Set in the heart of the South Downs and surrounded by bountiful Hampshire produce, the Michelin-rated Restaurant at Hambledon Wine Estate serves seasonal menus that evolve throughout the year.
Flooded with natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, the dining room overlooks the sweeping vineyard. Inside, a palette of light wood and pared-back, contemporary decor creates a calm, airy feel. Much of the produce comes directly from the kitchen garden just outside, is foraged from the estate, or sourced from trusted suppliers across the South Downs.
On the menu, expect modern British cooking that gives classic flavours a fresh, creative lift. Dishes change frequently, but previous starters have included seared scallops with poached salsify, monks beard, blood orange and brown shrimp butter, and crispy lamb sweetbreads with asparagus and pea salad. Naturally, a glass of Hambledon's award-winning sparkling makes an ideal match, but failing that, the restaurant has an extensive cellar full of bottles from all over the world. Or, you can order a cocktail at the bar, with lots of signature mixes available.
Past main courses have featured pan fried guinea fowl with celeriac, baby leek, truffled ruby chard, date and juniper jus; lamb rump with fondant potato, wild garlic, broad beans and grillot onion, and roast turbot with braised fennel, prawns, and samphire. Vegetarians are well served too, with dishes lik ricotta agnolotti with asparagus, peas and courgettes, or goat's cheese with asparagus, morels, and toasted hazelnut sage dressing.
To finish, look out for comforting desserts like dark chocolate crumble tart, pistachio financier with poached rhubarb, and burnt honey and thyme brulee with apricot sorbet. The Restaurant at Hambledon Wine Estate also offers a great-value set lunch, a dedicated children’s menu and a more elaborate tasting menu for those seeking the full estate experience.