England is home to countless gastronomic destinations, some renowned and others delightfully surprising — Winchester is one such hidden culinary gem.
Located in the county of Hampshire at the edge of South Downs National Park, the city is steeped in history and famous for its pastoral charm. Its best-known local ingredient is the watercress leaf. It is also known for its wild trout and premium Hampshire wine.
However, beyond its humble produce, Winchester blooms with several esteemed restaurants that present the best of British and international cuisines. Many are thought-provoking time capsules that provide visitors with authentic stories of the bygone.
In this city, gastronomes and history buffs are in for a treat. Read on to uncover the best of Winchester’s restaurants.
Chesil Rectory
Chesil Rectory is one of England’s crown jewels – the restaurant resides in a 600-year-old Grade II-listed mediaeval home, which is Winchester’s oldest building. History is highly palpable in the building, fascinating stories lurk in every corner, and the gourmet British fare is exceptional.
In its 600-year existence, Chesil Rectory has been a restaurant for 75 years. It was built by a rich merchant in the mid-1400s and later came under the ownership of Henry VIII after the dissolution of Catholic monasteries. Henry VIII gifted this building to his daughter Queen Mary, who celebrated her wedding here. By the 1800s, the Chesil Rectory fell into disrepair and was almost demolished until it was bought by Thomas and Co. stores.
The building has been an antique shop, tannery, the Bishop’s residence, a general store, a set of tea rooms, and a one-off merchant shop before becoming a restaurant.
The mediaeval facade has been fully retained except for the windows, which have been refurbished with grills to suit modern needs. The entrance, which was used for leading livestock to the back of the building, is completely unchanged. Much of the interior decor, from the luxurious tapestries to the marble bar on the top floor and the gold-rimmed bar stools, are vogueish additions for elevating the space.
Roast turkey breast, pan-fried sea bass, local venison, and sweet potato and chestnut pithivier are some mains offered at Chesil Rectory. There’s also a brand-new cocktail menu and exclusive wine tasting events where guests can indulge in local Hampshire wines.
The Wykeham Arms
The Wykeham Arms is a resto-pub and hotel shrouded in historical lore, perched between the 11th century Winchester Cathedral and the 14th Winchester College. Beyond its historical appeal, the Wykeham Arms is a notable restaurant in Winchester, having received two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence.
While the restaurant has been decorated with refined modish sensibilities, from the leather banquettes to the velvet slipper chairs and geometric-patterned drapes, the venue is filled with period artefacts and rustic charm. Antique mirrors, vintage beer jugs, and old-school desks imbue the space with immense character. The walls are haphazardly littered with early modern crockery and pictures, while the restrooms have also been designed in a mediaeval aesthetic.
Wykeham Arms’ special lamb pie served with potato mash, peas, and rich lamb and port jus is their signature dish at the time of publication. Eight-ounce fillet steak, pan-roasted halibut, and roasted trout are some of their other mains. Like a typical British pub, lagers, ales, ciders, and spirits are on offer, in addition to exclusive selections of Hampshire wine.
Pulpo Negro
Pulpo Negro is a Michelin bib gourmand restaurant presenting delectable bites from all corners of the Spanish peninsula, with authentic Spanish wine to boot. The catchy name translates to “black octopus,” bringing in a little mirth to the restaurant.
The interiors are highly reminiscent of a quaint Spanish bistro, with unpolished floorboards, exposed brick walls, pastel-hued velvet banquettes, and an intricate mosaic-patterned bar. The restaurant’s open kitchen evokes an inviting and vibrant ambience, besides filling the air with mouth-watering aromas.
Pulpo Negro is the perfect restaurant if you’re craving an elevated tapas offering. The weekly tapas menu typically comprises nibbles like tomato bread, padron peppers, patatas fritas, Scottish langoustines, artisan cheeses, and the like. They also have premium “Jamon” dishes, made with meat from free-range Iberico pigs.
Rick Stein’s Winchester
Rick Stein, an English celebrity chef and television personality, established his first restaurant out of Cornwall in Winchester. This labour of love is an homage to Stein’s Cornish coastal roots, with authentic seafood as the chief offering.
The ambience is contemporary, sophisticated, and fresh. Stein’s trademark blue dominates the interiors through the banquettes, cushions, signage, and even some of the crockery – this also ties into the coastal theme of the restaurant.
Made with fresh Cornish fish, some of Winchester’s dishes include the classic fish and chips, roasted tronçon of turbot, and pan-fried sea bass. The menu also serves up gems from other cuisines, such as the Indonesian seafood curry and Kolkata prawn tails, besides appetisers like oysters and caviar for seafood aficionados.
Forte Kitchen
Forte Kitchen is an award-winning restaurant and cafe, driven by a passion for community and local produce.
The interior decor is minimal, warm, and chic. Expansive light wood flooring, simple bistro furniture, soaring windows, and modern spider chandeliers adorn the restaurant. Tall plants, floating shelves, and gold-trimmed furnishings litter the space, elevating the atmosphere.
Forte offers perfect grub for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, and leisurely wine evenings. From sumptuous full English breakfasts to fluffy pastries, from Hampshire beef burgers to chickpea and butternut stew, there are options tailored for most preferences. The wine selection is the star on the drinks menu, featuring sustainable, delicious, and decadent choices.
Palm Pan Asia
Palm Pan Asia is an authentic Thai-inspired Pan-Asian restaurant that has been managed by the same family for over 40 years.
The ambience is elevated and modern, imbued with a little traditional character. Bespoke dark woodwork is coupled with maroon accent walls, bistro furnishings, and a few baroque banquettes woven with golden embroidery.
Seasoned Thai chefs bring the most delectable delicacies from Asia to the table. The menu is expansive, featuring an array of dumplings, noodles, curries, satays, and stir-fries. The “Indonesian chicken satay” and the “five spice duck salad” have secured a special mention in the Country and Townhouse publication.
Gandhi Restaurant
Gandhi Restaurant is Winchester’s longest-running Indian restaurant, known for its authentic Indian fare and high-end ambience.
The interiors are plush and contemporary, with sparkling white walls, geometric carpeting, linen-clad tables, and simple pendant lights. Red tapestries fringing the soaring windows and the clusters of emerald-coloured furniture imbue vibrance into the establishment.
From biryanis to curries and pakodas, Gandhi presents the best of Indian cuisine. Bengal fish, Kashmiri lamb shank, Goan prawns, and vegetable paneer makhni are some of the restaurant’s signature dishes.
The Avenue, Lainston House Hotel
The Avenue is a fine-dining restaurant residing within the Lainston House Hotel, renowned for its lavish ambience and flavoursome Hampshire fare.
Rich wood-panelled walls, candelabra chandeliers, burgundy accents, gilded sconces, and modern artwork adorn the interiors. There’s also a lovely al-fresco seating arrangement where guests are enveloped by the Winchester countryside.
Beef flat iron steak, cod loin, venison loin, and cep risotto are some of Avenue’s signature dishes. Decadent desserts such as blackberry souffle, vanilla panna cotta, and dark chocolate cremeux are also on offer.
At Winchester, wanderlusts and food enthusiasts are presented with surprising variety and elevated cookery. Whether it’s a tapas at Pulpo Negro or an indulgent surf and turf affair at Chesil Rectory, these are some of Winchester’s best restaurants.
