FROM eco-friendly bars to cheese and charcuterie specialists, Basingstoke has a host of watering holes to choose from.
Whether you like a crisp cider, a white wine, or a cocktail, the town has something for everyone.
The Gazette has compiled a list of the five best bars in Basingstoke, so you can plan for your next date night or quiet drinks with friends in the town centre.
READ MORE: 'We're just a big family' - Meet the landlady behind the bar of our Pub of the Year
Alchemy Bar
Alchemy Bar and Lounge, 16 Winchester Street
A new addition to the scene, Alchemy Bar and Lounge opened in the Top of Town in November 2023. The establishment serves as a coffee house by day, with organic brews, and a cocktail bar by night.
The bar promises a unique experience, blending relaxation with eco-consciousness and community spirit.
On the menu are a selection of classic cocktails from a Mai Tai to an Espresso Martini, as well as mermaid-inspired drinks with summery flavours and fruits.
Alchemy Bar and Lounge (Image: Rob Newman)
Duck and Tipple
Duck and Tipple, 14-16 Wote Street
This stylish bar and coffee lounge is situated above the former Taco Bell, in Wote Street, offering customers a range of classic and unique drinks, as well as snacks, nibbles, and lunch options.
The establishment specialises in freshly made cocktails, craft beers, coffees, boards and burgers.
For those looking for something a little bit different, the bar also holds events from football-themed quizzes to musical bottomless brunch. Frozen cocktails are also a menu standout for those summer spells of heat.
Duck and Tipple (Image: NQ)
Vaultz
Vaultz Restaurant Bar, 2 Winchester Street
Housed in a grade II listed building, the cocktail bar and fine dining establishment was named after the bank vaults in the establishment, which have been incorporated into the decor.
The establishment promises guests an 'experience they won't forget', with drinks including a selection of champagne, spritzes, and dessert cocktails such as the Hazelnut Martini and fruity English Garden.
The restaurant and bar opens its doors to families and children during the day, restricting its bar area to over 25's on Friday and Saturday nights.
Vaultz restaurant and bar (Image: Rob Newman)
Gabardine Bar
Gabardine Bar, 27 London Street
This cosy bar is set in the first showroom opened by Thomas Burberry in Basingstoke, named after the waterproof fabric he invented in 1857.
The Gabardine offers a selection of coffees, wines, cocktails, nibbles and charcuterie boards in its bar, inspired by the styles of establishments in Boston and New York.
It also holds a range of live music events, a pizza night twice a week with seasonal vegetables and herbs grown in the bar's courtyard, Sunday roasts and bottomless brunches for films including Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia and more.
Gabardine bar (Image: Rob Newman)
Harry's Bar
The Royal Exchange/Harry's Bar, 20-22 London Street
For those looking for good music on their nights out, Harry's Bar holds DJ-led music nights based on a variety of genres including 90s and 2000s RnB, drum and bass, garage and afrobeat and more.
The bar promises 'party vibes', happy hours, and cocktails at 'great value', open on Friday and Saturday nights.
Harry's Bar/The Royal Exchange (Image: Rob Newman)
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