Black Boy, Winchester (From Daily Echo)

Black Boy, Wharf Hill, Winchester

in Pub Reviews By Joseph Curtis

SOMETIMES you want to go where everybody knows your name.

That slogan was made popular by the 1980s television comedy Cheers, but it’s an ideology that holds true at the very real Black Boy pub in Winchester.

Tucked away in a picturesque location near the River Itchen in the heart of Winchester, the pub opens its arms to all comers, with friendly staff keen to learn more about their clientele.

Manager Polly Perry said: “If you get to know and talk to people, you know who is in your pub. Lots of interesting people come in here and you get to learn new things everyday by having conversations with them.”

It’s a policy that works wonders as punters pack out the pub most nights of the week and keep the kitchen staff busy most lunchtimes, and Polly, 27, put their success down to traditional pub values.

She said: “It’s not rocket science. If you have good beers and keep them well you will get people coming back.

“We are not an exclusive pub, we don’t favour anyone, it’s just about making everyone who comes in feel special and welcome.”

One of the reasons for the popularity of the pub could be its eccentric decorations, with the walls adorned with nostalgic posters and paintings, caricatures, maps, taxidermy and comic strips.

The décor was introduced by owner David Nicholson when he took over the Black Boy in 1995, ensuring that everything that goes on the walls has a story rather than being just for show.

David, who also owns the Black Rat restaurant and Black Bottle wine bar in Winchester, added: “I have really enjoyed my time here – I think it’s the best job in the world.

“I have wonderful staff and we also have fantastic clientele who keep us very busy.”

The Black Boy,
1 Wharf Hill,
Winchester
01962 861754