Chesil Rectory

In Winchester to see the Christmas Markets. Stumbled upon this place by accident by in my goodness what a delightful treat. We had no booking and on asking about free tables were told that they’d had no spaces for about a month! Phew! Thankfully there was a no show just a couple of minutes later so we we’re offered their table.
The staff were very friendly and the deco with it being Christmas was very festive! Recommendations were given for food ND wine but it all sounded amazing.
Service was prompt but we were left to enjoy or courses without the constant fuss of some places.
Food was very very good! Particularly beef carpaccio with a hint of horseradish. Mains were large and extremely filling, chicken was succulent and hake just fell away and melted in your mouth.
Got busier as the night weren’t in but the tables were not sitting on top of each other so you didn’t have to listen to others conversation.
A delightful find that hit the spot.

We went for a day out in Winchester and found ourselves let down by so many things being closed, unavailable, etc. Finding Chesil Rectory was a treat. We were walking by and saw it and the look of the building stood out for its age and style. A sign outside proclaimed it had been rated one of the most romantic restaurants in Britain and after having dinner there I have to agree!

We worried that due to nearby graduation festivities we might need a reservation, so arrived just after they opened at 6pm and were delighted that they had space available. From 6-7pm they offer a set menu option in addition to the regular menu, and we both went for this. I had a fish starter, potato dumping main and the berry fool. All were delicious – especially the dumplings which were a bit like big gnocchi, but absolutely melty and dreamy.

In addition to the delicious food, the service was wonderful. I’d mentioned it was our anniversary when we were being seated and my dessert came with “Happy Anniversary” written in chocolate sauce on the plate! A really lovely touch.

The building itself is charming and full of history from medieval to modern times. Downstairs there are 2 rooms for dining, and upstairs there are 2 more (plus a door that indicated a private dining room). Upstairs is a bit brighter than downstairs, but both are cosy and sweet. Ceiling and door heights are low, as to be expected in a building of such age,

Lovely restaurant. Great food, warm environment and a really great team of staff. It’s our favourite place to go and can’t recommend it highly enough.

Have been here several times now and love the story for this place – and that the owners are so eager to share the building’s history.  Menu offers great selection for both food and wine, with some particularly yummy options to choose from.  Waiting staff can be informal, but very friendly and helpful – with the Owner close at hand to make sure everyone happy.