Hambledon Wine Estate to open restaurant and bar

Hambledon Wine Estate in Hampshire is preparing to launch a 40-seat restaurant and tasting room next month. 

Set in the South Downs National Park, the 200-acre vineyard has grown vines on Newhaven Chalk since 1952. Managing director James Osborn and head chef Nick Edgar will steer this new chapter for the English wine producer, now under the stewardship of Berry Bros. & Rudd and Symington Family Estates.

Osborn brings a wealth of experience in wine, having worked as MD at Squerryes Wine Estate in Kent and served as non-executive director of Tillingham Wines in East Sussex. Edgar previously worked under Raymond Blanc as head chef at the two Michelin star hotel Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons. He then moved to the Lake District to join The Samling, which was awarded a Michelin star nine months after he joined. 

Dining at Hambledon

Open from lunch through to evening, Edgar’s menu will champion seasonal produce and the best ingredients from the kitchen garden and local surroundings. Guests can expect the likes of Chalk stream trout served with beetroot dill and horseradish; grilled fillet of mackerel with a soy and honey glaze; roasted loin of Hampshire venison with celeriac, pear and juniper; and braised beef cheek served with pomme puree and roasted and pickled alliums. Puddings, such as a pistachio soufflé with clementine sorbet and dark chocolate sauce, will also be available.

The bar will offer a selection of Symington’s and Berry Bros & Rudd’s wines, including the Symington Contacto Alvarinho and the Sancerre Cotat, along with a concise classic cocktail list.

At the rear of the dining room will be the St James’ tasting room, a welcoming spot overlooking the estate’s oldest vines. A bespoke tasting table made from 12 types of wood will host up to 16 guests for guided tastings.

Osborn comments: “As we continue to grow and share our passion for exceptional English sparkling wines, opening a new restaurant at Hambledon Wine Estate is an exciting opportunity to offer our guests a complete dining experience, where they can enjoy the best of local produce paired with our wines in a beautiful, relaxed setting. This is just the beginning for Hambledon and the estate, which we will be announcing early next year!"

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