Wykeham Arms

Good Pub Guide Recommended

Tucked-away pub with lots to look at, several real ales, many wines by the glass and highly thought-of food; pretty bedrooms

If you're coming to this fine old town, a visit here is a must. The series of bustling rooms have all sorts of interesting collections and three log fires - as well as 19th-c oak desks retired from Winchester College, kitchen chairs, deal tables with candles and big windows with swagged curtains. A snug room at the back, known as the Jameson Room (after the late landlord, Graeme Jameson), is decorated with a set of Ronald Searle 'Winespeak' prints. A second room is panelled. Fullers HSB, London Pride and Spring Sprinter, Gales Seafarers and a guest such as Flowepots Goodens Gold on handpump, 25 wines by the glass, 29 malt whiskies, a couple of farm ciders and quite a few ports and sherries; the tea list is pretty special. There are tables on a covered back terrace and in a small courtyard. The lovely bedrooms have been refurbished this year; some have four-posters and the two-level suite has its own sitting room.

Bar food times: 12-3, 6-9.30; 12-3.30, 6.30-9 Sun

First-class food includes lunchtime sandwiches, devilled mushrooms with a duck egg and brioche, smoked salmon with kohlrabi slaw and soft herbs, sweet potato with chickpeas, spinach, quinoa, pomegranate and tahini, beer-battered haddock with triple-cooked chips, torched cod suprême with salsify, cockles and parsley, lamb rump with braised shoulder, heritage carrots and flageolet beans, and puddings such as poached rhubarb with balsamic jelly, granola and coconut milk yoghurt and dark chocolate brownie with chocolate brûlée and apple sorbet; they also offer a two- and three-course set menu (not weekends).