The Royal Oak

Stopped here for a drink and bite to eat after wandering around the city. Easy to order, staff were really friendly and food came quickly. Tasty and freshly cooked. Wide range of food and drink in a place backed with history. Definitely worth a visit.

The Sunday Roast beef (2 small pieces), potatoes and Yorkshire pudding were a bit dry, but damn the rest was fabulous! The gravy especially. The cheese cauliflower wasn't too cheesy, good mix!

I tried to go Saturday night, but it was jammed packed! What a great atmosphere!! Would highly recommend!

Absolutely THE BEST VEGAN BURGER I have ever had in a pub. The fries were sublime. The onion rings likewise, and although I really shouldn't have the dessert was a peach and raspberry taste explosion. It was a fascinating historical location that I was grateful to be able to experience. The place just oozes history. From the tiny little lane, the historical buildings nearby, the interior of the pub and little downstairs dining area (I wish I had found that first and bagged that table) everything was great. I noticed it was dog friendly as they had a jar of dog treats on the bar. The service at the date and time of my visit was great. All of the questions I asked the chef were answered and nothing was too much trouble. I wish I lived closer so I could go more often but as I don't I'll have to wait until the next time I'm looking for a dog friendly pub in Winchester with vegan options.

We spent the day in Winchester @ the Christmas Market so had pre-booked a table for two at the Royal Oak - tucked down a narrow lane just off the High Street. The pub is on several levels and has good atmosphere.
We had a light lunch - ordering food @ bar our food arrived in good time - nicely presented and had flavour. So an interesting pub with history / decent food and good service. A good choice.
Even better if - perhaps putting a name or initials on the reserved board on the table - that way there is no confusion on whose table is whose - and also some attention to the 'domestics' - the dusting would struggle to pass a white glove test !
A great location and we will recommend and return.

The food was outstanding and served reasonably fast. They forgot to bring my green tea, though, and had run out of ginger and honey. We ate in the basement seating area, which dates back to 1002 AD 😮 and was the living quarters for Queen Emma, the first Queen of England!

Lunch at the Royal Oak topped off a great day trip to Winchester. I can't fault the staff, who were friendly and helpful...and patient with my demanding family at times ;-p. The food was served quickly and the portions were larger enough to satisfy my greed. I had the steak & ale pie, which was delicious, but next time its got to be the roast! Well worth a visit if you're in Winchester.

Follow Mr & Mrs R on TikTok. I’ve given this pub five stars because I feel it’s not the pub itself that is to blame for the bad beer. The young barman was obviously trying his best, but he probably wasn’t a nail drinker I wouldn’t know a good pint from a bad one.

I could only assume that the barrel was either, a new and not laid to rest for long enough. He did pump air before he got to the ale entering the glass, or it was coming to the end. Either way he would not except that a customer with 50 years experience of ale drinking and unbeknown to him a member of camra might be saying something is not right.

My advice to camra members is, try before you buy. It’s very rare that my wife and I walk out of a pub leaving our beers on the bar.

A beautiful old pub it’s just a shame that the owners don’t seem to realise what a gem they have.

The pub is in itself a lovely building and I can only hope that my experience was due to the fact that they were having a bad day.

The oldest pub in Britain? Well I had to go to see it for myself! Very relaxing traditional pub with food options. Downstairs is where you can find more seating, a section of the old original wall behind perspex, and original wooden beams. Well worth a visit if you're in the area.

Since the moment I walked into the pub I was greeted with a huge smile and the best customer service, your staff here are amazing people and so approachable! Especially Terry and Reece, they have been so lovely!
I will forever recommend anyone who comes to Winchester MUST visit this pub.

Lovely pub with great service. Matt and Brynee made us feel very welcome and relaxed, especially with our dog which loved the doggy treats and attention. Would definitely recommend to friends and family

A bit cramped on the inside but in a charming sort of way, as you often find with these older pubs. The multi-level split throughout the pub is really charming, and being able to sit in one of the quieter areas if you've just popped in for a drink with a friend is perfect

The oldest pub in England still has it's wits and spirits. Good food and good service. The history of the place really took us in.

Update. One of the few pubs in Winchester that has air conditioning on an 83° day. I hung out here for a couple hours and played some computer time. They were very kind and served me drinks.

Followed the sign promising the oldest bar in England. It's quite a claim. Anyway, tick, I've been there now, done it and got the t shirt.
Proud.

Fab food and a wonderful atmosphere.
Its like loads of little rooms attached on top of each other and there's way more seating than I expected. If you can't find a seat it might be that there's some in one of the little branch rooms and hidden floors.
It gives a magical vibe really.
There's old beams and walls which really make it feel cozy and old fashioned, then the food is amazing.
It can get a bit busy by the bar but that's because it's popular.
I'd recommend the halloumi

Neat pub in Manchester! According to the locals this is where kings and queens would stay when they passed through town. In the basement there was a wall that was built in the year 1002!!

Great pub. Nice food. Friendly staff. Sky sports on too. Dog friendly as well. Very enjoyable. Many thanks royal oak for a pleasant visit. Will definately return.

Went to visit Winchester for a day trip. Stumbled upon the Royal Oak and decided to have a few drinks since it said was the oldest bar in England. Had a lovely time there and enjoyed learning about the history of the establishment. Very cool! Visit if you are in the area. Good prices too.

Our first visit to Winchester and stumbled upon the Royal Oak after a shopping trip. Staff were very friendly and courteous, food was excellent value for money and would be more than happy to return in the future! So much history within its walls and and a MUST visit for anyone who loves their history...!!!

Lovely old pub. Good choice of beers and spirits. We have had food here before and would recommend it

Popped in for a few drinks with friends, the food looked amazing so we decided to eat, definitely recommend, the Salmon fishcakes were amazing, service brilliant and toilets very clean.
Definitely worth a visit, great pub