Winchester, French Restaurant Guide

2021 Review: “The garden’s a joy in summer” at the original HdV, founded 25 years ago in a gorgeous Georgian house – but there’s a persistent feeling that it fails to live up to its attractive setting or extensive cellar, with diners too often “disappointed” by their bistro fare. The chain, which now numbers 19 boutique hotels, has been sold twice in the last 10 years.

2021 Review: An “excellent coffee and cake selection” (verging on the “healthy” side), supported by “interesting” snack lunches underpin the allure of this town-centre café – and “in summer you can retire to the courtyard or sit out front to watch the world go by”; “unfortunately the branch in Winchester has now closed”.

“What a find” – this well-established Gallic restaurant has been ably helmed by husband-and-wife team Garth (FOH) and Maranda Jacobs (chef) for over a decade, having been in existence for twice that long under former chef German Marquis. These days in a handier High Street location, it continues to turn out “delightful” and “delicious” cuisine by absolutely all accounts.