The Square Winchester
A charming hub of independent shops and eateries in Winchester, offering great coffee, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
The Square Winchester
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming hub of independent shops and eateries in Winchester, offering great coffee, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere.
"The Square Coffee Shop is an absolute gem, offering warmth, charm, and genuinely excellent coffee."
🎯 Brunch Date Spot
Looking for a good breakfast date spot that's not too pricey? The Square has options!
☀️ Garden Seating
Enjoy a peaceful break in the well-maintained garden, perfect for downtime.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Independent Eateries
Throughout The Square
Discover unique cafes and restaurants offering delicious brunch, coffee, and more. A true taste of Winchester's independent spirit.
Winchester Mercantile
The Square
Explore this charming shop filled with gift items, perfect for finding unique treasures and supporting local artisans.
The Hambledon
10 The Square, Winchester SO23 9ES
A beautifully curated store offering thoughtful gifts and inspiring displays, a perfect spot for browsing unique finds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Know Your Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Brunch Date Spot
Looking for a good breakfast date spot that's not too pricey? The Square has options!
☀️ Garden Seating
Enjoy a peaceful break in the well-maintained garden, perfect for downtime.
🛍️ Shop Local Gems
Explore independent shops like Winchester Mercantile for unique gifts and souvenirs.
☕ Coffee Perfection
Experience excellent, smooth coffee that rivals trendier spots, made with care.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Brunch Date Spot
Looking for a good breakfast date spot that's not too pricey? The Square has options!
☀️ Garden Seating
Enjoy a peaceful break in the well-maintained garden, perfect for downtime.
🛍️ Shop Local Gems
Explore independent shops like Winchester Mercantile for unique gifts and souvenirs.
☕ Coffee Perfection
Experience excellent, smooth coffee that rivals trendier spots, made with care.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes
Bring your furry friend along; this spot is welcoming to dogs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Square Winchester is largely praised for its charming atmosphere, excellent coffee, and fresh, tasty food from independent eateries. Visitors appreciate the welcoming, relaxed vibe and the unique shopping opportunities. However, some reviews mention issues with cleanliness and slow drink service, and prices can be on the higher side for families.
"The Square Coffee Shop is an absolute gem.
From the moment you walk in, there’s a real warmth – not just from the lovely staff but from the whole feel of the place. The building’s full of charm and character, and the decor just adds to that – you instantly get the sense you’ve found somewhere special.
The food’s fresh, vibrant, and properly tasty. Whether you’re after a filling brunch, something lighter, or just a little treat with your coffee, everything hits the mark. Speaking of the coffee – it’s genuinely excellent. Smooth, full of flavour, and clearly made with care. I drink mine black (no syrups, no milk, no hiding) and this place more than holds its own. Honestly, it could go head-to-head with some of East London’s trendiest coffee spots – just without all the pretence.
It’s a really welcoming spot – friendly, relaxed, and dog-friendly too (always a big plus!). Perfect for catching up with mates, working away on your laptop, or just settling in with a good book. The garden’s a real bonus as well – peaceful, well looked after, and ideal for a bit of downtime.
You can easily imagine it doubling as a great little bar or private hire venue too. With the setting, the lovely team, and that chilled-but-polished vibe, it’s got all the makings of a brilliant spot for a gathering."
Alexander Brazier
"Stopped here for a late lunch on a Sunday afternoon. Service was excellent and the food really very good. I had a Chicken Caesar Salad and fries with parmesan and truffle. The salad was as good as I could have hoped for and the fries were a rare treat. Good value for money too."
LuthierChris
"We stopped at The Square for breakfast whilst we were waiting for the Christmas market to open. A lovely breakfast that we all really enjoyed - my son who is a bit fussy had a side of hash browns and then had bits of ours, but realistically could have ordered his own as he said he actually liked the sausages. Hash browns were actually very nice, beans not so much! Seating is mainly on first floor, with toilets up on the second floor. Cost was on the slightly more pricey side for breakfast (well at least it feels like it when your paying for a family of 4... and no option of kids version of options.)"
Andrew Cartwright
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Square is located in Winchester city centre, SO23 9EX. Various city centre parking options are available nearby.
Yes, there are various city centre parking options available near The Square.
Opening hours are typically Monday-Friday 8 am-4 pm, and Saturday/Sunday 9 am-5 pm.
Absolutely! Winchester Cathedral is very close to The Square, making it a perfect spot to visit before or after exploring the cathedral. It's a short and pleasant walk.
Winchester has a main train station and several bus routes that stop in the city centre, making it accessible by public transport. From the station or bus stops, it's a short walk to The Square.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there's no need to book tickets to enter The Square itself. It's an open area with various independent businesses.
There are no entry fees to wander around The Square. You pay for food, drinks, or items purchased from the shops located there.
Yes, The Square is perfect for a quick visit to grab a coffee, browse a shop, or enjoy the atmosphere. You can easily pop in and out.
Yes, The Square often hosts special events like Sip & Paint evenings.
The Square is a central area, so there isn't one single designated entrance. You can access it from various surrounding streets in Winchester city centre.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a variety of independent eateries offering brunch, coffee, cakes, pastries, and light meals. Some places also serve pizza.
Yes, The Square is known for its breakfast and brunch offerings. While one reviewer found Wetherspoons disappointing, other independent spots are highly recommended for a good breakfast date.
Yes, some establishments within The Square offer vegan options.
While there isn't a specific children's menu, there are high chairs and baby changing facilities available.
The coffee at The Square is described as excellent, smooth, and full of flavour, comparable to trendy East London spots.
📸 📸 Photography
The charming architecture, independent shop fronts, and vibrant atmosphere make for great photos. Look for sunny days to capture the good vibes.
The art transformations by The Colour Factory artists add a unique visual element to some areas.
Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask permission from the shop staff before taking extensive photos inside their establishment.
Morning light can be lovely for capturing the relaxed atmosphere, while afternoons offer a livelier scene. Sunny days enhance the visual appeal.
The general ambiance of the square, with its mix of historic buildings and independent storefronts, is the main attraction.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Some eateries, like The Stable, are known for family-friendly dishes such as pizza. It's a good place for a casual brunch or a coffee break. However, be mindful that seating can sometimes be on the first floor, with toilets on the second, which might be a consideration for families with very young children or strollers. Prices for family meals might also be perceived as slightly higher.
☕ Coffee Lovers
Beyond the excellent coffee, the independent cafes offer a charming ambiance, perfect for enjoying your drink while reading a book or catching up with friends. The relaxed vibe and friendly service enhance the overall coffee-drinking experience.
+1🛍️ Shoppers & Browsers
+1These shops offer a chance to find something special and support local businesses. The atmosphere of browsing in these charming stores adds to the overall appeal of visiting The Square.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Independent Spirit of The Square
Social media content highlights the warmth and charm of places like The Square Coffee Shop, praising its fresh, tasty food and excellent coffee. The relaxed, welcoming vibe makes it suitable for catching up with friends, working, or simply enjoying a quiet moment. The addition of a garden seating area further enhances its appeal for downtime.
+1This community-focused approach extends to unique shops like Winchester Mercantile and The Hambledon, which offer thoughtfully curated items and giftware. These spots are perfect for finding souvenirs or unique presents, embodying the spirit of supporting local artisans and entrepreneurs.
+1Culinary Delights at The Square
+1Coffee enthusiasts will find The Square particularly appealing, with one review noting its coffee is genuinely excellent, holding its own against trendy city spots. This dedication to quality extends to other offerings, including cakes and pastries. However, it's worth noting that service for drinks can sometimes be slower than for food items.
+1For those seeking a more substantial meal, places like The Stable offer popular options like pizzas, making The Square a versatile destination for various dining preferences. While generally well-received, some reviews suggest that prices can be on the higher side, especially for family meals, and there might not always be specific children's menu options.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit