get a table but we were warned there was a long wait for food.

Pub is quirky and interesting and very old school. Fantastic range of wine and beers and ciders. Menu is varied and there are vegetarian options.

Very nice and cousy tavern. Very good food , we ate stew meat and it was the best I have ever ate. Highly recommended!

When the weather is hot and you need a rest this was a great find. half size meals for lunch were perfect, tasty and more than adequate, a garden bar out the back completed a very nice lunch time rest.

Fui a la calle James Day / evento temático español anoche y fue muy divertido. Ambiente encantador, con hermosa música en vivo cortesía de un dúo de guitarras llamado De Fuego. Comida súper sabrosa, sangría encantadora y un servicio amable y eficiente. ¿Qué más podrías pedir?

Un menú tan aventurero e intrigante. Estoy en peligro de convertirme en un habitual. Siempre hay algo exótico para tentarme. Como ensalada de carne crocante de Hoisin o bolas de carne marroquí untadas en una mezcla de sabores beduinos. Winchester no tiene un restaurante de Oriente Medio adecuado, pero el plato impar en este menú llena el vacío. Lástima que las bebidas estén a precios de Londres. Pero todos somos ricos como Croesus en Winchester, ¿verdad?

A nice place just on the outskirts of central Winchester (still within walking distance). They serve great food, lovely atmosphere and the staff are always very friendly.

One of the finest, cosiest locals you can find (without a scarily local feel to it). The food is great, can recommend EVERYTHING on the menu!!!

Good pub lunch , welcoming, nice pub menu, efficient and friendly waitress , rightly priced , will be back .

Visitamos el pub para una ocasión familiar especial y cenamos en el comedor superior, que era encantador. El servicio de principio a fin fue increíble, muy atento, muy agradable; clase superior general.

We recently held a wedding reception in the private dining room for my daughter and her husband. The staff couldn't have been more helpful and accommodating, beforehand and on the day itself.

Cozy pub ambiance. Good food however on the expensive side of the price range.

owned by the same pople who own several of the excellent pubs in winchester. cant go wrong, except when it is too busy. highly recommended. in a town blessed with many excellent pubs, StJT stands out.

We popped in for a meal on a Monday night not knowing it was quiz night, and the pub was packed. A very pleasant group let us share their table, and recruited us their team for the quiz.

Eaten in here on a number of occasions and plan to return soon. Food is always good with local ingredients used where possible. One of the reasons I personally like it is the range of beers and cider available. Good local pub with good local food serving good range of beers.

We went here to get a sunday roast, they just happened to have a live band playing as well. The food was good and the portions are quite large. All in all we were happy with both the service and the food!

16 of us booked into the private room upstairs which worked really well for that number. The food was excellent and served on hot plates and the service was friendly and helpful. In all a very successful evening, thank you.

This pub has a lovely atmosphere, the staff are friendly and helpful and there is a wide range of choice for meals. I had ham egg and chips,absolutely scrumptious and with thick cut ham,2eggs and thick crispy chips was a meal and a half. Sue had falafel burger with fries, houmous and tzatziki all very tasty. Would highly recommend. Cooked from fresh so don't expect instant servings.

The first impressions of this pub is that the many customers inside it are enjoying being there. It is quirky with some biazarre objects on display and the tables are quite close together, but it offers everything that a good pub should. A selection of real ales and pub pies are available. If you want up-market gins, they can be had too. The pub is close to the prison and the hospital and only a short walk up the hill from the North end of Winchester. It's worth seeking out for a couple of pints in a friendly atmosphere. A rather splendid and historical-looking room upstairs is available for meetings and private events. They have a Quiz Night once a week.

Very nice atmosphere centered around bar area. Dined here with large group. Traditional British meals including meat pies, fish and chips, sticky toffee pudding, and more - all very satisfying. Very accommodating service. Would dine here again. Parking a bit remote - parking garage several blocks away.

Small local "proper" pub with great friendly atmosphere. Drinkers and eaters rub along well. Quiz night is good fun.

Twelve quid. Pretty good value in Winchester. Pint first: the 2 local ales are better than the 4 house pumps.

Como nos alojábamos en una casa justo al lado de la carretera mews Villarrobledo esta fue nuestra 'local' para la semana. Aunque no comimos aquí nos quedamos impresionados con la comida que vimos que nos sirvieran. No obstante, deleitarse con abundante cerveza y cantidades de gin, que era de muy buena calidad. Yo recomiendo especialmente el espiral puede nariz Winchester Gin el Wadsworth Pez Espada ale (tiene un ron. . . . extra! Establecimiento) decoración estupenda y muy bien cuidada, un crédito a Winchester.

Un almuerzo de despedida a un colega en este pub retirarse amable. Una comida habia dejado la orden de comida, pero las disculpas eran auténticos. Mi sándwich con papas fritas, el pan era delicioso y un montón de llenado. Buen precio y buena comida.

We arrived for a family meal. The pub has a nice feeling about it. However, we asked for a wine spritzer and got a wine and lemonade. The meals arrived but one was missing. The burgers were nice but the steak was very average and bland - the peppercorn sauce had no peppercorns in it and was a tiny amount.

Toilets really good, if few. Nice extras, nice surroundings... company was a bit dodgy ( but not pubs fault)

We have eaten brunch here many times before and been happy with what we have been given.However on this visit, we weren't made to feel welcome. The pub was empty but the coffees still took a long time to arrive and then were cold. The breakfast was then cold. I had the eggs benedict, and whilst I understand that it may have been their choice to have a cold muffin and cold hollandaise, it was not to my liking.In spite of this I will probably return on the basis of previous visits.

Excellent pub food, excellent service. Sat in a cosy corner by the fire - great winter pub. Lamb shank and burger both delicious

This is the second year we've been for a Christmas lunch, and again it was superb. The staff were all lovely, helpful and friendly, there is a lovely atmosphere there as well. We all had a great time and would recommend it.

Came here for our works Xmas party... good food and great service... we were given a room upstairs and the girls were kept very busy with our drink orders... would definitely come back

This is my second visit to the St. James tavern and as before it was wonderful. The food was delicious but was trumped by the fantastic service we received. The girl serving us was new but you couldn't tell with how confident she was! It was a lovely evening in a cosy pub. The only bad thing I have to say is the blue cheese ice cream wasn't for me!! We will be back again in the future.

What an excellent place to visit. The food was excellent, the same add were lovely and friendly and stopped to have a conversation with you which is a rarity these days! The only thing I will say is I was disappointed by their herbal teas. Not as much flavour as there should have been. Absolutely lovely place and will be visiting again.

The menu is small but homemade burgers are great! Food is fresh and there is plenty of drinks to choose from. Relaxing and friendly atmosphere

This is a great favourite with the locals. The food is on the expensive side but there is alot of variety and they have a gluten free menu, almost identical to the normal menu so a good call for anyone needing a gluten free diet. The staff are absolutely lovely, but not very knowledgeable on drinks - you forgive them that for being so nice though! As the pub is small it is advisable to book in advance.

Working in Winchester this week I visited as recommended in the Good Beer Guide. This is a Wadworths pub with the Devizes beers prominent of which I found Horizon to be well kept and very much to my taste. Guest beers too are available with an Oakham beer beautifully kept with typical hoppiness . Excellent. Food refers to the Hampshire food festival about which I know nothing but both courses I had were excellent. local trout with a well dressed salad was a perfect starter. Crisp skin and well seasoned. Main was belly pork with a cider jus. Meltingly soft with good mash some greens and a very tasty sauce. Less than £20 for two courses seemed great value. Beer at £4 a pint is a bit toppy but nevertheless I visited three times. The pub is very comfortable and festooned with interesting antiques and curios. Young bar staff are enthusiastic. Not sure where you might park but it's a couple of minutes up the hill from the city. Downhill going back.

After recently moving back to Winchester after many years away we had heard great things about the St James Tavern so popped in for their St George's Day tapas (which were amazing!). Since then we have been back several times for dinner with friends and the food has been perfect. The beer and the wine are equally lovely. The best bit about the pub is the staff and the manager, so friendly and a real nothing is too much trouble attitude. Brunch is amazing too (my daughter particularly loved it!). Great work :)

Just 5 min walk from both the train station or the city centre but well worth it.Great selection of beers fantastic atmosphere,good friendly and helpful staff.Good surroundings and although we didn't eat the food looked very good.

Food was absolutely delicious, the only down fall was the service was a tad slow however it did give us chance to chat in between dishes. Great for a bite to eat, open all day or if it's a quiet drink your after this is the place. With its outdoor seating area, providing you the opportunity to make the most if the lovely weather.