July 2023
Wickham is one of the district’s mots historic market towns. Over the centuries to has transformed from a Roman military post, to a Saxon settlement, to a bustling medieval village, home to William of Wykeham, the Bishop of Winchester and founder of Winchester College and New College Oxford. Today, Wickham is home to a number of independents offering gifts, antiques, food and drink.
Greens Restaurant
The Square, Wickham, PO17 5JQ
Frank and Carol have been serving up delicious food to Wickham locals since 1985. Since then, Greens Restaurant has continued to offer fresh, locally sourced food with their signature “Nothing is too much trouble” attitude, which is as relevant today as when they first started.
Situated on the corner of Wickham Square, their cosy and comfortable restaurant is always warm and welcoming. Since the pandemic they have built a shepherds hut in the garden serving homemade cakes and single origin coffee. The garden overlooks the Water meadows with direct access to the river Meon and old railway line. Its unique location makes it a popular place for refreshments for walkers, cyclists and regular customers alike.
Owner Carol says: “We became independent Business holders here in Wickham in March 1985. Our original plan was to stay 5 Years then move on, however 38 years later and we are still here! Wickham is a lovely place to live and run an independent business. There is a strong community spirit and we have enjoyed a great relationship with the local community, supporting many local organisations over the years, in return receiving much support from residents of the village.”
Greens is the perfect example of everything you want a village restaurant to be – full of good food, friendly service, and a place you’ll not want to leave. Take a look at their menus and events here.
The Square Cow
The Square, Wickham, PO17 5JN
The Square Cow is a traditional village pub offering delicious home cooked food and local ales. When you visit, it becomes clear that this pub is a local favourite, with its lively atmosphere, friendly staff and wonderfully chatty patrons. You are welcomed from the moment you walk through the door!
They serve up a great Sunday lunch, and have recently begun opening daily from 9am for a fabulous full English breakfast spread. In the evening pub-goers, there are bingo nights, pub quizzes and live music. Be sure to check out their Facebook, where owner Frank keeps everyone updated on the latest news and events.
Chesapeake Mill
Bridge St, Wickham, PO17 5JH
Home to 47 independent antique traders, Chesapeake Mill is a hub of activity for growing businesses. The building itself has plenty of historical interest: its timbers come from the United States frigate Chesapeake, which was captured by the Royal Navy during the War of 1812. The mill continued to work for around 150 years until the 1970s. The last miller, Bruce Tappenden a distinguished local historian and author of a history of Wickham, continued to live in the Mill House until his death in 2002.
Current owner Sandy says that Wickham is the ideal place for independent businesses to thrive: “Wickham is a fantastic Market Town, which hasn’t really changed in all its time. There are numerous events which are held in Wickham, which promotes it and also the independent businesses who are lucky to be there. We all help and support each other via group chats on social media, and the beauty of such a historic town sees lots of visitors from far and wide.”
Chesapeake Mill is a fabulous space to shop, eat or learn about the local history of Wickham. They have a variety of items on offer, from vintage furniture to classic records, and a tearoom to relax in after your shop. Be sure to say hello to Tabitha the neighbourhood cat if you spot her – she is an expert purveyor of antiques! Find out more about Chesapeake Mill here.
If you are travelling by bus, the Stagecoach No 69 bus from Winchester to Fareham stops in Wickham.
