The Black Boy pub in the residential area of Wharf Hill prides itself on being Winchester's most dog friendly pub and also boasts a well-stocked games room, stuffed animals and an amazing beer garden. 

Under the same ownership since 1995, the pub dates back to 1725 and its name refers to a now deactivated Chesil train station where coal was transported through the Itchen Navigation and up Wharf Hill by workers covered in soot. 

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There are no plans to change the name, which is used by approximately 70 pubs around the UK, despite criticism from one racial equality group on its perceived overtones. 

The Black Boy, which is decorated with an eclectic mix of art, clutter and taxidermy, is best known as an authentic boozer with a great selection of real ales, mainly sourced from Hampshire, including Bowman Ales, The Cheriton Brewhouse, Flack Manor, Itchen Valley Brewery, Alfred’s Brewery and, just over the border in Wiltshire, Hopback Brewery.

Behind the bar, there's also lagers, ciders, stout, all the standard spirits, wine, coffee and a good selection of other soft drinks. 

(Image: The Black Boy) Food, the likes of hot dogs, pulled pork or beef sandwiches, jacket potatoes, mac and cheese and nachos, is served at weekends. 

General manager of two years, Joe Ribeiro, said: "We closed the kitchen during Covid and have not yet reopened it. After Covid, the pub is trying to go back to previous amount of trade, but we do have amazing customers who I now call friends and some fun times, especially in the games room."

(Image: The Black Boy) The Black Boy's popular beer garden is huge, and includes its own secret garden, a covered area with heaters, plenty of trees and greenery, music and comfortable seating. It is, of course, dog friendly. 

A fun quiz night is hosted on the first Tuesday of each month and the band Foolish Behaviour perform a live set on the last Monday of each month. 

(Image: The Black Boy)