The Vine in Winchester

Good breakfast but what a tiny coffee. £3.25 for a thimble full. When asked why “that’s the only cup size”. When asked if they might offer another thimble to make it a small: “No” Then the cutlery was thrown at me for daring to ask. Well done the chef, pity not supported by Front of house! Come on the Vine, I know you can do better

The Old Vine is situated in Great Minster Street and overlooks the Cathedral Square. It’s an exquisitely pretty 18th Century building with oak beams and fireplaces and has a really welcoming ambience about it. I last visited in Nov 18, and was completely charmed by its ambience, the quality of the food and the service provided. Therefore, I was interested to see whether post COVID-19 lockdown and all, the same standards have been kept.I ordered a pint of San Miguel to begin with. Unfortunately, it was served with an overly large head, which meant I was served with about 500ml and not a pint (568ml). This seems to be a very common practice these days, whether beer or lager. I dislike it, it’s wrong under the UK’s Weights and Measures Acts, and I would usually ask for a top up, but on this occasion, it was a very warm day and I was gagging for a drink, so I didn’t bother.Turning to food, The Old Vine plays a very strong hand indeed. I had three courses from the à la carte menu. For starters, I selected home-made smoked mackerel pate with toast and butter (£6.50). Light and tasty, this was completely delicious; I could have eaten it twice over. For mains, I chose a salmon fillet with watercress and crème fraiche sauce with crushed new potatoes, herb butter and a green vegetable medley (£17.50). Attractively plated, the salmon appeared slightly dry on the top, which suggested that the dish had been kept under a hot lamp for a little too long. That said, I can’t say it detracted from my enjoyment of the dish, for it was well seasoned and the vegetables complemented the salmon perfectly. I had a glass of The Crossings Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 (£7.25) to accompany it, which was excellent. Lastly, I chose locally made ice-cream from the Bere Dairy, Portsmouth (£6.00). Absolutely lovely. To finish off, I ordered a cup of freshly ground coffee, which came with a dark chocolate mint.The service from the waiter and waitresses was exemplary: efficient, friendly and polite.My visit was expensive, yes, but in my view it was worth it. Once again, I cannot but highly recommend The Old Vine.

We booked the lovely private dining room at the Old Vine for an event last Saturday and had an amazing time. Food was excellent, and service was very attentive. Really impressed and would definitely book again.

The Old Vine hosted my family, bridal party and I for the weekend of my wedding. We had the most incredibly perfect weekend, a huge credit going to all they did at the hotel to make it special; including lots of little extra touches to help me celebrate and get ready for the big day. All the wonderful staff were so friendly, welcoming and always on hand during the entire stay. They accommodated our large, very excited, dinner and breakfast parties and were gracious when our timings slightly changed. All communications, right from our first enquiry to the weekend of our stay, were fantastic and helpful - nothing was too much trouble. The rooms are clean, spacious, well-equipped and beautifully suited to Winchester. Overall - amazing stay and I am so truly grateful and pleased we spent the weekend there!

There definitely IS Sunday roast! Don't listen to the other reviews! It's roast beef slices with mixed green veg, roast potatoes, mash, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Its nothing to write home about but fulfilled the Sunday roast craving!

We visited for a celebratory evening on Saturday, 26 March. A party of 8 in the private side room. Two members of staff were most attentive & happily accommodated one guest's request for a slight change to her starter. We had pre-ordered our 3-course meal that was both tasty & extremely well priced. Our evening was a great success. Thanks so much to The Old Vine.

Just had a lovely lunch here with my friend. Food was delicious, decent portions and the staff and service was superb. We didn’t feel rushed which was lovely, and I can’t fault anything. 100% will return and will recommend to others.

Very slow service. Had to go to the bar to ask for drinks. Starters were fine. 2 of the 4 mains had well overdone sea bass. Mentioned the grey ham on the ploughman’s but not interested2 desserts were fineWouldn’t rush back

Pre-pandemic we used to visit with our friends a few times every year as it's a halfway point. We used to absolutely love it, but now feel ambivalent about it. This is first time in 2 years, such a difference - menu choices greatly reduced, portions also noticeably smaller, yet prices have increased significantly. Food was adequate but nowhere near as good as it used to be. Our table was cramped into a corner, very difficult for one of our party who has a hip problem. The table next to us was so close and occupied that we had difficulties getting in and out. Told we couldn't be moved. We appreciate the lockdowns plus rise in cost of living will cause a re-think in the menu and pricing, but the quality needs to make up for that, and it doesn't. Will not be returning.

We had a booking from 6-7:30. We were reminded on arrival and again during the meal that we had to be out by 7:30. There are more polite ways to achieve this outcome. The squid entree was high on batter, the fish pie mains were bland with too much dry potato mash. The greens were good. The atmosphere was good and the dessert was good. The prices were reasonable. Hence 3/5.