The Running Horse - Winchester

Great food brought to you by friendly efficient staff. The venison scotch eggs, black bean tacos and the mussels were particular highlights. Mini desserts with coffee also a great idea.

The food was mediocre but the service from our server called Sam was second to none, whilst dealing with other customers my partner was having problems finding the W.C. he went out of his way to direct my partner in the right direction,after we had finished and left the premises Sam went out of his way to to makesure we enjoyed our meal

Absolutely delicious offering a great menu with something for everyone, 2 of us had the steak and ale pie with mash and vegetables and real gravy it which was the best pie I’ve had and the whole meal was yumcious, my other friend had whitebait to start off of the set menu followed by the sausage mash vegetables and onion gravy and no words were needed after he left an empty plate. Although we were full we decided to share a dessert of chocolate brownie and ice cream with 3 spoons we had to restrain ourselves waiting for our turn to have a spoonful, next time might have one each!!! The staff were lovely, welcoming and friendly and already planning our next visit.

This is definitely a destination pub and takes a little finding. First impressions were good with a nice large car park and welcoming entrance. The pub has a lot of character but with a modern horse themed twist. Given that it was a Saturday evening the venue wasn’t very busy and although we were shown to a table we were also told we could choose anywhere in the area. A drinks order was taken quickly and menus delivered. All seemed good at this stage and the drinks and a bowl of olives were brought to the table. It took a little while for the server to take our food order and it was quite surprising that they didn’t write it down but preferred instead to ‘remember it’. The starters arrived fairly quickly and they were fine. We then waited for the mains…..and waited…..and waited……The staff walked past our table on many occasions and could see we didn’t have our food but said nothing. After 40 mins I asked where our main courses were and a server went to the kitchen to check. She returned and said they were on there way. From where I was sitting I could see into the kitchen prep area and at this point they began to make our food. 10 mins later and it arrived! It was completely obvious that we had been forgotten about although there was an apology it would have been a nice gesture to offer us another drink/coffee etc. The food was fine, nothing special, but at nearly £20 for fish, chips and peas it doesn’t offer good value for money. I also feel that adding 12.5% to the bill as a service charge is underhand, particularly when the service was less than good. There are far better pubs and eateries around Winchester.

Stopped here for lunch. Amazing value with their 2024 set menu. 3courses and a drink for £20 is a bargain. Schnitzel was fantastic as was the posset.