The Chesil Rectory

An impressively historic treasure that boasts a perfectly maintained interior. Our lunch was phenomenal, characterized by exquisite cuisine and vigilant service.

How to start describing the exceptional dining experience we had? The meals were a feast for the eyes and the palate, paired with an exquisite wine that we savored like no other before. The ambiance was extraordinarily inviting and warm, all accentuated with the hospitality of amicable and proficient personnel. We were left in awe when they presented a small surprising token for our anniversary, which added a memorable charm to our visit. Absolutely, a repeat visit is on our agenda.

Opting to celebrate my partner's birthday, we chose this restaurant for our lunch experience. The process of securing a reservation online was a breeze and we appreciated their courtesy in sending a reminder email a few days prior to our visit. Upon arriving slightly ahead of schedule, they enthusiastically guided us to our comfy, round booth table. Their menu boasted a quality variety of wine options, both by the bottle and glass, along with a selection of beers. Opting for the lunch set menu proved to be satisfyingly flavorful and fairly priced, with a neat £5 discount for each meal at its conclusion. Our dining experience began with an appetizer of freshly-baked, crispy bread. The Farmhouse Terrine we chose next, served with a sumptuous jam, did not disappoint at all, indeed the jam provided a delightful contrast. Both of us savored the Pork Schnitzel, the combination of anchovies and capers adding a unique and tasty twist. Notably, the slices featuring the anchovy were particularly enjoyable. The fresh Baby Gem lettuce was a great accompaniment. Finally, we concluded our feast with delectable desserts. All this amazing dining took place in a charming set-up right in the heart of the city, costing about £50 per person, inclusive of a three-course meal and drinks. All in all, a delicious lunchtime treat.

Frankly, neither the cuisine, ambiance, nor the customer service met my expectations. Given the price I paid, it was undesirable to find spider webs in every corner, stained floors and windows. Yes, the establishment is ancient, but that isn't an excuse for it being unkempt. The food, though decent in presentation and quality, isn't up to par if they are aiming for a Michelin star. The service was mediocre, there were tedious delays, and the silverware was scattered on the table without any napkins, not to mention they missed bringing a portion of my order. In essence, it felt more like an upscale pub than a restaurant. As for the question of revisiting, the answer is resounding no.

Absolutely exceptional! A thank you meal with friends brought me to my search for a fine dining place for a quality lunch, and The Chisel Rectory popped up as a choice, cheers to Google! Its independent status and seasonal focus, as observed on their website, were appealing. I am over the moon with the outcome of my selection. We relished in our pre-lunch beverages accompanied by bread, chicken butter, Isle of Wight rapeseed oil, and Moroccan spices and seeds that brilliantly paired with the butter - such a modest but flawless combination. The lamb rump was our unanimous selection and its tenderness was out of this world. One of my friends indulged in the baked pear for dessert, while my eyes were set on a brandy snap basket teeming with succulent pieces of pineapple. The taste was pure heaven! Knowing I needed something light for the midday meal, I was uncertain about my red wine choice. Thankfully, I received a recommendation for a light-bodied Italian red named Mesdi which precisely hit the mark. The restaurant staff were not just attentive, but also warmly congenial and welcoming. The brilliantly coordinated team offered top-notch dishes amidst an appealingly decorated and furnished setting. The meticulous attention paid to every little detail was captivating - even the chair back designs, featuring bird and bee motifs, captured my interest. It felt as if the restaurant was crafted with genuine love and care. We never once felt rushed and when the restaurant quieted down a bit, I capitalized on the opportunity to take some photos of the interior without bothering anyone. It truly is a venue steeped in history. My endless gratitude for making our Winchester visit an extraordinary memory.