Pythouse Kitchen Garden describes itself as a place to ‘eat, drink and celebrate the seasons’, a description we would argue is pretty apt. The restaurant is nestled in an 18th-century walled garden, itself nestled in the beautiful South Wiltshire countryside. Here, garden gatherings and ethically sourced meat and fish are crafted into beautiful, hearty fare. Inside the restaurant’s conservatory, you’ll find plush blankets draped over elegant seating, with plants lining the border of the room. Natural light floods in through the day, and the large windows allow those dining to look out at the garden during their meal, often glimpsing the produce on their plates.
Diners can start with the house bread, which might be a herb-baked potato number, accompanied by English flamingo pea whip, rapeseed oil, pickled vegetables and Ivy House clotted cream butter. The Real Cure Charcuterie Company of Dorset supplies a selection to start, while Dorset Blue Vinney fritters will suit vegetarians, and the home-smoked Chalk Stream trout pastrami will cater to pescetarians.
The real magic, however, is saved for the main course. Each dish features something from the fire, cooked over British charcoal from sustainable orchards and woodland. Rare breed pork belly, for example, comes with roast apple puree, hazelnuts and red hispi cabbage, while wild venison haunch is paired with blackcurrant, goat’s curd cheese and barbecued squash. To go alongside these lovely pairings, diners can add sides like cauliflower tempura with roasted apple ketchup or English quinoa with heritage beetroot, fermented beetroot leaf and chilli.
Desserts are similarly seasonal, so you might see a blackcurrant and meadowsweet ice cream sandwich or greengage and almond strudel. Diners can also take home some of the produce by checking out the adjoining shop. Book your table now by selecting a time and group size on the right - it couldn’t be easier.