Bridge Street House

We're not sure what to call it – gastro-pub, bar, kitchen and rooms, inn, or restaurant and guest house – but there's no denying that Bridge Street House is a pretty cool destination. They go for 'Eat, Sleep, Relax, Boutique' and that just about covers it – with a handsome restaurant and bar downstairs and six stylish bed-and-breakfast rooms above. The really enticing British brasserie menu covers all the bases, and it's a lovely place to sit, with its open-plan kitchen and urban-vintage style. It's popular for drinks in any case (good for cocktails and spirits), or book for brunch, while the breakfast (included) is a good start to the day.

The rooms are crisply furnished modern spaces, with comfortable beds and good bathrooms with walk-in showers – quite a step up from your usual city pub/inn accommodation and very agreeable to have as a base for your Winchester city break. You're under a 10-minute walk from the cathedral, 15 from the train station, and handy for all the sights in this most historic of English cities.