If you're looking for an enchanting setting for a special dinner with family and friends, take a look at Pythouse Kitchen Garden. In the heart of the South Wiltshire countryside, this 18th-Century walled garden restaurant takes its cues from nature, with a menu that hinges on the seasons and offers a sustainable approach to gardening and cooking. Using local producers and suppliers, alongside their own daily garden gatherings, the team have created a timeless menu which feels still feels contemporary.
While dining here is always a joy, for special occasions it has to be the Chef's Table experience, which is perfect for long, lazy lunches for up to 12 guests, allowing you to taste the best of Chef Darren Broom's creations. In the summer months, the team will set you up in a gorgeous spot on the terrace, while in the winter, the potting shed is a cosy enclave, decorated with candles, dried flowers and sheepskin blankets.
As you can imagine, the menu changes with the seasons, but online you'll find spring, summer, winter and autumn examples, so you know what to expect. Guests are always greeted with a drink, which at the moment is the Sprigster Fizz, made with a 100% natural sparkling infusion inspired the garden, which is followed by nibbles of herb baked potato bread, flamingo pea whip, garden herbs,
home pickled vegetables and Ivy House clotted cream butter.
Then, to start there's charcoal grilled chalkstream trout with roasted cauliflower purée and crispy brassicas, while over the fire you can choose from haunch of wild Somerset venison served with fermented Wimborne blueberries and red hispi cabbage, as well as Nempnett Pastures chicken with cavolo nero, kohlrabi and pancetta. A lovely vegetarian option is the stuffed celeriac with wild mushrooms, kale and chestnuts, and we like the sound of the retired Wiltshire dairy beef with truffled potato and ember roasted shallot red wine sauce.
With plenty of sides you won't be going hungry and then there's the array of puddings, too. We'd love to try the Pythouse “apple cake” with custard!