St. James Tavern

+44 1962 861288

3-5 Romsey Rd, Winchester SO22 5BE United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Open Today: -

Quick Facts About St. James Tavern

St. James Tavern, located in a city known for its great pubs, is considered to be amongst the best. One of its strengths is its quieter location, which adds to its charm and makes it a worthwhile destination despite the uphill walk. The venue offers a nice selection of seating options, and for special occasions, there is an upstairs dining room that can be booked, adding a touch of exclusivity.

The food at St. James Tavern is consistently great, with positive comments about the tasty SJT Burger from the menu and the delicious Chicken, Ham & Leak pie. Customers also mention the well-kept Wadworth ales and the nicely prepared lunchtime sandwiches with chips and salad. The fact that the sausage was great on fresh brown bread adds to the positive dining experience. The venue is often described as clean and comfortable, with the option for outdoor seating.

The pub is praised for its friendliness and the warm welcome customers receive upon arrival. This, combined with the staff's attentiveness and friendly service, contributes to the overall positive experience. The fact that the pub has a familiar feel, which makes customers feel at home, is also mentioned as a strength. Additionally, the private room is highly appreciated for events and gatherings, with customers expressing their satisfaction with the planning process and the service provided.

The interior design of St. James Tavern is described as quirky and rustic, with multiple seating and dining areas on different levels. This layout creates a cozy atmosphere that is suitable for both dining and meeting for drinks. The venue's small selection of mains is seen as a strength, as it manages to cover a variety of tastes, and this is supported by the friendly service provided.

A key change at St. James Tavern is the recent change in ownership, which has resulted in an improvement in the food quality. Customers have praised the top quality and great value of the classic dishes offered, along with the continuation of friendly service and the availability of traditional ales and hoppy beers. The new ownership has taken the food to the next level, and this is appreciated by regular patrons.

On the other hand, there are some weaknesses that have been mentioned in the comments. One customer mentions that they had to peel off a layer of rubbery skin from their pork, although the meat itself was delicious. This could be seen as a minor flaw in the overall dining experience. Additionally, another customer mentions having to ask for an itemized bill when the card scanner was presented without one. While this may not be a significant issue, it does highlight a lack of attention to detail in terms of providing a complete payment experience.

In conclusion, St. James Tavern has many strengths that contribute to its reputation as one of the best pubs in the city. From its quieter location and nice seating options to its consistently great food and friendly service, the venue offers a wonderful place to meet with friends and enjoy a variety of experiences. The recent change in ownership has further improved the food quality, adding to the overall positive experience. While there are minor weaknesses, they do not overshadow the strengths and overall appeal of St. James Tavern.

Best TL Reviews

In a city full of great pubs the SJT is amongst the best. Due to its location it can be a little quieter than some of the other city centre boozers but it's well worth the walk up the hill. A nice selection of seating and for a special occasion even has an upstairs dining room that you can book. Have eaten here a few times and the food is always great. Most recently visited on a Thursday, "burger night" and sampled the very tasty SJT Burger from the menu (picture attached). Good selection of beers and a wonderful place to meet with friends for a catch up.

Friendly welcome, well kept Wadworth ales, nice lunchtime sandwiches with chips and salad. Sausage was great on fresh brown bread. Clean and comfy with outdoor seating.

Just experienced my first Pie & Pint (or wine) at the SJT.. Lush!.. I know it's Wednesday and I should be watching the waist line but what the hell.. The Chicken, Ham & Leak pie is worth getting fat for, lovely Veg, Mash & Gravy.... Hmmm best plan that long walk in the morning.

Just held a birthday/ get together here in the private room. Fabulous pub. You know when a great pub has that familiar feel when you walk through the door? That's St James Tavern. Ben was a dream to work with in the planning and the staff were terrific. In a sea of chain pubs or forgettable bars, St. James is a local pub to be treasured. Thanks Ben!

A quirky rustic interior, with the various cosy seating/dining areas all on different levels. Works well as a place to eat and somewhere to meet for a drink.

A good small selection of mains to cover a variety of tastes. All backed up with friendly service.

Recently under new ownership and the food has been taken to the next level. We've had several lunches, mostly serving the classics which are top quality and great value. Staff/Landlord remain as friendly ever. Wadworth traditional ales with a few hoppy beers on the side. Smashing pub.

We had a lucky accident to stumble here for a roast yesterday. Our local had sold out, and after phoning, the helpful bar man held a table for us. The meal was lovely, the pork belly was tender and the veg was amazingly tasty!it also had a lovely cosy atmosphere.

My husband loved his chicken and would have happily given 5 stars. The only reason I’m giving it a 4 star is because my pork had a layer of rubbery skin which I had to peel off - the meat itself was delicious though.

Also had to ask for an itemised bill when the card scanner was just plonked in front of me (just to see if service was added, which it is).

Fabulous place, great staff and delicious food. The venison shank was delicious. It's not a cocktail bar but we asked for a couple and it was no trouble to have them made up.......and they were fantastic! Highly recommend the place