Chesil Rectory

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 & 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 & inglenook fireplace, with the whole operation taking an unstuffy approach to hospitality. There’s nothing dated about the kitchen’s output, though, as head chef Neil Thornley has Marco Pierre White pedigree & turns up the gas on well-executed, brasserie-style dishes. Quality produce presses all the right local & seasonal buttons too: braised neck of Hampshire lamb served with Anna potatoes, roast vine tomatoes, garlic fritters & wild garlic pesto or sea bass fillet teamed with leek purée & truffle macaroni. For dessert, it’s hard to choose between a perfect treacle tart or standout raspberry soufflé.