Locals rave about the Chesil Rectory.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Simple perfection…

Perhaps the best food in town…