What the press say ...

What the press say ...

The Chesil Rectory has all the wonky beams, weathered foorboards and pretty brickwork anyone could wish for..

- Waitrose Weekend Magazine

The Chesil Rectory looks like it belongs in Godric’s Hollow…and is charmingly wonky…There’s a romantic, candlelit atmosphere (see how many vintage chandeliers you can count) and a delicate style of cooking.

- Olive Magazine

Locals rave about the Chesil Rectory.

- The Sunday Times

The Chesil Rectory is our favourite place for dinner in Winchester…A memorable meal, enjoyed in an unforgettable setting.

- Olive Magazine

Looking like it’s been plucked straight out of a fairy tale, The Chesil Rectory is a romantic Medieval building…Working your way through a roast shoulder of pork is a fine way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

- GQ Magazine

In a city rammed with historic buildings, the centuries-old, timber-framed Chesil Rectory still turns heads. It dates from 1450, lays claim to being Winchester’s oldest dwelling and has character by the bucket load. Set across two floors, a gentle makeover has carefully woven a modern country look through the old beams, timbers and inglenook fireplace, with the whole operation taking an unstuffy approach to hospitality. There’s nothing dated about the kitchen’s output either, with well-executed brasserie-style dishes fashioned from local and seasonal produce. The kitchen keeps things intelligently simple – witness Blackmoor Estate venison, perhaps teamed with wild mushrooms, cavolo nero and chocolate sauce or roasted and spiced Brixham monkfish accompanied by caponata and a potato crisp. Desserts deliver comfort in the form of treacle tart with lime ice cream or cherry sponge with mint syrup and vanilla cream.

- Square Meal

The Chesil Rectory is a wonderful building near the City Mill at the end of the High Street. Situated in a 600-year-old Grade II listed Medieval house that sits below the level of the road the restaurant is friendly and bustling. The food offers clever twists on British classics using local seasonal ingredients – the smoked salmon mousse starter is particularly delicious.

- Britain Magazine

Historical head turner with modern food… With its centuries-old good looks, the timber-framed Chesil Rectory certainly turns heads. The fifteenth century dwelling was bequeathed to the city by Mary Tudor and it delivers bags of  original features across two floors: dark oak beams and timbers, creaking floorboards, ancient doorways and open fireplaces. But that’s where ye olde England ends. A thoughtful modern makeover adds style via classily upholstered chairs, buttoned banquettes and vintage chandeliers. Damian Brown’s  kitchen takes a correspondingly modern approach that’s admirably centred around quality regional produce. It delivers punchy flavours in dishes such as roasted rump of Hampshire beef accompanied by cream layered potatoes, spinach and parsley puree and red wine sauce; a lighter touch might be seen in pan-fried organic salmon served alongside potato dumplings, braised lettuce, peas and shallots. Friendly service contributes to the relaxed vibe, and the wine list has plenty of invigorating drinking.

- Good Food Guide

Winchester is the perfect English city – a comforting blend of old world charm mixed with a vibrant café culture and a lively arts scene. I always enjoy my visits here during festival season and look forward to returning in the future – oh, and my secret dining recommendation is The Chesil Rectory.

- Dame Judi Dench

Damian’s kitchen takes a modern approach that’s admirably centred around quality regional produce and delivers punchy flavours

- Which? Good Food Guide

Simple perfection…

- The Guardian

Perhaps the best food in town…

- The Daily Telegraph

Recent Awards

Grade 4 in the Good Food Guide 2016/2017

2 AA Rosettes 2017

‘Hampshire Restaurant of the Year 2015’ at Hampshire Life Awards 2015

Voted ‘3rd most romantic restaurant in Britain’ in a readers poll by The Times newspaper

Winchester Excellence Award 2013

Superior Quality Award & Local Food Award from Tourism SouthEast 2012 (the highest award in Hampshire Hospitality awards scheme)

Winner of ‘BID member of The Year’ in the 2012 Winchester Business Excellence Awards

Press Kit

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For all press enquiries contact: Eleanor Dodd – press@chesilrectory.co.uk / 07771 565 240

Press Releases

Dec 2017

The Chesil Rectory Unveils Glamorous Refurbishment

Images & Logos

Jan 2018