Winchester’s hospitality businesses, from national chains to local independents, came together on Tuesday 20 October for the inaugural meeting of the Winchester Hospitality Alliance, a new year-round network supported by Winchester Business Improvement District (BID).
Chaired by Alliance coordinator Miranda Rocksmith and hosted by the Winchester Royal Hotel, the meeting showed how much operators have in common. Whatever their size, members recognised they face the same challenges, whether that is finding and keeping good staff, coping with rising energy and wage bills, or getting their teams home after a late shift. All were clear that they are stronger tackling these together than alone.
The attendees agreed on a set of aims for the network, including sharing know-how, looking after staff wellbeing and supporting young people entering the industry. They also want to find ways to work more sustainably and raise Winchester’s profile as a place to eat and drink, and to build a career in hospitality.
Dr Paul Spencer, Executive Director at Winchester BID, said: “It was great to see so many of Winchester’s hospitality businesses around one table, with big names and independents swapping ideas collaboratively. They are dealing with a lot of the same pressures, and we are really pleased to be backing a group that can make a practical difference to our venues and the people who work in them.”
The Alliance is open to every hospitality business in Winchester, from cafes and restaurants to pubs, bars and hotels. Members are particularly keen to hear from the city’s late-night economy, as late-night bars, pubs and venues are not yet represented in the group.
Miranda Rocksmith, coordinator of the Winchester Hospitality Alliance, said: “We had a really lively first meeting with plenty of practical ideas, and it was obvious how much people want to work together. Now we would love more businesses to come on board, especially the bars and venues that keep Winchester going after dark. They face many of the same challenges, and we want their voice in the room.”
The next meeting of the Alliance will be held in January 2027 at Turtle Bay.
Businesses interested in joining the Alliance should contact Miranda Rocksmith at miranda@rocketlaunch.co.uk.
