The Winchester district in Hampshire is the perfect place for a little adventure, bursting with charming coffee spots just waiting to be explored! From the scenic Beechcoft Farm Shop & Tea Room, where stunning views accompany your brew, to the historic Winchester Mill which also has a museum and garden, each location offers a unique experience and a delightful cup of coffee. Be sure to visit these must-visit cafés on your next trip to Winchester! ☕️✨
The Winchester City Mill and Café
Nestled on the banks of the River Itchen in the heart of Winchester, Hampshire, the Winchester City Mill & Café is a beautifully restored water mill and a delightful spot for coffee lovers. Managed by the National Trust, this historic site offers free entry, making it a perfect destination for both locals and visitors.
☕️ The café exudes charm, providing a cozy setting to enjoy a warm cup of coffee or indulge in their decadent hot chocolates—be sure to try the coconut hot chocolate, a standout treat! Alongside specialty drinks, the café serves a selection of light breakfasts and lunches, featuring fresh ingredients in a welcoming atmosphere. From hearty sandwiches to tempting pastries and breakfast classics, there’s something for everyone to relish.
What Else to Explore
- Island Garden: A picturesque garden surrounded by the Itchen on both sides, complete with tables and chairs for outdoor seating on sunny days. It’s a tranquil spot to unwind with your drink.
- Interactive Exhibits: Perfect for families, with hands-on displays that kids will love—especially the scales, where they can experiment with balancing similar weights.
- Mill Experience: Take the steps down into the heart of the mill to witness the rushing water and walk across a transparent bridge for a unique view of the flow below.
- Otter Watching: The river is home to otters, and you can learn more about them through the mill’s informational displays and live footage monitors.
- Gift Shop: Browse a variety of unique items and souvenirs in the gift shop, perfect for finding a keepsake from your visit.
- Historical Insights: The site is rich in history, with plenty of information available to explore and learn about the mill’s heritage.
📍 Bridge Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9BH
Kavi Coffee
Kavi on Jewry Street, right in the heart of Winchester. This specialty coffee spot is the brainchild of Dhan Tamang, a world-renowned latte artist and author of Coffee Art.
The café features sleek, professional interiors and is surprisingly spacious, extending from its large front area to a back section with an open kitchen where you can pull up a stool and watch the baristas and chefs in action.
Kavi is known for its exceptional specialty coffee, with Dhan Tamang’s expertise evident in every cup, making it a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts. The menu offers a range of breakfast and lunch dishes, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients from within a 10-mile radius. We tried the Full English breakfast and poached eggs, and both dishes were outstanding. The Full English was a particular highlight, showcasing a creative approach to this classic meal, while the mushroom toast stood out for its originality and flavor.
With its stylish atmosphere and commitment to quality, Kavi provides a welcoming space for enjoying a coffee or a delicious meal, making it an excellent choice for anyone visiting the city.
📍 Kavi Coffee, 12 Jewry St, Winchester, SO23 8RZ
Bento
Bento Factory in Winchester, Hampshire
We visited this family run spot which is in a side street just off the main high street of Winchester and is part café, bakery, restaurant. Serving up authentic Asian dishes like Japanese and Korean, baked Asian goods as well as a huge variety of cookies baked in store, and coffee like local Moon Roast Coffee, blue hour coffee as well as Vietnamese. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and also variety of vegan dishes.
We know lots of locals will see this one as a hidden gem and want to keep a secret but come on sharing is caring and support those local businesses
📍St Thomas St, Winchester SO23 9HE
Handlebar Cafe
Handlebar Café in Winchester is run by Cadence Cycle Club, a brilliant outdoorsy spot which is nestled along the banks of the river itchen and footstep of st catherines hill which has amazing panamaric views of the winchester district from the top. Also on the National Cycle Route, this café serves up house blend Cadence coffee that’s perfect enjoying as you soak in the scenic views. 🏞️
The Handlebar Café also offers a tasty range of breakfast and lunch options, with favourites like breakfast sandwiches and homemade cakes that pair perfectly with their expertly brewed coffee. Each dish highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients, adding a local touch to their comforting menu. With its bike-themed, rustic décor, the café feels like a hidden gem where you can truly unwind with a great cup of coffee and a beautiful view of the countryside. ☕️🧁
📍 Handlebar Café, Bar End Rd, Winchester SO23 9NP
Beechcroft Farm Shop & Tea Barn
Beechcroft Farm Shop & Tea Barn ☕️
A lovely family run farm shop and cafe on the outskirts of Winchester City Centre and next to Farley mount country park which is a top spot for a countryside or woodland walk. Overlooking stunning landscapes, they have a small marque style covered seating area next to the main building and their outdoor area full of picnic benches also has views of their farm animals like cows, sheep’s pigs and little piglets.
They have an indoor farm shop full of Hampshire produce and a butchers, and the cafe serves a selection of cakes, snacks and coffee and tea. We enjoyed some nice coffees in their green garden in the sunshine. It is open at rather specific days and times so make sure to check on their website/socials before visiting.
📍 Beechcroft, Sarum Rd, Winchester SO22 5QS
South Downs Social
Conveniently located across from the Brooks Shopping Centre, South Downs Social is hard to miss with its vibrant display of colourful umbrellas and twinkling lights welcoming you in. This unique café, shop, and event space is part of The Handmade Cyclist, making it a haven for cycling enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike.
The cozy interiors, adorned with cycling-themed decor, provide a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for enjoying a cappuccino. With comfortable seating and sofas, it’s a great spot to relax, whether you’re stopping by on a cycling route through the South Downs or just exploring Winchester.
- Cycling Lifestyle Hub: The café offers a curated selection of cycling lifestyle goods from premium brands, making it an ideal stop for both avid cyclists and those curious about the sport.
- Secure Bike Parking: Cyclists can take advantage of secure bike parking inside the café, providing peace of mind while you enjoy your coffee.
- Live Race Screenings: Catch live cycling races on the big screen, adding to the lively atmosphere and making it a popular spot for fans of the sport.
- Events and Talks: The café regularly hosts cycling talks, discussions, and events, making it a vibrant community hub for cyclists and enthusiasts.
📍 3-4 Kings Walk, Middle Brook St, Winchester, SO23 8AF
Platform 1
Platform 1 is a lovely little coffee spot with two locations one at Shawford Station and the other at Romsey Station. Of course in this edition, we will be talking about their Winchester district spot, it’s right next to the River Itchen and its a perfect spot to grab a coffee as you go on a stroll along the itchen navigation or shawford down, bike ride on to the south downs or pop in for a bite to eat or gelato, italian specialities a plenty here.
To get to this spot you can either take the train via shawford station or free car park outside the cafe
📍Train Station, Shawford Rd, Shawford, Winchester SO21 2AA
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