Winchester will celebrate its vibrant culinary scene again as A Taste of Winchester returns for a delicious fortnight of food and drink. Running from 23 June to 6 July 2025, the expanded festival builds on the success of last year’s event.
A Taste of Winchester offers an exciting opportunity to experience the very best of the city and district’s local talent. Restaurants, cafés, pubs, retailers, producers, and makers will come together to present a diverse array of events, tastings, special menus, and local and global flavours.
During this foodie fortnight, you can introduce your tastebuds to something new, learn about the provenance of what’s on your plate, see behind the scenes in some of our well-loved bars and restaurants, or even forage for new local flavours for your own cooking.
Winchester businesses are being encouraged to create unique and memorable experiences that reflect the best of the city’s hospitality. This year’s celebration also coincides with other major local events, including the Winchester Garden Festival, Beer and Cider Festival, and Hat Fair, creating a perfect moment to highlight Winchester as a thriving food destination.
A Taste of Winchester is proudly backed by Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) and supported by the Visit Winchester team at Winchester City Council. Winchester BID initiated the event’s return to show their support for the value to local businesses and the community alike. Now in its second year, A Taste of Winchester was founded by Winchester City Council through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and working with Hampshire Fare.
“A Taste of Winchester is a celebration of community, creativity, and collaboration” said Dr Paul Spencer, Executive Director of Winchester BID. “We’re proud to support this initiative as it shines a spotlight on our vibrant hospitality sector, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. With July marking Independent Business Month, this event is also a timely reminder of the importance of supporting our local independents and producers and giving them a platform to thrive. It invites residents and visitors alike to rediscover the flavours and experiences that make Winchester a unique destination.”
Cllr Lucille Thompson, Portfolio Holder for Business and Culture at Winchester City Council, says: “A Taste of Winchester is a truly collaborative celebration of everything that defines our district’s culinary excellence, creativity, and strong sense of community. A legacy project originally funded by Winchester City Council through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, this initiative highlights the quality and variety of our local food and drink scene and plays a valuable role in supporting businesses on our high streets. It’s fantastic to see so many coming together to champion Winchester’s vibrant hospitality sector and showcase all that it has to offer.”
A Taste of Winchester has been made possible thanks to the generous support of John D Wood & Co who have been selling beautiful houses in London and across the South East for over 150 years. They opened their Winchester office in 2023 and have become firmly part of the local community.
Local food champion Miranda Rocksmith is curating the event, which is supported by an enthusiastic network of businesses and community partners.
For the latest news about who is participating and events to book, follow @atasteofwinchester on Instagram and Facebook or visit on atasteofwinchester.co.uk.
Photograph: From left to right, Dr Paul Spencer (Winchester BID), Miranda Rocksmith (Rocket Launch), Michele Spelman (John D Wood & Co), Cllr Lucille Thompson (Winchester City Council), Sarah Davis (Winchester BID), and Rachel Gander (Visit Winchester).
