About

The South Downs Social is a bike café, event space and cycling boutique in the heart of Winchester.

Situated at the western edge of the South Downs National Park (and just to the north east of the New Forest National Park), Winchester is something of a cycling hotbed, with great road, gravel and MTB riding in the area. It’s also the start and end point of two of the UK’s finest long distance off-road cycling routes, the Kings Alfred’s Way and the South Downs Way.

We wanted to create a focal point for the bike community in the area - a warm, welcoming space with superb, locally-roasted coffee from Winchester Coffee Roasters, Belgian hot chocolate, delicious, freshly cooked food, great bike racing on the big screen, interesting talks, events and screenings, secure bike parking and the sort of warm, inviting atmosphere that we’d want for ourselves after a long, hard ride. A space filled with gorgeous bike art and crammed with things to look at, a place that welcomes riders and non-riders alike - but that to the cyclist feels just like coming home.

The Social was created by The Handmade Cyclist. We’re an independent cycling brand that designs art, apparel, ceramics and gifts. You can explore our range in-store at the Social, along with a unique selection of cycling lifestyle goods from other indie brands we love.