Wykeham Arms: UK's BEST Pub? (You Won't Believe This!)
Wykeham Arms: UK's BEST Pub? (Hold My Beer!) - A Rambling, Unfiltered Review
Alright, alright, settle in, fellow travelers! I'm back from what might be the UK's BEST pub - the Wykeham Arms. And let me tell you, might is the operative word here. Because, honestly? This place threw me for a loop. Like, full-on, "lost in a cozy, beer-soaked maze" kind of loop.
First off, the claims - "UK's BEST Pub?!" Bold, right? I'm skeptical by nature. But after a few days there, I'm… well, I'm still wrestling with it. Let’s break it down, shall we? Forget the polished travel blogger prose. This is real life. This is… me.
Accessibility & Safety - The Boring Bits (But Gotta Do 'Em!)
Okay, so the whole "accessibility" thing is important. I'm not navigating the world in a wheelchair, but I appreciate a place that thinks about it. The Wykeham Arms has facilities for disabled guests, which is a good start. However, I didn’t personally scope it out, so I can’t vouch for the nitty-gritty specifics. I'm basing this on the website and the general vibe of the place, which is… well, let's just say it's old. Old charming. Old sometimes-a-bit-of-a-struggle-to-get-around.
On the safety front, though? They're on it. CCTV in common areas and outside the property, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms (thank goodness!), and a 24-hour front desk and security are all present and accounted for. Plus, those anti-viral cleaning products and daily disinfection in common areas are reassuring. Felt safe as houses, which is a HUGE plus these days. Speaking of which, they have a first aid kit and a doctor/nurse on call. Seriously, good on them.
COVID-era Stuff (Because, Duh)
They have hygiene certification, which is a tick. They do the physical distancing thing, and the staff are trained in safety protocol. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Check. Cashless payment service? Yep. They even offer room sanitization opt-out available. I'm not a germophobe, but it was nice knowing they were being responsible. Individually-wrapped food options are a thing, too. All the basic stuff that makes you feel a little more secure.
Internet & Tech Shenanigans (Because We Can't Live Without It!)
Internet access, eh? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! I'm a digital nomad, so this is a must. The Wi-Fi in public areas was also solid. I managed to download a whole season of something during a particularly rainy afternoon in the bar (more on the bar later…), so I can vouch for its speed. They also have Internet [LAN] but honestly, who uses that anymore? Internet services are there, I guess. Nothing earth-shattering. But the Wi-Fi? A+! You know, for a pub.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Where the Magic (Mostly) Happens
Okay, buckle up. This is where the Wykeham Arms really shines… and sometimes stumbles.
- The Pub – This is THE thing. It’s a proper old-school pub with nooks, crannies, and enough character to fill a library. I spent hours in here. Like, I'm not exaggerating. I was there at breakfast (yep, breakfast service!), for coffee/tea in the restaurant, lunch (the salad in restaurant was surprisingly good!), and, well, let's just say the evening was a blur of conversation and… "research". The bar is the heartbeat of the place. The atmosphere is incredible. It has a poolside bar, but I'm not sure why they have one since they have no swimming pool.
- Restaurants - They have restaurants, plural! I partook in the a la carte in restaurant experience most of the time, but I also saw buffet in restaurant options. They also serve Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant. (I didn't get the chance to try the Asian breakfast or Western breakfast.)
- Food - I was in heaven. They also had a soup in restaurant and lots of desserts in restaurant.
- Happy hour - Definitely participated in the happy hour. Multiple times.
- Room Service - They had room service [24-hour], which, after a few pints, was a godsend. Sadly, I didn't see the bottle of water in my room.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Let's Be Realistic, It's Mostly Relaxing!)
This is where the Wykeham Arms leans more towards "pub" than "spa resort." They don't have a Swimming pool (outdoor), but did you need one? The gym/fitness is not there either. They do not have Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Spa.
The real "things to do" are centered around the pub itself and the surrounding area, which is a beautiful, historic part of the UK. Walks, exploring, and, of course, more pub time.
Services and Conveniences (The Fine Print)
This is the category that's full of little things. Here's what I remember (or could remember):
- Air conditioning - They have air conditioning in public area.
- Conveniences - They have Cash withdrawal and Convenience store, though I never needed either. They do Daily housekeeping.
- More: They have Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator (useful!), Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Safety deposit boxes.
For the Kids (Bless Their Little Cotton Socks)
I didn't travel with kids, but they do have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. Always a plus.
The Rooms (Ah, Sweet Slumber… Or At Least, a Nap)
My room? It was classic. Not modern chic, but comfy and… let's say "lived-in" charm.
- The Good Stuff: A desk (I managed to get some work done between pints!), a Coffee/tea maker (essential!), a Refrigerator (again, essential!), a Safe box and Free Wifi! They provided Complimentary tea. The Seating area was great.
- Less Glamorous Bits: It had Carpeting. They have Air conditioning, Bathtub, Shower, Bathing robes (I think I did get one), Hair dryer, Towels, Slippers. The Window that opens.
Getting Around (The Basics)
They have a Car park [free of charge], which is a real bonus in the UK. They also offer Airport transfer, Car park [on-site], Taxi service.
The Verdict (And The Big Question: Is It the BEST?)
Okay, so, is the Wykeham Arms the BEST pub in the UK?
Honestly? I don't know. What even IS the "best"? It depends on what you're looking for.
- If you want cutting-edge design and a Michelin-starred chef? Go elsewhere.
- If you want a warm, welcoming, history-soaked pub with excellent food, a fantastic atmosphere, and genuine character? You've found it.
It's not perfect. There are quirks. And the slightly chaotic charm is part of its appeal. My main experience was the bar and its food. I got what I wanted, which was a welcoming place to relax, that's all.
Here's the thing: I loved it. I truly, genuinely loved it. The atmosphere, the food, the staff, the history… it all adds up to something special.
My Crazy Offer: The "Wykeham Arms Survival Kit"
Book your stay at the Wykeham Arms NOW, and get the "Wykeham Arms Survival Kit"! (Limited time offer!).
The Kit Includes:
- A FREE pint of your choice upon arrival (because, duh).
- A discount on a Sunday lunch.
- Complimentary late check-out (because you'll probably need it).
- A map of secret walking routes around the area (to burn off those extra calories).
Why This Offer is Awesome:
- It acknowledges the pub-centric nature of the place.
- It rewards you with immediate perks (the pint!).
- It encourages exploration of the local area.
**So, click that button, book
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Home Awaits in New Cairo!
Right then, here's a crack at a travel itinerary for The Wykeham Arms… and good luck following it. This is going to be less "guidebook" and more "diary of a slightly tipsy traveller." Fair warning.
The Wykeham Arms: Surrender to Winchester Charm (and Possibly, Mild Chaos)
Day 1: Arrival & the Glorious Pub-ification of Self
14:00 - Arrival (Hopefully): Blast! Train delays, you say? Bloody hell, that's just what I needed after the airport scramble. But hey, eventually, you're stumbling out of Winchester station, slightly dishevelled but brimming with the promise of… The Wykeham Arms! The photos online? Immaculate. My expectations? High. My current mood? Praying for a strong pint. Oh, and I forgot my charger. Classic. I'm already behind, or perhaps I'm just ahead of schedule for a good moan?
14:30 - Check-in (and the Initial Appraisal): Right, so, the Arms. First impressions: cosy. Genuinely, properly cosy. Smells like old books and good intentions. The reception is, thankfully, swift, the staff are welcoming, and the room… well, it's compact. But clean. And the bed, oh, the bed looks divine. Already considering a pre-pub-crawl nap. But no, duty calls.
15:00 - The Pub, the Pub, the Pub! (And a Plea to the Universe): My God. This pub. It's the soul of the place, isn't it? I'm talking low ceilings, mismatched furniture, walls plastered with… well, everything. Books, old skis, portraits of folks who probably drank here centuries ago. And the real kicker? The staff is friendly, but they seem to know everyone's order before they even open their mouths. This is how it feels to be home. I'm getting a pint of local ale, praying for a good start, maybe some chips. I'm so hungry and can't wait.
16:00 - Chips, Chat, and a Flurry of Opinion: Okay, the chips? Phenomenal. Seriously, the best I've had in ages. And then, I got chatting with a local, who explained the entire history of Winchester in about seven sentences, punctuated with hearty guffaws. I love the locals, they are so warm and nice. This is a good start.
17:00 - Room Interlude (and a Moment of Panic): This is often when the wheels fall off. The pub is lovely, but now I need to get back to the room and find out where the hell I'm supposed to put my stuff. It's so small. I'm starting to wonder if they charged me the wrong rate, and the small room is a mistake. I'm starting to feel claustrophobic. Okay, deep breaths. Breathe.
18:00 - Evening Stroll (or more accurately, a drunken meander): I've decided to wander around Winchester. I can't even remember where I was going, but I saw the Cathedral. It was huge. Very imposing. I was too tired to go in.
19:30 - Pub Round 2: The Dinner Dilemma and the Dreaded Solo Dine: Back to the pub! Tonight, I'm wrestling with the menu. There's the classic pub grub, but do I want something more… adventurous? It's that awkward solo dining thing again. The best thing to do is just order and hope for the best.
21:00 - (Potentially) Rambling into the Night: More pints. More chats. Maybe I'll discover a hidden gem in Winchester. Or maybe I'll just end up telling the barman my life story. Honestly, at this point, either outcome sounds equally appealing.
23:00 - (Possibly) Sleep: Okay, time to sleep, or maybe just watch the TV.
Day 2: Cathedral Reverence, Market Mania, and a Resounding "More Pub, Please!"
09:00 - Breakfast (Maybe): Did I actually get out of bed on time? Regardless, breakfast at the Wykeham Arms is an absolute must. Full English? Yes please! What? I could always have a coffee.
10:00 - Winchester Cathedral: Finally! I'm actually going to see the Cathedral. The architecture is breathtaking. I'm in awe. I actually stood there in stunned silence for a solid twenty minutes. Then, I might have accidentally wandered into a service. Oops.
12:00 - The Saturday Market (and Impulse Buys): Oh. My. God. The Winchester market. Cheese, fresh bread, artisan crafts… I have a serious weakness for impulse purchases. I bought a hat, or maybe a scarf. I have no idea. My credit card is weeping.
14:00 - Lunch and a Deep Dive into Pub Gossip: Back to the pub. This time, I'm getting a proper lunch. I overheard some seriously juicy gossip.
16:00 - More Exploring (or Possibly Just Wandering): Right, time to explore the city. Or, you know, maybe wander aimlessly, getting lost, and stumbling upon another charming alleyway. I adore the small streets. I love walking. I will probably end up back in the pub.
18:00 - Pre-Dinner Drinks (and a Crisis of Confidence): The evening approaches. I might order a glass of wine, sit in the sun. I feel alone. But then, I remember the friendly people. Maybe I'll find them again.
19:30 - Another Dinner, Another Chance to Fail: Same scenario as last night. But I have to be positive, right?
21:00 onwards - The Night Unfolds (Or Perhaps Unravels): See Day 1, around the same point, but likely involving more merriment, questionable decisions, and possibly a late-night conversation with a particularly friendly dog.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Taste of Perfection
09:00 - Breakfast (Again!): Because you can't leave without another dose of deliciousness.
10:00 - Last Look/Souvenir Scramble: A last, lingering look around. One last attempt to buy that perfect souvenir (which, let's be honest, I'll probably forget to pack). And then… the agony of packing.
11:00 - Check-Out (With a Sigh): Goodbye, cosy haven. Goodbye, amazing chips. I'm leaving, sad.
12:00 - Homeward Bound (Or at Least, Headed Somewhere Else): On the train, I can't help but smile. Winchester, you were a revelation. The Wykeham Arms, you've stolen my heart. I'll be back. I'll need to be back. Now where's that charger…
Wykeham Arms: UK's BEST Pub? (You Won't Believe This!) - A Messy FAQ
Wait, what IS this place? The Wykeham Arms? Sounds… posh.
Posh-adjacent, darling. Okay, maybe more than adjacent. It’s in Winchester, right by Winchester College (fancy public school – “public” in the British sense, meaning super-expensive). So, yes, there’s a certain air of tweed and well-worn leather. But don’t let that scare you! The Wykeham Arms, or "The Wykeham" as the locals affectionately call it, is more than just a posh watering hole. It's practically a Winchester institution, a living, breathing, slightly-stuffy-but-lovable organism.
Right, and why do you think it's "the BEST"...? That's a big claim!
Okay, okay, let me preface this with: MY OPINION. And I've been to a *lot* of pubs. It's not the *most* cutting-edge, trendy place. It's not the cheapest. But it has... *soul*. It’s in the little details. The creak of the floorboards (which I’m pretty sure are older than my grandmother), the low hum of conversations, the sheer history embedded in those walls. You can almost *feel* centuries of gossip and good times when you walk in. Plus, the food... oh, the food… more on that later, trust me.
Okay, I'm intrigued. What's the *atmosphere* like? Is it stuffy?
Honestly? Sometimes. It depends. During term time, you'll get a healthy dose of college boys (young lads, all crisp shirts and maybe a bit too confident). But on a Tuesday afternoon? Magic. It’s a mix. Locals gossiping, a couple of academics debating obscure poetry, a dog or two (dogs are *very* welcome, which already gets them bonus points in my book). It's a chaotic ecosystem. It's the *vibe*. You just gotta experience it, and then you'll get it.
What about the beer? Is it any good? (Crucial question)
Excellent! They've always got a good selection. Real ales, local brews, the usual suspects. They *know* their beer. And they keep it well. I once saw, maybe three years ago... I'm drawing a blank, *I had* a *moment*... oh yeah! The old guy next to me with the tweed jacket *insisted* I try a new local bitter. And I *hated* it. (Sorry, old guy!) BUT the fact he was so passionate, and the staff were so understanding... that's the Wykeham. Plus, the usual staples are always on point. I'm partial to a pint of... well, it depends on my mood!
Okay, you mentioned food. The BEST, you said? Spill the beans!
Alright, let's talk FOOD. The Wykeham’s food… is… a journey. It *can* be phenomenal. Their Sunday roast? Seriously, book in advance. It's legendary. The Yorkshire puddings are practically architectural masterpieces. The gravy… oh, the gravy. (I confess, I have *ordered* extra gravy on occasion. Don’t judge me!) And the fish and chips... deep-fried perfection with chunky chips (proper chips, not those skinny fries nonsense). I had a truly life-altering experience with their fish and chips. The fish, flaky, the batter, perfect, the chips, hot and delicious... I nearly wept. I may have actually said, "Bloody hell" aloud. It was that good. Actually, on second thought, the *worst* part? The queue. Always a queue! They’re *that* good.
So, the food is consistently great then? No bad experiences?
Well…no. I mean I'm not going to lie, I've had a slightly *meh* sandwich there once or twice. And on a busy Sunday, the service can be… a bit stretched. They're always rushed off their feet. But… that’s part of the charm, isn't it? It’s not a Michelin-starred restaurant, it's a pub. The imperfections are part of what makes it real, and keeps me coming back I suppose. Plus, even when the food isn't *perfect*, the atmosphere always saves it. It's a good pub, what more can you ask?
Are there any quirks? Anything unusual about the place?
Oh, loads! The interior is full of fascinating knick-knacks, antique furniture... it's like stepping into a time capsule. There's an old school bell behind the bar – I've never figured out its purpose. The staff *hate* it when you ring it at any point. (I've witnessed it). There's the little snug you can book. There's a fireplace that actually works (essential for winter). It's the little things. The dog bowls. The handwritten specials board. It's got character spilling out of every nook and cranny.
What about accessibility, is it accommodating?
This is where it gets a bit… tricky. It's an old building, so access isn't perfect. There might be stairs. It's worth checking ahead (don't call on a Sunday, they're *always* busy). But the staff are generally lovely and will do their best to help. It's not a modern, purpose-built, super-accessible place, though.
So, overall, would you actually recommend it?
YES! Absolutely, unequivocally, YES! Look, if you want a sterile, predictable, chain-pub experience, go somewhere else. But if you want a genuine, characterful pub with good food, a great atmosphere, and a tiny touch of magic… go to The Wykeham Arms. Just don't tell everyone, okay? I don't want it to get *too* busy... And try the fish and chips. Seriously. Just… try them.
