Chalk Restaurant at Wiston Estate Winery

English vineyards have been cropping up since the 90s, and in recent years have seen a surge in popularity, with English wine now being considered some of the best in the world. Wiston Estate joined the movement in 2006, and it’s since built a business that focuses around quality and sustainability, with an ethos that shows throughout the vineyard - including bee hives, rewilding projects, and not least it’s very own restaurant.

Chalk restaurant follows a 20 mile radius rule - and we’re not just talking about the ingredients used. You’ll find an impressively large lightshade made from recycled t-shirts which has been constructed by a family friend, tables created by an in-law, and even the chalk ornaments were hand carved by one of the Goring family members. Each piece fits in perfectly with the effortlessly cool decor, and the warm neutral tones.

The food draws together produce from both the estate, and other local suppliers, to create a menu that is light on economical impact but big on flavour. The steak tartare and confit egg yolk arrive alongside sourdough crackers that are reminiscent of poppadom shards, and the perfect tool for shovelling. For mains, the poached pollock is in a pool of seaweed butter sauce with mussels, and is a masterclass in seafood cookery. All perfectly seasoned, and made only better by being able to mop up the sauce with some wild garlic potatoes.

To fully secure a piece of our heart, a buttermilk & honey panna cotta, with rhubarb and crumble, rounds off the meal in the most magical of ways.

Of course, when it comes to wine, you’ll find a selection of Wiston Estate to pair alongside your meal. We can confidently say there’s no bad option here, but the Tank Five - a dry still white - and the Blanc de Blanc were two of our favourites.

Chalk has nailed the brief on how to be considerate towards the planet, whilst still remaining incredibly chic, and we think it's definitely set the standard for this new wave of vineyard experiences.

Wiston Estate winery sits on the rolling hills of the South Downs, within a 6000 acre plot that’s been owned by the Goring family since 1743. The vineyard was started in 2006, and has since grown into a business that also offers wilderness tours, keeps bees, and has it’s own restaurant.

Named after the chalky soil that the vines are grown on, Chalk Restaurant sits within a renovated barn, boasting minimalistic decor that has either been made by family members, or bought from small businesses nearby. With neutral tones, and a suspended bar in the centre, this effortlessly cool space works as the perfect spot to match Wiston wines with the food prepared by chef Tom Kemble.

The menu is small, but shines a light on seasonal ingredients, and therefore changes on a regular basis. The restaurant aims to demonstrate the importance of the nature, heritage, and purpose of the land shared between everyone. With this in mind, everything is sourced locally, whether if be from the estate itself, or from suppliers in the area. You can expect dishes like hot smoked Chalk Stream trout with horseradish creme fresh, Jersey Royals and pickled cucumber, or hen of the woods mushroom gnocchi. Dessert will look a little something like a salted caramel tart with milk ice cream.

Of course, the wine list showcases the selection of still and sparkling wines produced at Wiston Estate, but don’t worry, you’ll still have a choice between, red, white, rose and sparkling. Among the options are Tank Five, a still white made with Bacchus grapes, and the Blanc de noir - a white fizz made using red grapes.

The restaurant also makes a great spot to head to on warmer days, as there is an impressive terrace for when the weather permits, plus the outside area is dog friendly, so is perfect for visiting with the whole family.