Winchester Christmas market

[Mallowmarshmallow]

My DH and I have one night a year away from the kids and are going to Winchester Christmas market this year. We're just looking for a nice meal and potter around (and a lie in...!)

Has anyone been before? Any tips? In particular, a nice place to eat on Friday evening....

Many thanks

theivywinchester.com/

The Ivy, Brasserie Blanc, Hotel Du Vin, The Chesil Rectory.

Forte Kitchen is lovely for lunch or brunch but I don't think you can book.

The market can get very crowded as some parts are in quite a tight space. But it’s really lovely and worth visiting

Chesil Rectory would be my choice. Black Rat is good too, so is Rick Stein and The Ivy Brasserie. Book now though - it gets very busy when the Christmas market is on. Also, incognito does the most amazing cocktails

The market gets rammed on Saturdays, either go as soon as it opens or after dark, it doesn't stay open very late though. I prefer after dark, its so atmospheric. If you want to skate you need to book in advance.

Chesil rectory would be top choice for us, though there is also a HFW and RickStein too.

I live in Winchester and can really recommend the cocktail bar Incognito for pre dinner drinks. You do need to book a table though.

Wow, thanks all!

Incognito looks amazing!

Chesil Rectory was my first choice but they've got a private function on....the black rat is fully booked and I'm not a fish fan so Rick Stein is out....

The ivy has some not so good reviews. Do those of you who know it think they're unjustified?

We're not overly fussy. It's very rare we have a meal with no kids so as long as I don't have to take anyone for a mid course poo or wipe anyone's faces it sounds good....although I would like it to be fairly nice and a little bit special...:

What about No 5 Bridge St or The Dispensary Kitchen? We always have our work Christmas do at Bridge St and it's lovely. Have you looked at them? Both do really good food but have very different atmospheres.

Rick Stein isn’t all fish. I had an amazing lamb curry there.

Kyoto Kitchen is a fab restaurant

The old vine, if you can’t go to the chesil rectory that is :)

The ivy is ok but a bit to Pretentious than is justified.