IT’S the definitive guide to Winchester pubs.

Around 30 people gathered at Waterstones in Winchester High Street on Thursday (Oct 10) for the launch of the third edition of Time Gentlemen, Please!, a look at pubs in and around the city.

Author Phil Yates said he decided to write the third version after the second edition, written six years ago, sold out on October 10 last year, giving him a chance to see how pubs had changed.

He said: “It’s a good thing my team and I did this because there have been so many alterations. Some pubs have gone, some have changed their names and one is now a furniture shop.”

The book was published by the City of Winchester Trust and Mr Yates had lots of support from friends and family, including wife Joan, the Winchester Heritage Centre and retired brewery architect David Williams.

Mr Yates added: “David found out a lot of details that I had never heard of before.”

But Mr Yates, who is partially sighted, added this would be the last book he would write.

Trust treasurer Peter Radcliffe, who was heavily involved in the publication, paid tribute to Mr Yates at the launch.

He said: “Phil is a giver in an extraordinary way and is also a very generous man. He is very knowledgeable about Winchester and has always been willing to impart that knowledge for our benefit.”

Mayor of Winchester Ernie Jeffs also attended the launch and praised Mr Yates’ work.

He said: “I think this is a wonderful document and really pulls together the social fabric of Winchester and the great places people come to meet and talk.”

There will be another chance to have the book signed on October 19, again at Waterstones, but this time in their store at the Brooks shopping centre between 11am and 1pm.

The book costs £9.95 and is printed by Sarsen Press.