The Black Boy

We start off with a peek inside the pub, which dates from the 1700s. The warren of rooms is chock-a-block with curios and a strange assortment of stuffed animals – a giraffe’s head here, a donkey there. There are stacks of board games, an open fire roars, dogs are welcome.

Another unusual spot in Winchester is the Black Boy Pub, which features some very eclectic decor with taxidermy, large movie posters and assorted knick-knacks adorning the exposed wood beam throughout the pub. The Black Boy prides itself on being a proper ‘back street boozer’, with a focus on serving local ales along with a small wine list. Patrons can sit inside (with a roaring fire in winter) and enjoy the ‘antique emporium’ feel or outside in the sheltered garden, which has heaters in colder weather.

This traditional backstreet boozer is fiercely loyal to local breweries that include Bowman Ales, The Cheriton Brewhouse, Flack Manor, Itchen Valley Brewery and Alfred’s Brewery. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, its quirky features and “dogs are welcome” policy have earned it a sterling reputation with locals and visitors alike. Beyond the organised chaos of clutter and taxidermy you can sit in the book-lined bar area sipping a pint or enjoying a meal from the specials’ board.

Since there are a variety of interesting and historic pubs in the city, having a pint inside one (or all) of them is one of the best things to do in Winchester!. The Black Boy pub is easily the most quirky of Winchester’s pubs, as it’s packed with all manner of weird memorabilia, antiques, stuffed animals, books, movie posters, and even old fire buckets. In summer it’s lovely to sit outside in the garden, while in winter there’s a roaring fire inside and heaters outside.

Friday and Saturday evenings from 7pm, this classic pub open up their gin bar. They have such a large selection and I think even I haven’t tried all their different gins on offer!. What I also like about this is their pairing suggestions with tonic waters -however many years ago that I started drinking gin and tonics, it was always Schweppes Light Tonic as the only option, but now there is a great variety of tonic waters out there.

With lovely open log fires to curl up beside in winter, as well as a wagtastic beer garden to make the most of in summer months, this is another great pooch friendly place to enjoy with your pup. Dog treats are available behind the bar and furry friends are made to feel right at home, both inside and out. Two legged friends can pick from a varied menu - the Sunday roast comes highly recommended!

If you're looking for dog friendly pubs in Winchester, The Black Boy is an endearingly quirky ‘backstreet boozer’ offering the ultimate in olde English charm. It has developed quite the cult following amongst pub enthusiasts, with traditional ales, roaring fires and delicious roast dinners. A worthwhile afternoon off the beaten track just 20 minutes from Blackwood Forest.

I’ve been going to The Black Boy for, well, probably decades. It’s a great little pub, in a low-ceilinged old building, replete with plenty of novelty clutter (taxidermied beasts, eviscerated books), fireplaces (that are actually used in the winter), and plenty of nooks and crannies. More importantly, however, there’s also a decent selection of real beers.

The staff at the Black Boy fuss any dogs through the doors, doing occasional rounds to hand out gravy bones. It’s a busy backstreet boozer with the quirkiest decor, where antiques and oddities clutter from taxidermy animals and WW1 prosthetics clutter every inch, and you’ll notice something new every visit. Be sure to keep an “eye” out for the ladies loo.

Self-described as a ‘back street boozer’, the Black Boy features as one of the more unique pubs on our list. The Black Boy focuses on classic pub traditions; therefore, you won’t find table reservation or a food menu here, but you will find an incredible interior design, with a vintage feel and eye-catching features everywhere you look.

David Nicholson, The Black Rat's owner, is also the proprietor of The Black Boy pub, The Black Hole B&B and The Black Bottle wine bar. Whether taxidermy-strewn, prison-themed or offering a vending machine-dispensed wine-tasting experience - respectively - the theme to be found in each of Nicholson's establishments is quirkiness.

Head to Winchester's Wharf Hill to grab a pint or meal at The Black Boy, one of the city's most historic pubs. A "traditional back street boozer," the pub is known for its eclectic mix of fireplaces, taxidermy and art, and locally-brewed beers. Food is served six days a week (every day except Monday) and the menu changes daily.

This pub is truly wild and may be one of our favourites in the UK. Named for chimney sweeps, the interiors are mad – do a lap around the bar to take in the elaborate taxidermy, vintage paraphernalia, and old school metal signs. Challenge your friends to a game of table football before heading into the expansive garden to relax.

Some of the popular spots where you will find fellow students are at wacky pub The Black Boy, Spoons, Pitcher & Piano, Alfie’s and the only nightclub in the city called Vodka. But if you are after a big night out then catch the train to Southampton where there are lots of clubs and is only half an hour away by train.

1 Wharf Hill, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9NQTel: 01962 861754Larger photos of the Black Boy, Winchester Sprawling, but cosy pub on the south-eastern side of the city centre. In my view the Black Boy is the best pub in Winchester. It has been extended a couple of times since I first started coming ...

This quirky pub in Winchester is a favourite among locals and boasts some of the strangest yet coolest interior design elements. Outside, the courtyard pub garden has a rustic charm and eye-catching old-school graphic signs, plus there are plenty of seating areas to catch up with friends over a pint.

This pub is tucked away on Wharf Hill, off Chesil Street in Winchester. Although well known in all the guides, it is still a traditional back-street boozer. Good 'pub grub' is available from Tuesday evenings through to Sunday lunch.

Two of my personal favorites are The Wykeham Arms and The Black Boy. Located just down the street from Winchester College, The Wykeham Arms offers full meals. Many of the tables in the pub are old-school desks.

The landlord there is a proper original, but great fun to chat to. It’s a freehouse so selection is great, and try the game with the hoop around the hand while you are there.

This seemingly ordinary, black-&-white backstreet pub is a real gem. Its warren of dark, higgledy-piggledy beamed rooms is crammed with a riot of o ..." Read our full review

Tucked away on Wharf Hill, The Black Boy is still faithful to its origins as a traditional local pub. They offer a good selection of home cooked favourites.

It’s a great spot for a drink or meal and the staff are known for being friendly to dogs, often providing water bowls and treats.