Winchester Brew - 23 Aug '25

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I started this because I kept having the same conversation: “I wish I’d known about that gig… I didn’t even realise that shop had opened… Why didn’t anyone tell me this was happening?” Winchester and the surrounding villages are bursting with culture - food, art, theatre, music, shopping - but too often it slips under the radar.

That’s where Winchester Brew comes in. Every week you’ll get a quick, curated guide to the best events in the next seven days, not just in the city but across the local area, plus the occasional spotlight on a big happening or a new business opening. No endless scrolling, no FOMO.

Take a look at what’s on this week below - and if you know someone who’d appreciate it, please forward this email and invite them to subscribe. The more people in the loop, the stronger our community’s cultural buzz becomes.

A spotlight on a new business that’s opened up in the area.

What Do They Do: Discover a new aesthetic for your home and life. This popular Danish brand has brought its unique style to over 300 European locations, offering a curated selection of homeware, crafts, and stationery. Immerse yourself in a universe of colour and creativity, where you can browse everything from beautiful wrapping papers and craft supplies to chic ceramics and trendy sunglasses. The store is a delight for the whole family, with a thoughtful selection of children's toys, as well as an inviting corner filled with confectionery and loose-leaf teas.

Where Are They: 7-8 High Street, Winchester.

When Did They Open: Friday 8th August - did you see the queues!

Our featured pick of the events this week

What: Who's ready to feast, drink, and dance - Sausage and Cider style. Get your appetites ready and your dancing shoes on as the Sausage and Cider festival is just around the corner!

When: Saturday, 30th August - 14:00 to 23:00

Where: River Park, Gordon Road, SO23 7DD.

A curated list of events on in the next few days in Winchester and surrounding areas.

Flower Pots Beer Festival at Flower Pots Inn. Come and join us for a weekend of cask ales, Flower Pots food and live music. Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th https://www.theflowerpots.co.uk/beer-festival-2025-pots-fest/

Winchester School of Art MA Degree Show 2025, Winchester School of Art. This free-to-attend show features exhibits from our graduating, Masters-level students on our taught postgraduate programmes. Wednesday 3rd to Sunday 7th https://www.southampton.ac.uk/wsa/news/events/2025/07/winchester-school-of-art-ma-degree-show-2025-.page

Ruth Theodore @ The Railway Inn. "Musician, poet, writer and singer Ruth Theodore is an institution." £12.50. https://railwayinn.pub/shows/ruth-theodore-2025-08-23

Bramdean Car Boot Sale at Wood Lane, Bramdean. The famous Bank Holiday Car Boot sale is back. Held in Bramdean, it is an annual fundraiser for local family support charity Home-Start Winchester. Come and bag a bargain. https://home-start-winchester.org.uk/

Sound & Sketch for Ages 6-12, The Arc, at 2:00 PM. An Exciting Drawing Workshop for Kids!Unleash your child's creativity with "Sound & Sketch," a unique workshop where kids aged 6-12 can draw in response to music.  £15 https://www.arcwinchester.org.uk/event/sound-sketch-ages-6-12

Speed Dating for 20s and 30s, The Winchester Stable, at 7:30 PM. Looking for love in Winchester? Join us for a fun-filled night of speed dating exclusively for singles in their 20s & 30s! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/speed-dating-in-winchester-for-20s-30s-tickets-1410877696169

Ukulele Improvers, Theatre Royal Winchester, at 12:00 PM. Simply learn by playing songs in a friendly and relaxed environment and having a lot of fun. £13.50 https://www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/whats-on/ukulele-improvers

Gratton Trust Car Boot Sale, Gratton Recreational Ground, at 10:00 AM. All proceeds go towards maintaining the Gratton Recreation Ground. https://www.grattontrust.org.uk/events/car-boot-sale-6/

Chesil Railway Walking Tour, at 10:30 AM. A guided walk exploring the route of Winchester's "other" railway, the old Didcot, Newbury and Southampton line operated by the Great Western Railway. £12 https://winchestertouristguides.com/

Kings Rd and Punk TV, The Railway Inn, at 8:00 PM. Local Mod ‘legends’ Kings Road return for the first time with our new line up as headliners, following sell out supports with The Specialised, Blurtones and Who’s Next. Supporting is Punk TV. £10 https://railwayinn.pub/shows/kings-road-2025-08-30

Escape Game at The Hospital of St Cross, The Hospital of St Cross. The Master needs help finding a certain relic before the Bishop arrives. It includes entry to the historic site, including rooms not ordinarily open to the public. In one of these rooms you'll reveal the miscreants and hopefully retrieve the missing artefact! https://cluecapers.co.uk/book-now/

Jane Austen: From page to stage and screen, The Arc. Have you ever wondered how a costume designer uses historical fashion to inspire how they dress Jane Austen’s characters in stage, film, and television adaptations? Join Dr Alex Walker from Hampshire Wardrobe, for an insightful look into the role of a costume designer, how costume creates character, and how Jane Austen’s characters have been brought to life from the page. £18 https://www.arcwinchester.org.uk/event/jane-austen-page-stage-and-screen-talk-dr-alex-walker

Concert by Postgraduate Singers and Pianists from Southampton University, The United Church, at 7:30 PM. Postgraduate Music Students from the University of Southampton share their favourite pieces from their final recital programmes. Virtuoso piano music, beautiful melodies, favourite arias and songs – a late summer feast of music for all music lovers. £15 https://ucw.org.uk/upcoming-events/

Got an event we should feature in the Winchester Brew?

Could your home be their happy place?

Every week we’ll recommend a walking or cycling route in the Winchester area

Some fun to end on…

Did You Know? A Diver Saved the Cathedral: Winchester Cathedral, one of the largest in Europe, was built on a boggy foundation. In the early 20th century, it was in danger of collapsing. A diver named William Walker worked for six years, going into the flooded crypt to underpin the entire east end of the building with concrete. His extraordinary work saved the cathedral from certain collapse. There is a statue of him outside the cathedral to commemorate his efforts.

Riddle Me This: I am always hungry, I must always be fed, the finger I lick will soon turn red. What am I? (answer next week)

Number Puzzle: Using exactly four "4s" and any mathematical operators (like +, -, x, /, etc.), can you create the number 20?

Include a Poll here and/or ask for feedback on this edition

Till next time,