The sun has finally shown its face in Winchester - albeit fleetingly - but while it was out we grabbed the chance and headed to lunch at The Stable.
The restaurant, on The Square, has just launched its summer menu and what better way to experience it than grasping possibly the first spring-like day of 2024.
Its new menu promises 'a selection of fresh handcrafted sourdough pizzas and colourful seasonal salads' - just in time for alfresco dining season.
The Stable has been a fixture of Winchester since 2015, opening in the building formerly occupied by Bar in the Square or Bar 3one. Originally owned by Fuller's, it was sold to pizza chain Three Joes in 2020, so it should know a thing or two about pizzas.
It's a large restaurant, with an upstairs, and searing outside, just a stones throw from the Cathedral (also from sister restaurant Three Joes in Great Minster Street). It's got a wooden rustic vibe, easy-going enough for lunch, but then cool enough for dinner.
Pizzas are its speciality, but also cider - and it has more than 60 varieties on offer.
It's a weekday lunchtime when we arrive, so it's just starting to get busy, but as we sit, tables - especially the outside ones that are in the sun - start to fill up.
The staff are friendly, even the chef stops for a chat as I was having a nose around the top floor.
It's a laid-back affair, which is perfect for lunch - and the summer menu.
Some of the new dishes on offer are the Guac-a-Doodle-Do pizza with smoky Chipotle chicken, bacon, rocket, red onion, guacamole and a drizzle of chipotle mayo; and The G.O.A.T topped with creamy goat’s cheese, roasted garlic mushrooms, spinach and caramelised onions, aka Goat’s cheese lover’s latest obsession.
If pizza isn’t on the agenda, guests can delve deep into the brand new Red Rooster macaroni cheese with tender chicken, red pesto and juicy sunblush tomatoes.
My friend picks the new Ewe Feta Believe It pizza, which comes with succulent Greek lamb, soft feta cheese, red onion and fresh tzatziki.
I chose the lighter option, and plump for the Chicken, Chorizo & Feta salad, which comes stacked high with quinoa, cucumber, sunblush tomatoes, red pesto, mint and zesty lemon dressing.
It's a refreshing salad, but a huge portion, and the mint gives it a fresh taste. This dish would be perfect on a hot evening - roll on July.
My friend enjoys his pizza, there's none left to go in a takeaway box home, a sign of a good pizza.
The Stable is a pretty good spot for a catch up with a friend over pizza and cider in our beautiful city. To see their full menu and book, go to stablepizza.com
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