We visited the black rat recently one evening after reading good things about it from a local publication. Little did we know that the 'review' was a paid advertisement. Basically the evening was one big disappointment. We dine in Winchester often and enjoy sampling excellent food and wine all over the world. But as many of you would agree dining... more

I don't know if the The Black Rat management have been reading tripadvisor reviews recently but there was no hint of the poor/rude service when we visited last night. We had a fabulous time. The managers were very accomodating when we called to say that we were going to be late and we recieved a charming welcome on arrival. The... more

On a rare free evening my wife and I decided to see what all the fuss was about with the Black Rat. We arrived and had a drink outside which was very pleasant before being shown to our table in one of the dining rooms. The rooms are small and quirky with paraphernalia all over the walls and certainly interesting.... more

I recently shared a Saturday evening meal with my girlfriend at the Black Rat in Winchester, Overall, I have to say the food was good, with a wide choice available from the menu and accompanying wine list. However, the whole experience was tainted by the questionable attitude of the management. Having booked a table in advance we were puzzled to... more

Went here for dinner on a weekday and had a great evening. The food was delicious throughout although the menu is quite meat-orientated - suits me down to the ground but vegatarians might find their options slightly limited. I took full advantage of some of the more unusual options to have calves tongues, followed by mutton - both of which... more

We tried The Black Rat last night for my birthday. Beautifully decorated with a cosy, intimate feel we had a bottle of champagne in the upstairs bar accompanied by a plate of olives.. Our table was large and there is plenty of space between diners. Dinner was first class, I fully recommend the Mussels whilst my husband had the Rabbit... more

Formerly a pub,and owned by chap who runs the Black Boy, but the Black Rat is not a pub, instead is fine dining more akin to places like Hotel du Vin. Excellent menu which is good value for money, about £16 for a main course. Dining rooms are quite small and intimate. There's a large room for groups upstairs with... more

Went for Saturday lunch and was thoroughly impressed by the unusual setting (beach huts in the backyard, which definitely worked!), no-nonsense food (ham hock terrine, polenta with poached egg and spinach finishing off with honey madeleines with butterscotch sauce) and attentive service. The madeleines were a real highlight: freshly made and wonderfully moist. The wine list seemed reasonably value too.... more

We went there for a business lunch and having our own room upstairs was really nice. The staff are friendly and the food and wine first class. Defiantly not a chain restaurant like some of the competition. more