The Black Bottle

4 Bridge St, Winchester
01962 621563

Recent Reviews

Red Stripe

Nice concept, reasonable selection of wine, interesting decor and layout, but the technology malfunctioned on three separate occasions during one visit. The machine thinks there’s more wine in the bottle than there really is, which results in short measures and reduced choice. We also found it a little pricey considering the ‘self-serve’ nature of the set up.

Karen Johnson

Just happened across this place during Winchester Christmas Market weekend. The two bar staff were exceedingly welcoming, friendly and helpful but the place itself is sadly a bit run down. The dispensing machine malfunctioned on our first try and couldn’t be fixed for the wine we wanted to try (although the second bottle was amazing and we were more than happy to move to a different selection). Despite it being buzzing with festivities outside, the wine bar was empty - we were the only people there for most of the time. The board games need upgrading and a wider choice of reading material would entice more people to stay, maybe. Also TURN UP THE HEATING! It was so cold in there. I’m deeply saddened to see such an amazing concept being left to deteriorate. I hope it doesn’t go the same way as The Black Rat restaurant ?. Is this due to Brexit?? ?

Anastasia Parkes

Disastrous. Don't get the 'concept'. The wine dispensers overpriced and didn't work. Wouldn't refund my unused 'credit card'.Can't we just get a bottle like a normal wine bar?

EdenObviously

A fantastic little bar with a fun aesthetic reminiscent of old pubs and bars with a fantastic selection of wines and spirits the staff are kind and very helpful explaining how to use the wine dispensers and what rooms are available. Each room has an individual theme that all play into the main rustic theme and offer comfortable seating for drinking with friends or alone. Highly recommend the chill atmosphere and cosy stylised interiors are worth the experience could see this bar being a big hit with the indie crowd, shocked it doesn't have more attention it completely deserves it. If you live local or are visiting it's definitely worth popping in.

Barnaby Brampton

I used to go here often several years ago and excitedly revisited here recently during a trip to Winchester. I looked forward to chatting about wine to knowledgeable staff and enjoying a wide variety of interesting wines. Unfortunately it seems it has gone down hill a bit since then. Disappointingly, during my visit the wine dispensing machine malfunctioned multiple times meaning I kept having to get the staff to refund my card and I was unfortunately unable to try many of the wines which should have been on offer. I also found the selection to be less varied than I remember it being previously.I really hope they fix their machines and make a little effort to try to make this place as lovely as it used to be.

Lew Reed

great wine, chill atmosphere. will be going back :)

Russell Smith

I do like this place, it's a nice venue and the staff are nice but I struggled to find a wine I liked last time I was there which was a shame. But I guess taste is subjective!

Jo Taylor

What a find. Great fun dispensing our own wine

Lisa Holloway

Lovely quaint wine bar. ?Lovely place to go of an afternoon.

James Minett

Relaxed environment. Fun gimmick of the card and wine vending machines. Definitely worth a look if you want a wine evening.Wines all have a very good amount of info on them for the uneducated like myself, and the taster size plus the literature should let you find something you like even if you've never had wine before.Things that aren't wine are priced quite highly, so give the wine a go.Great sized tables/rooms, fun table top traditional pub games.

Brian

Been here twice and have had a great time on both occasions. Very fun to try out the various wines.

Danielle Barrett

Really nice relaxed place.if you like wine then it’s great, you get a card from the bar and load it with money, you then go into different rooms which have wine bendy machines, I would say on average It’s £5 a glass of wine. You can order beer and other drinks at the bar. I did take a fall down their stairs because of the layout but apart from this it was cool.

Thomas Sandford

Incredible place and amazing concept. The prices are pretty much the same as you would get at any other wine bar. The choices are varied, from a simple Provence rosé to a big juicy Valpolicella. The vibe is lovely and relaxed. Surprisingly it wasn't too busy in a Friday night which actually made it even more relaxing.

Tony Kenyon

What a great system of getting good wine without hassle, time to choose, good to try new wines, nice ambience.Will be happy to go back!

Lloyd Emery

Really enjoyed the concept of this bar, the first I've visited.The multiple room set up of this bar is quirky and adds a sense of comfort and adventure upon finding a good spot!Wine is served via self service machines which are operated using a pre credited card at the bar. You can have a taster or small/large glass of wine from the machine.The staff were helpful, explaining everything about the bar and what they suggested our card should be credited with; there were 8 of us and we had £80 on the card. This was enough for one glass each plus an additional 4 tasters of some more premium wines.

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