This was the first time we'd been to The Chesil Rectory since its latest change from French fine dining to..... how would one describe it? Good value British dining? We went for Sunday lunch. A kind of belated birthday celebration, and were seated upstairs. There was a definite buzz about the place with plenty of family groups already seated. Menu... more

On arrival, we received a warm and friendly welcome and this set the theme for the whole evening. Given the credentials of Head Chef, Damian Brown, I expected the food to be top nosh, and indeed it was right from the delicious black pudding and smoked trout starter, the very fresh sea bass and locally produced beef, all the way... more

I had a very nice Sunday lunch at Chesil. What a historic place to have a meal. We were warmly welcomed, had a nice table reserved for us. Varied menu with many fresh innovative items. I had the Sunday roast beef "with all the toys" (i.e. yorkshire pudding, delightfully crisp vegetables, potatoes done in 3 styles, etc.). Was a little... more

My group visited the Chesil Rectory last weekend and we were all very disappointed. We tend to eat out together most weekends and have tried most of the restaurants and gatropubs in the area. Up to now we had avoided the Chesil Rectory as it has a reputation for being very expensive with no atmosphere. On the plus side we... more

We visited for lunch (having eaten here under the previous management and found it underwhelming) and were very pleasantly surprised at the changes. Still the same restaurant from outside, but once inside the whole feel has changed, and I would definitely recommend this restaurant. Great welcome, fab food and very accomodating, even going so far as to rustle up child... more

When we moved to Winchester this restaurant had a reputation for being over priced and under delivering on service. When one of our friends recommended it we were astounded but then found out there was a new chef and owner (I think) anyway we bit the bullet and I am very glad we did, this is definitely in the top... more

My husband treated me to a meal at the Chesil Rectory for my birthday as I had always wanted to go. Luckily for him under the new ownership the average price on the menu has dropped considerably. Or maybe he did know and that's why I was finally treated to a meal here? On arrival we were greeted with a... more

Promising menu let down by mediocre execution and a lack of thought generally (e.g. portions are small which doesn't work in a restaurant styling itself on a bistro). Starter of fish soup was reasonably well made but a little thin. Main of halibut and chips was a real let down, the fish being cold and small, but the chips were... more

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... more