Bistro at Hotel du Vin Winchester

Winchester is the flagship and although I haven’t visited, I have walked to HdV in Henley on Thames countless times where we have had the good fortune to benefit from the best chefs in the group on rare occasions. Staff get shunted around the branches as needed resulting in peaks and troughs. We have been pleased to bring friends sometimes and at other times e.g. one New Year’s Day evening we were somewhat embarrassed. For all the right reasons, I can recall a starter of sea trout and smoked salmon raviolo which was knockout. The fish encased in the most perfectly cooked wafer thin pasta was presented elegantly in a delicate butter sauce with a scattering of concasse tomatoes. The first time I ordered this dish it was of a standard to challenge any Michelin starred chef, but alas it wasn’t to be repeated. Menus on the whole sound good, and they have some decent ingredients to work with, but I would suggest ordering carefully by selecting the less ambitious sounding dishes (perhaps from the simpler classic choices) which tend to be more dependable. Wines can suit most wallets, and will often impress from a bank embracing worldwide options but predictably major on French. Food on the other hand is not as good value for the quality.

I love this place. Excellent atmosphere, super service and good food. I wonder at times if the portions aren't getting a little small though? I am sure they used to be bigger or am I just greedy for the great food ? The wine list is pretty good, if a little on the pricey side for some of them, but there is something there for everyones taste. You cant beat a balmy afternoon in the walled garden with a bottle of champagne…