Dishing Up Michelin 2022
This trio of chefs (left to right, Gordon Stott of The Purefoy, Dave Watts of The Crown Inn, Upton, and Matthew Whitfield of The Terrace, Montagu Arms) head up kitchens recommended in this year's Michelin Guide. The annual announcements from the Michelin Guide, considered the foodie’s bible, are always valued and drooled over. Hampshire may not have won any stars this year – but it certainly has stars in the making with 17 recommendations for Hampshire including seven Hampshire Fare members – worth seeking out as they are not only considered top notch by Michelin, but support local, too! So, let’s hear it for the following (listed in alphabetical order):
Chesil Rectory, Winchester (Contemporary British cuisine). Described by the Michelin Guide as a hugely characterful double-gabled house dating from the 15th century with beams, inglenook fireplace, and classically based dishes informed by local, seasonal produce and given a modern twist by the experienced team, headed up in the kitchen by Damian Brown.
Crown Inn, Upton (Modern British cuisine). Described by the Guide as a welcoming pub nestled among narrow lanes and lush farmland with bar with open fire, airy conservatory, terrace and option to dine privately in a firelit wooden igloo. Chef/proprietor Dave Watts serves colourful, eye-catching dishes where ingredients from small local producers steal the show.
Hartnett Holder & Co, Lime Wood, Lyndhurst (Italian). Described by the Guide as a lovely vintage-style restaurant looking out over the gardens of an impressive mansion in the heart of the New Forest. Angela Hartnett puts her stamp on the appealing, classic Italian dishes, which come with a refined edge.The daily changing set priced lunch is a steal.
The Greyhound on the Test, Stockbridge (Modern British cuisine). Described by the Guide as a mustard-coloured pub with low beams, woodburning stoves and over a mile of River Test fishing rights. Décor gives it a French bistro feel with an appealing range of dishes including modern small plates, a selection ‘on toast’ and a classical daily menu; the chef will also cook your catch.
The Pig, Brockenhurst (regional cuisine). Described by the Guide as a smart manor house which plays host to an eclectically furnished conservatory where the gardener and forager supply what’s best from within a 25 mile radius and cooking is unfussy and wholesome. The Guide praises The Pig’s commitment to sustainable gastronomy with the kitchen garden at the restaurant’s heart.
The Purefoy, Preston Candover (Modern British cuisine). Described by the Guide as an appealing country pub with exposed stone walls and welcoming open fires, headed up by chef/proprietor Gordon Stott who offers a mix of keenly priced pub classics and more ambitious restaurant-style dishes.
The Terrace, Montagu Arms, Beaulieu (Modern British cuisine). Described by the Guide as an elegant dining room found at the heart of an alluring 18th century inn with a chef, Matthew Whitfield, who really understands how to pair flavours and everything is on the plate for a reason.
Main image: trio of Michelin recommended chefs at the Local Produce Show, from left to right: Gordon Stott of The Purefoy; Dave Watts of The Crown Inn, Upton, and Matthew Whitfield of The Terrace, Montagu Arms. With thanks to The Electric Eye.