Westgate Winchester

The newly refurbished pub had a lively feel, and even with it bustling, the service was excellent. The fiddler was a lovely Scottish touch. It was my first time dining at the Westgate, and the Burns Supper was a thoughtful six-course tasting menu. I’m counting the enormous ham croquette amuse-bouche as a course! Everything arrived promptly at the right temperature, and the portions were just right. Looking forward to coming back.

Our guests are still talking about the food, especially the main meal, desserts and evening boards. It was delicious, beautifully presented and timed perfectly, and changing the room over for dancing worked brilliantly. The Christmas decorations, warm lights and rustic details made The Westgate feel like a storybook setting, with lovely character and cosy Winchester charm. Ben and the team took great care of us, helping with the layout, our large mix of guests and the day’s plans. They were kind, patient and organised, and nothing felt rushed. From our first email to the last dance, everything felt easy and special. We couldn’t have picked a better venue for our wedding. It’ll always mean a lot to us. Thank you, Westgate team, for a day we’ll remember forever. Sergio & Sarah

The price was great for such a feast. We started with a divine, crusty ham hock croquette, then had delicious Cullen Skink, the haddock and leek soup. The venison tartare was delectable, and smoked partridge with haggis mousse and neeps was full of flavour, though as a traditionalist I’d have liked the haggis to be more obvious. Dessert was a mouthwatering deconstructed deep-fried Mars bar, followed by petit fours and a wee dram of Glenfiddich. The Burns Supper had a brilliant atmosphere, with a kilted fiddler playing Scottish folk tunes. Well done to the chefs!

The beef special, ‘Beef four ways’, was cooked just right and was the tastiest beef dish I’ve had in ages. Service felt friendly and attentive without being too much. The new decor is smart but still warm, and the atmosphere was relaxed. Five out of five!