Pub Review: The Bishop on the Bridge

Sunday morning was bright and sunny despite the low temperature of 0°C. On a whim, we decided to head to nearby Winchester, to visit Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop's Palace). As with all our days out, we love to combine ruins and history with a hearty meal at the pub—especially on Sundays, when roast is on the menu.

Unfortunately, I hadn't read the "fine print", and the castle is only open from April to October. However, I was extremely glad to have made the trip, as we got to discover another lovely pub, The Bishop on the Bridge (another pub under the Fuller's banner).

The Bishop on the Bridge

 
This pub is ideally situated on the edge of the river Itchen. The garden has an amazing view, as do the east-facing windows. It's not a typical-looking pub—you won't find exposed beams and worn, scuffed floors here. Inside, it's nice and bright, with (what I'd call) a charming mix of contemporary-meets-farmhouse. It was quite cozy inside, what with a small fire burning towards the front of the large, open dining room.

Inside the Pub
If you look closely, you can just make out the fire place
by the brick at the back.

The staff at the bar were very friendly and happy to be of service. As with most pubs, we ordered at the bar and a server brought the food to our table. The food was served in a reasonable amount of time—remember, everything is made fresh! Seeing as I seem to be on a mission to taste every nut roast possible, I ordered a plate of that, and it came with red cabbage, carrots, parsnips, roast potatoes, and naturally, a Yorkshire pudding (or "pud" as the chefs called it). My husband ordered the bangers and mash, our eldest had a wild boar burger, and our youngest the pork roast. The waitress offered up a free side-dish of cauliflower and leeks in a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Sunday Nut Roast

Everything was very good, though the sausages were a bit dry, as were the roast potatoes. The portions were very big. This time 'round, we tried the Firecracker, a darker ale, surprisingly good and without all that heavy/thick flavour that tends to come with darker beers.

If it's a nice day out, or you happen to be there with your dog, the garden will be your spot of choice for sure (though I believe pets are welcome inside too). As of 3:30 there was even live music. Hand cream awaits you in the lavatories upstairs, where everything is very clean and updated.

Garden View of the River Itchen

Rear access to the river path.

Overall, we had a wonderful meal, and left happy and quite full. This pub gets five pints out of six!

Want to make a day out of it?

You could head to these nearby places, or just wing it!

Wolvesey Castle (April-October)
Winchester Cathedral
Jane Austen's house (and tour)
Winchester market
The Great Hall

Possibilities in Winchester are just about endless. But there is probably something for everyone! And remember to grab a bite at the pub, you really won't be sorry!

Cheers!