This is a double-hander encompassing, first, an exploration of the ecology of the Winchester Water Meadows followed by a talk explaining the uplifting story of the Handlebar Café, a winner of a City of Winchester Trust Design Award for 2024.

In the first part, Isabella Powell, the Duncan Lewis Stewart Fellow of Natural History at Winchester College, will lead us across the Water Meadows from New Hall to the Handlebar Café. On the way, as well as telling us about the flora and fauna that are found there, she will give us an understanding of the management of the ecosystem by the College and how the decline in species, which has accelerated in recent years due to human activity, might be mitigated in part.

In the second part, Mark Drury of Space, Place and Urban Design (SPUD) and Nick Mirchandani of ArchitecturePLB will recount the remarkable story of how a group of young people from SPUD had the idea for the Café and then how they chose the site, negotiated the necessary permissions and found funding from business to bring the project to fruition, against the odds. Built to 'sit lightly' in its environment and with minimal impact both above and below ground, it has become a highly successful business, much loved by both walkers and cyclists.

Timings & Tours 

Tuesday 16 September: 10am - 12:30pm

Location & directions 

Directions: New Hall is part of Winchester College and is located on Havers Walk leading from College Walk.

Contact on day: Jonathan Mardell

Telephone number: +447905625845

Accessibility Details

The walk is easy going but mainly on unpaved paths. Comfortable shoes recommended.

Booking information 

Pre-booking requirement: Pre-booking required. Pre-booking required due to limited numbers. Further details available from booking website - follow ‘click here’ button below.

Booking email: info@winchesterheritageopendays.org

Booking opens: 08 Aug 2025 09:00 AM

Booking closes: 10 Sep 2025 12:00 AM 

Max no of people per tour: 20

Est. tour duration: 2 hours 30 minutes