Winchester Travel Guide:

The Most Stylish Independents In The City

As part of Winchester Fashion Week this year, I decided to put together something extra special! Introducing my ‘Winchester Travel Guide: The Most Stylish Independents In The City’ ????????

I can’t believe I haven’t done this before! In this guide I’ve focused in on Winchester’s brilliant independent spots.

Winchester is a gorgeous place, and if you choose to visit you won’t be short of things to do/buy/see/eat and drink!

If you are planning a trip soon, you may want to coincide your visit with Winchester Fashion Week which runs between April 29th and May 4th this year. There is SO much going on! You can see the full schedule of events over here.

Plus, if you check out #INDIEWINCH on Instagram, you can connect with some of the brilliant participants of WFW.

Winchester’s independents aren’t positioned along one street, so it’s worth knowing where to go ahead of time so that you can map out your route. I’ve popped together a special graphic at the end of this post, so that you can easily ‘Pin’ all of my recommendations in one place.

Here’s my suggested hit list of places to visit . . . !

For Flowers, Cards & Gifts

Catkin & Pussywillow

Catkin & Pussywillow is the cutest independent florist. It’s located on the same street as Winchester train station so it makes for a very easy first pitstop if you’re arriving by train.

Visit the store for succulents, dried flowers, fresh flowers, vases, artwork . . . you’ll be hard pushed not to find a gift in here! PLUS the shop has a brilliant array of cards. I rarely leave without picking one up!

For Your Wardrobe

Sass & Edge

Sass & Edge is a relatively new addition to Winchester, co-founded by Rachel and Sally.

If you are on the lookout for a beautiful summer dress, or building blocks for a truly gorgeous wardrobe, you’ll want to head here. Sass & Edge stocks favourites of mine including Lily & Lionel, alongside so many gorgeous brands which are new to me. Have a peruse online to see what I mean! The accessories are heaven too – I have my eye on a star-embellished cross body bag . . . !

The Hambledon

It’s impossible to roundup Winchester’s independent style scene without mentioning THE original: The Hambledon. The Hambledon is a multi-award-winning boutique located in the centre of the City.

Spread out across three floors in a stunning converted townhouse, Winchester is worth a visit for this store alone.

Step inside and you are transported into a bright, stylish and inspiring space, full of pieces for your wardrobe, home and more. There’s menswear too, carefully curated by lovely Rob – a favourite haunt of Oli’s.

I’m Wearing

Skirt: Sosandar c/o | Jumper: Great Plains @ hero

Bag: Wallis c/o | Trainers: via The Sports Edit 

Hat: Oliver Bonas (Current Season) | Long Necklace: Monica Vinader c/o

Short Necklace: Missoma | Earrings: Astley Clarke

The Hambledon stocks a gorgeous array of brands, some you may have heard of and some may be new to you. I always feel like I’m introduced to some cool lesser-known name by the savvy buying team at The Hambledon.

Charge your coffee cup (you’ll want to stay a while!) and ENJOY!

For Your Hair

LORD Hair Salon

If you’re on the lookout for a hairdressers in Winchester, make LORD your go-to.

Oli works in the salon two days a week (Tuesday and Thursday), so I can attest to how lovely it is. If you see him, do say hello!

Opened in 2015, the salon recently moved locations and renovated the beautiful Marcia Gray building on Winchester’s Georgian Southgate Street.

LORD’s co-founders Tom and Jamie-John have reworked the traditional flow of a salon, so that you can relax whilst your colour develops in the luxurious quiet lounge. The salon is committed to a full 360 approach to sustainability, and uses 100% vegan shampoos and styling products.

Plus, if you have your hair done upstairs you’ll have views directly across the top of the City all the way down to the Cathedral. Gorgeous!

Book in for a cut, colour or blow-dry. These guys know a good finish! Follow them on Instagram to see.

For Your Home

Nowadays I go to bed thinking about tweaks Oli and I can make to our flat, so it’s no wonder that I love having a good snoop round Winchester’s independent home stores.

The good news is there are some amazing shops to pop in to, to stock up on alllllll the homeware goodies you can dream of.

If you’re like me, and actually dream of them ha!

The Consortium

The Consortium is right at the top of town, so makes for an easy visit if you’re winding your way down the streets. Here you’ll find a huge array of vintage pieces, quirky trinkets for your home and an abundance of chalk paint – perfect for if you’re planning your own DIY project!

If you’re on the lookout for a window pane mirror, a distressed sign or a playful card, The Consortium is a must-visit.

Plus on the first floor you’ll find Mint Tea Boutique selling beautiful clothes, jewellery and gifts. The earring wall had me swooning! Pop by and say hello to its lovely owners Becky and Lou.

Projects Store & Kitchen

Pop into Projects to peruse the vast array of vintage wares, trinkets and costume jewellery. I always find something unique in here. Perfect for gifts or adding a vintage touch to your home.

Furthermore, there’s a cafe so you can top up your caffeine intake to fuel your browsing!

The Hambledon

Yep, The Hambledon again! As I mentioned, the shop spans three floors and on the ground floor you can find homeware offerings.

Over the years I’ve bought some of my favourite bits and bobs from here, including a linen tablecloth, cushions and these heavy wine glasses. Remember them?! This is the place to go if you’re looking for timeless pieces, which would work just as well in a French farmhouse as they would in a UK abode.

For Caffeine & Brunch

Coffee Lab

I SO badly want a Coffee Lab to open in our town too! For me, my go-to order of extra hot oat milk cappuccino is always on the money at Coffee Lab. Not only is the Winchester branch a favourite haunt of mine, Coffee Lab also owns a barista training academy, roasts all of its own beans and makes it’s own chocolate treats!

The company is rapidly expanding, so you may see a Coffee Lab pop up near you too! In the mean time, visit the Winchester outpost for your own caffeine fix, and if you’re in need of something sweet the brownies are ridiculously good.

Flat Whites’

If you’re pottering around Winchester’s town centre you can’t miss the Flat Whites’ Citroen van which is parked up just outside the big Jigsaw. Stop here for great coffee, and take it with you whilst you continue to potter.

Plus, if you’re on the lookout for something heartier, Flat White’s also has a sit-in cafe on Parchment Street where the avocado toast is unbeatable IMO.

Forte Kitchen

Focusing on fresh, quality and local ingredients, Forte Kitchen has quickly become one of Winchester’s must-visit destinations. Make your way upstairs to the beautiful open dining room. Swoon!

Additional Places To Take Note Of

The Ivy

Winchester recently just got its very own The Ivy Brasserie, and it’s quickly become a favourite of locals and visitors alike.

Cabinet Rooms

If you’re looking for somewhere to while away a few hours over cocktails, Cabinet Rooms is the place to go. Delicious drinks, be warned and book a taxi!

The Green Man

I have enjoyed many a great cosmopolitan at The Green Man in Winchester. Located just opposite The Everyman cinema, you have to come here before your film for a pre-screening tipple.

The Everyman Cinema

It feels so luxurious to recline on a sofa, and enjoy a proper drink and snack whilst you watch a movie doesn’t it?

Overdraft, Winchester

If you visit Winchester, and you love a relaxed bar/tapas vibe, Overdraft is a MUST visit! Relatively new to the City, Overdraft is the one place Oli and I both love to head to for a totally relaxed end-of-day debrief.

Overall

Whoahhh! I’m tired from typing all of that goodness out, but I’m SO excited that you have a full run down of places to visit!

Click away! Explore! Draw up an itinerary!

Winchester makes for such a fun day out, or a great weekend potter with your love.

And remember, if you ARE thinking of visiting soon, consider making the trip over Winchester Fashion Week so that you can take advantage of all of the events going on.

What’s Your Take?

Have you been to Winchester before? If so, where’s your favourite place?

If you haven’t been, are you thinking of doing so now?! I’d love to know.

Love, Monica x

Photography by Charlotte Bryer-Ash

A huge thank you to all of the shops and places which opened up their doors for Charlotte and I to snap away! 

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Winchester Travel Guide: The Most Stylish Independents In The City