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New beginning for Winchester's oldest restaurant

"A very British coup..."

The Chesil Rectory, Winchester, is re-opening in October 2008 as a relaxed and informal restaurant serving honest, exceptional, robust, British favourites.

Mighty Sunday roasts, hearty weekend brunches, express business lunches, & a simple new a la carte menu featuring local produce & simple British classics are just some of the exciting new changes at Winchester's oldest restaurant built in 1427.

The restaurant has been sympathetically refurbished & features deep button banquette seating, quirky antiques & vintage chandeliers whilst retaining its authentic charm. Exciting new additions include a comfy lounge area & sumptuous private dining room for up to sixteen people.

It is a "dream purchase" for Winchester residents and restauranteurs Mark andEleanor Dodd who have teamed up with former colleagues & friends to open what aims to be Winchester's best modern British restaurant. All are passionate about food and wine and have worked together before.

Top Chef Damien Brown is relocating from Fortnum and Mason where he has been Head Chef for the past two years. He has previously worked at The Vineyard at Stockcross, Newbury & Marco Pierre White's L'Escargot, Soho.

The two front of house managers working alongside Mark Dodd are Katie Wickham, who joins from Richard Corrigan's Bentleys Restaurant in Mayfair, and Hampshire born Iain Longhorn, also a talented chef, who trained at The New Forest's Montague Arms.

New owner Mark Dodd, enthused:

"We're all really excited about working together again in this beautiful historic site & in such a great location."

Former owner Carl Reeve added:

"After a successful & very enjoyable 5 years at The Chesil Rectory it is time to say thank you & goodbye to our many customers. Following a kidney transplant operation, I have decided to leave the restaurant business and pursue a more relaxed lifestyle. I am confident that the new owner, Mark Dodd, will ensure that The Chesil Rectory continues to be the most favoured dining location in Winchester & that his fresh approach will be a winner with future diners. I wish him & his team all the best with his new venture."

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For more information and reservations please contact Eleanor or Mark Dodd on
01962 851 555/mobile 07771 565 240 or Eleanor@dodzilla.co.uk