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.