10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Winchester

The Theatre Royal Winchester was originally a hotel but was converted into a theatre in 1912. It’s gone on to become Winchester’s premier cultural destination, also often being named the best theatre in Hampshire. It’s a lovely mix of new and old, with a beautiful red velvet-clad 400-seat theatre hosting shows and a modern cafe bar to enjoy a drink beforehand.

At the Theatre Royal Winchester, you’ll find a varied programme of events, including theatre productions, comedy shows, music gigs and traditional pantomimes at Christmas. The cafe bar also hosts sociable classes and groups, making this a real community hub in Winchester.

Cabinet Rooms is a Winchester favourite that’s known for its chill vibe and welcoming atmosphere. It offers a relaxed cafe space during the day that’s perfect for coffee and a catch-up with friends. And there are also regular events at night, including meet-ups and whiskey tastings.

Cabinet Rooms also offers a seasonally changing selection of cocktails served in beautiful glassware, which people often rave about. Add to this the friendly, welcoming service that regulars have come to expect and the simple, elegant interior, and you have the perfect recipe for a great night out in Winchester.

The Arc is a coming together of community services in Winchester. Whether you’re looking for evening events, library services, or an art exhibition, there’s always something appealing in The Arc’s regularly changing entertainment programme. There are a number of spaces to enjoy, including the main Performance Hall which is pleasingly intimate, with only 175 seats.

The setting of The Arc is lovely, located in a Grade II-listed building on busy Jewry Street. There’s an inviting cafe that’s open during the day when a lot of the centre’s events take place. In-demand comedy nights take place during the evening when The Arc stays open late.

The dramatic Incognito is found in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it downstairs location in St John’s House in Winchester. The Victorian-style bar is boldly opulent, creating a feeling of stepping into another world. Incognito’s attention to detail and unique experience has earned it the ‘Best Bar in Hampshire’ title year-on-year since it opened in 2018.

Cocktails are creatively named, from The Greatest Showman, a cherry, bourbon-and-cream soda concoction, to Holy Grail with pineapple rum, fruits, and ‘gunpowder’. When you visit Incognito, expect innovative presentations, luxurious decor, and an evening of alcohol-fuelled discovery.

The Black Bottle markets itself as Winchester’s only self-service wine bar. Once inside you’ll see what they mean. Clever wine cabinets display an ever-changing selection of international wines. All you do is top up your card with credit, choose your tipple, and let the machine pour for you. You’ll happen across this spot as you near the River Itchen down Bridge Street.

The bar itself is spread across 5 rooms, each with its own wine dispenser. Wine-tasting events take place throughout the year and there are tasty meat and cheese platters if you get a bit peckish. The decor is traditional and rustic, making The Black Bottle a really cosy spot to spend an hour or 2 in the evening.

The Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium has a fantastic range of fun activities and events that will spark kids’ interest and educate and inspire adults. Many of its events take place during the day, but there’s also an exciting evening programme of events that includes lectures and shows.

The Science Centre and Planetarium offers a regular, year-round schedule of movies, arranged in conjunction with the Winchester Film Society. The selected films are culturally rich, focusing on foreign and independent titles. There are also space-themed lectures and even live music events that use the planetarium’s domed ceiling to full advantage.

The Hyde Tavern is a gem of a place located a few minutes on foot from Winchester city centre - great for a post-dinner stroll. First off, we’ve got to mention the pretty building. With twin gables on the outside and beamed ceilings inside, it’s a sight to behold.

As well as the requisite hand-pulled beers, the Hyde Tavern also offers up an impressive selection of events. It hosts regular community groups, as well as a schedule of bands and singers in its dedicated cellar bar. There’s also a large beer garden at the back where you can enjoy those sunny Hampshire evenings.

Vodka is Winchester’s main nightclub and this recently refurbished space appeals particularly to the city’s student population. Vodka is found in the heart of the city, right next to the Brooks Shopping Centre and it’s open four nights a week. Set across 3 floors, the club offers themed events as well as a VIP area.

With hip-hop and rhythm and blues on one floor, club hits on a second, and dance music on the third, there is something for most partygoers. VIP packages are available offering bottle service and a prime view over the dance floor, making it ideal for an extra special night out.

The Royal Oak in Winchester is among the oldest pubs in England. Parts of the building traced back as far as 1002 and its pub credentials date back to the 1600s. The entrance is down a tiny alleyway leading you off the High Street and once you step into the bar area, you’ll be greeted with a nice mix of history and modernity.

The pub’s usually pulling a locally brewed beer or two, and serves traditional pub food - think pie and mash, or scampi and chips. There are also highly-rated Sunday roasts with all the trimmings. With its wood-clad walls, low ceilings, and classic decor, the Royal Oak is great if you want to add a slice of English tradition to your evening.

Winchester Cathedral is one of the city’s big draws. It beautifully represents Winchester’s grand past, and its significance as one of England’s most influential cities. The cathedral is the ideal location for the annual Christmas markets, making for an unbeatable festive backdrop.

Open from mid-November until just before Christmas, the markets emulate the traditional markets of Germany, with their wooden huts and twinkling lights. Expect to find all the Christmas essentials, from woollen hats to Christmas tree decorations, and - of course - plenty of festive goodies to eat and drink.