Nestled in the Winchester countryside sits Lainston House, a listed building which is home to The Wellhouse restaurant. Impressively, The Wellhouse is one of the very few restaurants in the UK where everything is cooked over woodfire, not just the meat and fish mains but starters and desserts too. Coupled with the striking woodfired ovens that guests can get a glimpse of due to the semi-open kitchen, is a Weber smoker, resulting in an experiential menu filled with deliciously barbecued flavours.
Head chef Phil Yeomans is also enthusiastic about the sustainability element of The Wellhouse. The gardeners have made use of the lush fertile surroundings by growing plenty of the fruit and vegetables in the grounds and in the onsite heritage orchard, hence the motto that the food has travelled ‘metres not miles’.
On the menu, expect grilled, smoked and baked delights. Start off with the woodfired flatbread served with the garden dip of the day or crunch on pork scratchings served with smoked apples from the orchard. For mains, try the sharing plates like the BBQ octopus with rhubarb rojo and charred cucumber salsa, or dig into the Tuscan grilled rib-eye steak for two served on the bone with black garlic butter. If you’re feeling adventurous, finish on the unusual smoked chocolate cremeaux with raspberry and cinnamon. Wash all this down with local beer from the Flower Pots Brewery or indulge in a cocktail, all crafted with British spirits.
The dining room has stayed true to its historic roots, creating a casual and rustic ambience. Striking wooden beams cross the ceiling meeting the exposed brick walls where local art is hung. Wooden tables and chairs sit beneath hanging plants creating an inviting and unfussy vibe where the food can shine through, perfect for a relaxed evening with friends and family.