Chesil Rectory Restaurant Winchester

Last week I visited the Chesil Rectory in Winchester for the first time since it's re opening & what a pleasant surprise, it has completely changed and for the better. The dark rooms and stuffyness have gone its been redecorated so you can see what a beautiful building it is. But the important bit, the food. I really don’t understand some of the reviews here. Everything we tried was great and so was the service, staff welcoming and friendly to a man/woman, certainly not “pretentious”. Plus the prices were much more reasonable (did the previous reviewer saying prices were high ever go in it’s previous incarnation?!). The owner took the trouble to give us a mini tour (there’s a private dinning room upstairs. We like) and even introduced us to the chef who previously worked at Fortnums. Just what Wincheter needs – we will be back.

10

Ian H.

I went in to the Chesil Rectory with my friends the other day and cannot praise the place enough. The staff were incredibly friendly...the perfect hosts and the food was spot on. I love what they have done with the building and look forward to eating there again soon.

10

Tom H.

I went to this restaurant a couple of years ago and found it over-priced and lacking atmosphere, so I was interested to see the new version - and what a difference! It was fantastic. The service was efficient and attentive without being "in your face" and the food was delicious with perfectly sized portions. It is the perfect venue for an intimate meal or a family celebration. I honesly can't recommend the Chesil Rectory strongly enough.

10

Jennifer C.

Food very mediocre even at cheaper prices. My main course of salmon was cold in the middle and after sending it back I was firmly informed that it is meant to be cooked pink - maybe so - but not cold surely? Staff varied between lovely and pretentious. Had taken friends too - what a disappointment. Will never return or recommend it

40

Andrew P.

Undoubtedly the best attributes of the Chesil Rectory are the building itself (dating from 1450) and the presentation/layout of the dining area which is just about perfect. In Hampshire there are some good budget restaurants (eg Piccolo Mondo - Southampton -lunch at £15) and reputable high quality restaurants (Chewton Glen - New Milton - £50). In terms of food quality I would put the Chesil Rectory in the middle ground (which in the UK generally seems like quite a broad category). Like many such restaurants it has pretentions to be in the top flight and charges what I consider to be a high price for reasonable but unremarkable food. I paid £44 including tip for lunch with wine, a single pre-lunch beer and coffee. The servings were small nouvelle-cuisine, which is not a problem for lunch if the prices were not so high. Service was good. As an alternative I would recommend trying La Parisienne Romsey for better meals at cheaper prices or spend just a few pounds more and indulge in the lunch menu at the Chewton Glen.

30

Graham H.