The Old Vine

Average food, tiny portions but the reason this review is a one out of five is down to the service. I have never been to a place in a central city and experienced such poor service since the 90s. It was like they dragged a random set of strangers off the street. We constantly had to wave our arms to get anyone’s attention, often at a bunch of young folk ( the service staff) gathered around a coffee machine drinking coke and looking at their phones. The couple next to us were frustrated and equally irritated. We spent a lot of money as there were six of us, but when we wanted a drink at the bar area they called last orders at 10.30pm with a ton of people in there. These kids had no interest in serving the customer, they wanted to get out asap. Overall, VERY disappointing, won’t be back. Will stick to a place that has some form of management and training of staff.

We stayed at the Old Vine for three nights. Room was very nice with old charm. Large, bed, plenty of warmth and a table/chairs. Bathroom was very modern with lovely shower. We had one evening meal there which was nice. Only had one breakfast there on last day as we hadn’t realised we had it included(!). We had a drink and played scrabble in the bar after eating out on a couple of evenings. Unfortunately last orders at 10pm in the main pub and no separate residents bar. Weather terrible while there so felt like we had forced early night. Location was very good. Staff all nice.

Had a lovely afternoon watching the world go by in the bar and came back this morning for breakfast. Huge portion for the full English. Excellent quality, well cooked and presented. I won’t need anything for the rest of today! Definitely recommended.

We had a lovely stay here. The room was clean and beautifully decorated, with good amenities (coffee maker, well-stocked tea and biscuit tray, bathrobes, slippers, etc). Breakfast in the morning was absolutely superb. Fantastic location right by the cathedral. We will definitely stay here again next time we're in Winchester.

We visit the vine often . We always have a lovely evening with great food . Plenty on the menu to choose from as well as a special board . The staff are really attentive and always friendly. Can’t go wrong with the Vine

Yes, Tripadvisor, we did go again! And again we were not disappointed. We were extremely lucky with the weather so we were fortunate in that we could sit outside The Old Vine Inn on the front 'terrace' and be plied with drinks and food in the sunshine, watching the world go by. It is in a perfect location, right buy the main square in from of the Cathedral and the museum, with lots of people coming and going and a huge amount choosing to come to The Old Vine for sustenance! The accommodation is second to none, beautiful bedrooms, well appointed, withy a well-stocked fridge with fresh milk, soft drinks etc. and a posh proper coffee machine that we didn't use! The bathroom was superb with a shower that doesn't need a degree to use, and that makes a change with so many hotels with complicate shower systems! The staff are young, enthusiastic and attentive and the restaurant is well managed with jolly good 'bistro style' food and lots of local Hampshire delicacies. Can't fault this really old and historic Inn with its modern luxury. It makes for a perfect break in the, the ancient capital of England. Five stars all round

The room was spotless, the coffee station was fantastic and including the fresh cream/milk in fridge was so appreciated. I'm was able to catch that first morning coffee immediately, exactly how I wanted it prepared and then ready to start my day. The bath was so modern and all plumbing worked. I point out these things because I have found these items to be "spotty" in other places I've stayed. The attention to all the details in the room made the stay really comfortable for us. Next: the breakfast was the best I have on any travels! I've never had porridge and found the OV preparation much surpassed any oatmeal I've had in past. Loved all the options to add to the scrambled eggs and the fresh just (no sugar added!) was sublime. Finally the Team working at the OV were amazing and answered all my questions around trains, taxis and buses to the various places I wanted to visit. Their attitude was so friendly and helpful starting with Ashton answering my many questions prior to the stay as well as during the stay. I have never sent such an extensive review but felt this one was well deserved.

What makes for a brilliant, small, independent hotel? In our experience it is simple. An owner/manager who cares not only for his customers, but for his staff too. If he treats his staff well, the rest will follow. The Old Vine is, clearly, one such hotel. Everyone smiles, all are polite, helpful and caring to the 'n'th degree and that made us feel safe and happy from the moment a young lady darted out to help us to the hotel's garage. Then to the hotel itself where literally every detail has been considered and provided sympathetically in this famous Grade II 17th -century building. All the rooms have been designed and named after some of the country's leading interior designers; we had 'The Nina Campbell Room', beautifully furnished with an eclectic selection of antique furniture and stunning wallpaper and drapes by Ms Campbell. So, a clever mixture of ancient and very modern! The room was equipped with everything and more that we needed. I mean, when did you last have complimentary fresh milk in the 'fridge for tea and coffee? Or windows that actually open to let in fresh air? Or for that matter, staff who dive in to carry your baggage complaining that you are leaving so soon? We also managed to peep into 'The Osborne and Little Room' near ours, again with the eponymous design, fabric and effects. Simply gorgeous. The restaurant serves terrific breakfasts, (a fruit salad that is outstanding) inclusive of the room price, but also popular, it seems, with 'Walk-ins'. Food is modern 'Bistro' style and plenty of it, served, of course, with amiable staff and a chalk-board of 'specials'! A superb wine list, and a well-equipped bar. It is well-known locally as a 'go-to' place for a casual top-end dinner. The location of the hotel is, frankly, second to none. Walk out of the front door and within two minutes you can be entering one of the most breathtaking cathedrals in Europe. The Cathedral Close almost literally kisses the hotel steps! On sunny days there are heaps of chairs and tables outside on the very popular pedestrian area for drinks and lunches, and a minute away is High Street, with all the top fashion names and a fabulous selection of eateries, not that we needed to use them! Then the touristy sights are manifold in this, the ancient capital of England; top of course, is the cathedral with the added bonus of Jane Austen's grave and the story of the diver who saved the building by spending six hours a day for six years under the cathedral in deep water. Then you can walk uptown to see King Arthur's Round Table (ah-hem, I don't believe it either, but tradition is tradition,) and the ancient city walls, it is well worth the short walk! All in all, The Old Vine proved to be, for us, without any doubt whatsoever, the finest independent hotel we have ever had the pleasure to visit and, boy, are we fussy! But bear in mind that this is an award winning four star Inn, rated thus because clearly it has no lift, no air conditio

This was a charming place to stay. The number of rooms is limited, so I suggest booking well in advance. And because it's a smaller hotel, I felt like I was getting more personalized service. The bed was extremely comfortable, the bathroom updated, and in room tea and coffee making facilities were provided, along with a mini fridge stocked with complimentary juice and water. Breakfast is also included in the rate. I found the menu fairly diverse and the food delicious. I had two minor quibbles. (1) This hotel is completely safe but as a solo traveler, I feel more comfortable with a deadbolt I can turn when I sleep at night. Again, I did not feel unsafe but was a little uncomfortable. (2) I am from the American desert where we consider 60F (16C) to be *very* cold. I am not hardy stock. So when overnight temps fell to about 45F (7C) or so and the heat was not turned on, I was *extremely* uncomfortable. Once overnight temperatures fell below 40F (4C) the heat was turned on for the night, and I was extremely grateful. On a more positive note, this hotel is wonderfully located. It's a reasonable walk from the train station (though do keep in mind the hill going up to return to the station is steep), very close to High Street, and steps from Winchester Cathedral. The main draw in the area for me was Jane Austen's House, which was easily accessible by bus from a stop not far from the hotel. Overall a comfortable stay, but for those accustomed to warmer climates, prepare yourself if staying during a colder time of year.