St James Tavern, Winchester - pub details

St James Tavern

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Description

Good Beer Guide 2008-2009-2010
Hampshire Chronicle Pub Of The Month February 2009

The St James Tavern is a country style pub, situated in the middle of town with an eclectic mix of music, farmhouse décor, real ales, fine whiskeys, a large wine selection and of course, amazing homecooked food with as many ingredients sourced locally as we possible can.

We are open every night until Midnight and serve food 12-2pm and 6-9pm Monday to Saturday, Sunday Roasts 1-4pm.

We run a great quiz every Tuesday from 8pm, a mix of live music from indie to blues, and all manner of made up other stuff that might make you want to come in.

The pub is situated 0.3 miles from Winchester station and about 2 minutes walk from the centre of town.

(last updated: 26th Feb 2009)

Address: 3 Romsey Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 5BE [map] [gmap]

Tel: 0871 917 0007 (ref 12639)

Nearest train stations Winchester (0.3 miles), Shawford (2.9 miles)

Brewery: Wadworth

Pub facilities/features:
Cask Marque accreditation

> Current user rating: 7.4/10 (rated by 30 users)
> Local guides: Winchester pub guide, Hampshire pub guide
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other pubs nearby:

Westgate Hotel, Winchester (0.1 miles), O'Neills, Winchester (0.2 miles), Fulflood Arms, Winchester (0.3 miles), Exchange, Winchester (0.3 miles), Railway Inn, Winchester (0.3 miles) - see more nearby pubs

 

user reviews of St James Tavern, Winchester

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

5 most recent reviews of 30 shown - see all reviews

I also, have seen bands play at the Tavern, an unusual and enjoyable experience!

I went to see Idiot 3, a Southampton based rock band, play an acoustic set in the Tavern.

First of all when I got there I had a pint of 6x, well kept, beautifully clear, with a decent head on it too, served by a very friendly member of staff who did advise me that a band would be playing and worth sticking around to see.

After reading the menu for what seemed like hours i finally had a "Chorizo Rustic Stew" which turned out to be amazing, it was like you'd imagine a European holiday in the villages of Catalan to taste like. My friends all had burgers, and all of them including an American who's word on burgers was Gospel, proclaimed them to be the greatest burgers in the history of the world.

The band were on at about 9pm, which gave us plenty of time to eat in peace and were exceedingly entertaining. After a short set of their own materiel, they launched into a raucous, jaunty covers set of rock classics, that seemed to set the place afire. The gig, culminating in a hoe down in which nearly everyone participated, ended to rapturous applause.

The atmosphere was electric, the people friendly and it seemed like the pub itself was beaming.
AdeptZeth79 - 17 May 2009 17:23
I went to "The Sent James Tavern" after being recommended to by my friends.

They'd heard about a Caribbean party/BBQ that was taking place, via the wonders of Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2361053&id=648301629&comments#/group.php?gid=37690589047, and had fancied trying out the food, drinking the ale and watching 3, yes 3 bands perform in one evening.

Although the pub was small, it was beautifully decorated in a pirate/Caribbean style, complete with parrots, palm trees, rush matting, flowers, swords, flags and so on and so forth, which really leant an atmosphere of comradeship to the proceedings as one by one, the bands were crammed into the corner of the pub.

The lack of space did little to damp the musicians spirits however as one after another they belted out songs to please the assembled crowds.

After the first band, a top rate ska/punk acoustic act, something i'd never heard of, set the tone of the beach party came a cute trio of acoustic musicians playing a selection of popular sing-alongs for the crowd to get down to. Then, the main event, a band we'd heard of on everyone's lips but never seen, "Rayguns Look Real Enough" with their wacky blend of rock, pop, dance, comedy acoustic "mash ups" had the crowd so motivated that i couldn't hear myself think over the cries of "Encore!"

The food was served via the medium of barbecue and included a plate full of goodies, including ribs, chicken thighs, sausages, rice, salad, salsa and two varieties of home made hot sauce.

It was spectacularly good and at just £6 a plate we all HAD to partake.

The selection of ales was wide, well kept, perfect temperature and served with the aid of a sprinkler on the tap to give them a bit of life.

The prices were perfectly reasonable, given the current climate and I wouldn't begrudge them a penny of it, the staff certainly seemed to work hard for it.

The atmosphere was welcoming, fun loving and very friendly, it was as if I'd stumbled into a private club of friends and been instantly accepted. The locals must have been fans of the pub for a long time as at least 80% of the clientèle that night were dressed up as pirates, wenches, a palm tree and a brilliant Jack Sparrow look alike topped off the evening's themed approach.

I just feel sorry for the barmaid who was making coffees at 10.30pm!

I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next event.
Jerkston - 17 May 2009 14:21
It's a small country pub situated in town, with a mix of styles to please the young and old.

There's plenty on the music system and live acts line up to keep the youngsters entertained, plus a variety of blues and jazz acts to keep the more distinguished members of society happy as they march toward their later years.

The menu is huge, and varied, with various comedy names for some of the dishes to keep you interested as you browse through all five pages. They seem to make everything on the premises and only use Hampshire, and more local, suppliers. The curries are excellent, as are the stews and other rustic goodies. Keep and eye out for constantly changing specials.

The price is low, and the quality is excellent.

Though i have to assume that burgers are their flagship, with up to 11 varieties at any one time, and obviously a customer favourite. Definitely the best burgers in town, if not the world.

With 5 varieties of, very well kept and maintained, ale on tap, it's a must on any CAMRA pub crawl, BII party or "Good Beer Guide" outing.

They are open until midnight seven days a week, which is a boon to those who work late, or want to prolong the experience of a pint of Stowford Press Cider a little longer.

It's the alternative pub for the discerning drinker, a safe haven from the rigours of life, and they can throw parties the likes of which the world has never seen!

After attending New Years Eve, all of the gigs so far and the infamous "Jerk Fest Caribbean Party" I wouldn't hesitate to recommend that everyone, young or old attend the next one!
AdeptZeth79 - 17 May 2009 13:46
Amazing! Really impressed by the bar selection and the menu. Great ales and the ever welcome Stowford Press on tap.

They boast 11 varieties of massive burgers along with a selection of foods suitable for most pallets. The pub is cosy and the staff friendly (you're even told their name via a small board) with a very exclectic choice of music.

Well worth the short walk!
Robep - 31 Mar 2009 11:06
Nice little pub. I had a decent pint and a good burger, although music slightly random.

Stopped off after gulping down a half in the West Gate, where I fear I may have been stabbed if I was to order another. Worth walking the extra 100 yards if you find yourself up the hill, or if you're visiting ill/imprisoned family members at the hospital/prison.


motherpubber - 30 Mar 2009 17:45

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