
The Old Gaolhouse
Quick info
About The Old Gaolhouse
The Old Gaolhouse is a Wetherspoon pub in Winchester town centre, at 11a Jewry St, set in the former governor's house of the city's debtors' prison. Inside, the pub has lots of space. The menu includes pasta, jacket potatoes and chicken and bacon dishes, and Green King IPA is on tap. Customers order and are served through the app or in person, and the pub takes walk-ins only. Coffee comes from an automatic machine.
Good to know
“Modern Wetherspoon pub with food, set in the former governor's house of the city's debtors' prison.”
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, restroom, seating
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention ordering via app, historic building character, pasta and jacket potatoes and Greene King IPA.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention ordering via app, historic building character, pasta and jacket potatoes and Greene King IPA.
Customer Review Summary
Staff draw the most praise, described as friendly, efficient and nice even when the pub is busy. The building's character and relaxed feel come close behind, along with easy ordering through the app, and reviewers single out pasta, jacket potatoes and Green King IPA. Waits are the recurring trade-off: a couple of reviewers mention slow service or food taking a while, one struggled to find a table for six, and another found the food possibly not freshly made and a bit cool. One reviewer found the chicken and bacon portion small, and a server topped it up, saying portions had been reduced. Others mention loud customers, lighting so dim a torch was needed, and a berry and cherry cider called disgusting. One reviewer reports being charged for an Empire burger after ordering an Ultimate Burger, then being refused service when disputing a request to pay extra. Another thanks a staff member who came outside to say their taxi to the hotel was running late.
Customer Review Summary
Staff draw the most praise, described as friendly, efficient and nice even when the pub is busy. The building's character and relaxed feel come close behind, along with easy ordering through the app, and reviewers single out pasta, jacket potatoes and Green King IPA. Waits are the recurring trade-off: a couple of reviewers mention slow service or food taking a while, one struggled to find a table for six, and another found the food possibly not freshly made and a bit cool. One reviewer found the chicken and bacon portion small, and a server topped it up, saying portions had been reduced. Others mention loud customers, lighting so dim a torch was needed, and a berry and cherry cider called disgusting. One reviewer reports being charged for an Empire burger after ordering an Ultimate Burger, then being refused service when disputing a request to pay extra. Another thanks a staff member who came outside to say their taxi to the hotel was running late.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“A really enjoyable place to visit and gives a very positive impression. It has plenty of character, and the setting makes it feel more interesting than a standard pub or casual place to eat and drink. The atmosphere is one of the strongest parts. It feels relaxed, welcoming and easy to settle into, whether you are stopping for a meal, having a drink or meeting people. The building itself adds to the experience and gives the place a bit of charm and personality. It is the kind of venue that works well for a casual visit while still feeling memorable. Everything felt straightforward and enjoyable, and it left me with a good overall impression. I would happily return to The Old Gaolhouse and would recommend it to anyone looking for a pleasant and characterful place to visit.”
- Google user
“Food took a bit of a wait but the quality was as good as usual. Friendly staff and air con was definitely working well. We are a group of 3 and each of us has a meal and a drink which came to around £20 total.”
- Google user
“I am writing to report on my experience regarding a service and billing issue I experienced at The Old Gaolhouse in Winchester today on July 16th. I visited the pub and placed an order for an "Ultimate Burger." However, I discovered that I was incorrectly charged for an "Empire" burger. When I brought this discrepancy to the attention of the staff, I requested that the order be corrected. Rather than rectifying the error, I was informed by the copper haired member of the team that I would need to pay an additional fee to receive the item I had originally ordered, despite having already paid for the meal. When I questioned this, the conversation escalated, and I was subsequently refused service. I was not provided with a receipt at the time of the transaction, though I requested one before leaving. ( see attached) I am disappointed by the lack of resolution and the dismissive treatment I received. As I did not receive the product I paid for, I have raises this with their Head office for resolution. I look forward to your prompt response regarding this matter.”
- Google user
“It’s a Wetherspoons .. predictable but good food and variety of drinks. Long service times sometimes but it can get busy. Saying that, didn’t struggle to find a table on a Friday evening. Ideally situated in the centre of town near other attractions.”
- Google user
“Well spoons I had a lovely time in this one, bought a couple of pints well I came back later on in the day, but first off got the lilies berry’s and cherries cider. DIGUSTING would get that off tap quick, then when coming back later in the afternoon I got the Green King IPA which is my usual, no complaints there good value as always. What I would say is next time could we maybe get the lights turned up a bit, I could barely see my hand in front of my face let alone my drink so for most of my time I sat there I needed my tourch as not to spill the blessed drink down me. I get that you are cheap and tight but seriously get the lights up a bit would you. Also you will be pleased to here this was my Dutch friends first time in a spoons so thankyou for taking her spoons virginity”
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Location
Bars near The Old Gaolhouse
- 0.4 mi£10–40ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
riverside garden seating, roast dinner, squid starter
- The Cart & Horses4.42,3092 mi£20–40ReservationsGood for kids
sunday roast, beef burger with fries, sourdough with salted butter
- 4.4 mi£20–30ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
fish and chips, sardines on toast, bavette steak
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Old GaolhouseWheelchair accessible | 3.93,221 | — | — | ordering via app, historic building character, pasta and jacket potatoes |
| The Bishop on the Bridge, WinchesterReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.32,526 | 0.4 mi | £10–40 | riverside garden seating, roast dinner, squid starter |
| The Cart & HorsesReservations · Good for kids | 4.42,309 | 2 mi | £20–40 | sunday roast, beef burger with fries, sourdough with salted butter |
| The White Horse OtterbourneReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.2954 | 4.4 mi | £20–30 | fish and chips, sardines on toast, bavette steak |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.




