Chalk Restaurant at Wiston Estate Winery

English vineyards have been cropping up since the 90s, and in recent years have seen a surge in popularity, with English wine now being considered some of the best in the world. Wiston Estate joined the movement in 2006, and it’s since built a business that focuses around quality and sustainability, with an ethos that shows throughout the vineyard - including bee hives, rewilding projects, and not least it’s very own restaurant.

Chalk restaurant follows a 20 mile radius rule - and we’re not just talking about the ingredients used. You’ll find an impressively large lightshade made from recycled t-shirts which has been constructed by a family friend, tables created by an in-law, and even the chalk ornaments were hand carved by one of the Goring family members. Each piece fits in perfectly with the effortlessly cool decor, and the warm neutral tones.

The food draws together produce from both the estate, and other local suppliers, to create a menu that is light on economical impact but big on flavour. The steak tartare and confit egg yolk arrive alongside sourdough crackers that are reminiscent of poppadom shards, and the perfect tool for shovelling. For mains, the poached pollock is in a pool of seaweed butter sauce with mussels, and is a masterclass in seafood cookery. All perfectly seasoned, and made only better by being able to mop up the sauce with some wild garlic potatoes.

To fully secure a piece of our heart, a buttermilk & honey panna cotta, with rhubarb and crumble, rounds off the meal in the most magical of ways.

Of course, when it comes to wine, you’ll find a selection of Wiston Estate to pair alongside your meal. We can confidently say there’s no bad option here, but the Tank Five - a dry still white - and the Blanc de Blanc were two of our favourites.

Chalk has nailed the brief on how to be considerate towards the planet, whilst still remaining incredibly chic, and we think it's definitely set the standard for this new wave of vineyard experiences.

Chalk Restaurant sits within the Wiston Estate Wintery in the rolling hills of the South Downs, complete with 6000 acres of pasture, woodland, and vineyards. The vineyard was started in 2006 and has since grownto offer visitors the chance to explore the estate through vineyard tours, sparkling wine tastings, and walking trails. 

Named after the chalky soil on which the vines are grown, Chalk Restaurant has received numerous accolades (including within the Michelin Guide) for its wonderful service, excellent wine, and stellar seasonal cooking. It occupies a converted barn, with a bright and calm interior providing the perfect backdrop for its thoughtful, seasonal cuisine. Chalk celebrates the highs of fresh local produce, sourcing ingredients from the Estate and its neighbours. Decor is local too, made by family members or bought from small businesses nearby. With neutral tones and a suspended bar in the centre, this effortlessly cool space works as the perfect spot to match Wiston wines with dishes that celebrate the heritage of the area.

The menu at Chalk is succinct and changes regularly to reflect the local larder. Friday and Saturday evenings revolve around set menus, which draw on the best of the estate’s produce, seasonal foraged ingredients, and coastal influences. Guests can also experience the Top Drawer Tasting & Dinner, beginning in the winery with a tasting of rare and vintage wines from the estate’s collection, including the Library Collection, followed by a six-course candlelit dinner at Chalk. 

For a more relaxed experience, Chalk serves an à la carte lunch from Wednesday to Sunday. On the winelist, you'll find wines from elsewhere too, but we'd recommend sticking to the vineyard's own for the full grape-to-glass experience. And, each morning, coffee and pastries are available, perfect for catch-ups with friends and post-walk pit stops. It also boasts a dog-friendly terrace, convenient parking, and is fully wheelchair accessible.