Vatika

The scenic backdrop of Wickham Vineyard is one reason for visiting Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar’s new restaurant; the other is the cooking, which Kochhar has described as ‘modern British with an Indian twist’. His protege Jitin Joshi heads up the kitchen, & the short menu features dishes named after their two main ingredients – many of which are locally sourced. Starters such as ‘courgette-tomato’ (tomato seed ravioli with coriander ratatouille & smoked ketchup) or ‘pigeon-beetroot’ (tandoori squab with vanilla & five-spice beetroot) are delicately flavoured triumphs of presentation. Mains are equally assured: ‘chicken-corn’ involves charred chicken breast partnered by stewed corn & pickled avocado, while ‘peas-cauliflower’ comprises pea patties with cauliflower puree & lemon marmalade. Refreshing desserts provide a western take on Indian classics, witness a dazzling chilled mango soup with sago risotto & cacao wafers. With cooking this good, a price tag of £35 for three courses & an exalted wine list, Kochhar has scored a real hit.