Lilly's Tearoom, Wykeham

Situated in the main square, it's a pristine experience in chic, twee quaintness, styled with a plethora of the ubiquitous middle class knickknacks it welcomes a broad range of ages - from mothers and babies to students as well as the usual tearoom populous. Good strong coffee and a variety of teas (including herbal) are served by pleasant and efficient staff. Doorstop sandwiches and sustaining breakfasts are available as well as a variety of cakes. Scones are served gloriously warm. Lunches are also available as are highchairs, but the toilets are upstairs. Well worth a visit, especially midweek when less busy. Credit cards accepted, parking available in the square.

Cafe Peninsula, Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road, Winchester

Tucked in just before the Military Museums, off the Romsey Road, it's more stumbled upon than signposted. Coffee is fresh and strong and there is a selection of cakes and pastries, these are good, although not homemade. Sandwiches are fresh, but due to the limited kitchen facilities little else is available. Unfortunately the atmosphere is like an underpopulated library as it is in the foyer of the museum. I found it lacked personality which is sad considering it's convenient location just down from the hospital, up from the Westgate and Round Table and next to the Barracks. Plenty of space round the tables and easy access (no steps). They do provide toys for little children. Parking is limited with the nearest car park being the Tower.

The Refectory, Winchester Catherdral, Winchester

Set within the grounds of the Cathedral, this light, bright self service cafe provides a secluded retreat for coffee, tea, cakes and biscuits as well as a variety of hot and cold meals. The baking and cooking is fresh and varied. Staffed by volunteers it is usually kindly and welcoming, although patience is recommended while the volunteers grapple with the coffee machine. Coffee is mild, but fresh, get an extra shot if you like it strong. Tea cakes arrive hot and well buttered. The unique atmosphere is as if you have been transplanted to a WRVS WW2 tearoom  manned by the formidably capable and kindly. You can sit outside in the courtyard all year round or enjoy the tranquil garden and small orchard during the summer months. Highchairs available and there is plenty of space for pushchairs. Credit cards accepted. Open 7 days a week.

Eighteen17, Guildhall, The Broadway, Winchester

The re-located cafe has an excellent position, at the bottom of the High Street, next to Abbey Gardens. Walk-in access from the street, bright and airy contemporary white decor, relaxed seating all set a great tone. Unfortunately things don't quite live up to expectations, staff are indifferent, coffee is insipidly weak. There is plenty of space for pushchairs, but the toddler space of the old cafe has been abandoned. The food is generally good with a variety of the ubiquitous light snacks and some very palatable baking, along with some very surprising approaches to food preparation - ever had a teacake heated in a panini press? Amazing how you can ruin something so simple. Service is slow and aimless. Hopefully things will improve. Credit cards accepted.

Lillie Bakery and Tearoom, Langtry's Supper Rooms, High Street,Stockbridge

This review is based on a one off visit, but it wouldn't draw me back. The staff are excellent, most of the outdoor seating is idyllic, shaded by trees, beside a brook, but are let down inside by a hotchpotch of grubby decor, tables that are too close to get through and some of the outside seating plagued by the aroma cooking and chip fat. The meals looked good and the baking was. The coffee was weakly disappointing. Perhaps others have had a more positive experience.

Ginger Two, Winchester

Set just off the High Street this provides a great tea room experience for natives and tourists. There is a plethora of scrumptious cakes, snacks, great coffee and array of teas are available. Ice-cream (Pembroke), light lunches and now wine are all available. Presentation is thoughtful with fresh berries accompanying all cake slices. Light and airy, with fresh simple decor, the old shop windows do mean you can enjoy the weak English sun, but can bake when it's hot. Popular with locals, getting a seat at peak times can be problematic.The proprietors  are cheerful and friendly welcoming all, including children although getting pushchairs up the three steps is a little awkward and space a bit tight for them, but worth the effort. Credit cards accepted. Open seven days a week.

Hundred Men's Hall, Hospital of St. Cross, St. Cross Road, Winchester

This quirky tearoom runs most days of the week and Saturdays over the summer from Easter to the end of September usually. Open from 10.30am to 12.30pm and then 2.30pm to 4.30pm. It is staffed by volunteers with charm, but probably not speed. A beautiful setting either inside the historic hall, or in the courtyard. Good, fresh and light homemade cakes and other baked items are usually available as well as ice-cream, tea, coffee (unfortunately weak) and soft drinks. While it may seem you have just stumbled upon and underpopulated church fete from the last century, it is well worth the idyllic saunter out from Winchester along the water meadows. Cash only. While there do take the time to go round the Norman church, the Master's Garden and the Hospital itself - one of the lesser known sights of Winchester - you can even ask to receive the wayfarer's dole (bread and beer). Children welcome.