After much anticipation, the Restaurant at Hambledon Wine Estate finally opens its doors on 5th February 2025. With a vision to set the benchmark for UK wine tourism, we have curated a world-class team, exceptional food, and award-winning wines as the foundation of this exciting new venue. Our ethos is rooted in sustainability and seasonality, with a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, including produce from our very own kitchen garden. Under the expertise of our talented chefs, these ingredients are transformed into imaginative takes on classic British cuisine.
An Exceptional Team
Leading the kitchen is our renowned Head Chef, Nick Edgar, who brings years of knowledge and experience, as the head chef at restaurants such as Le Manoir Aux Quatre Saisons, and The Samling, to the helm of the Hambledon kitchen. Working alongside Nick is a team of outstanding chefs dedicated to crafting creative, flavour-packed dishes, they promise to shape an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Hospitality is in the capable hands of Katherine Fromm, who, along with her warm and professional team, ensures every visit is a memorable one—whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply unwinding with a glass of wine at our bar.
The estate itself is in the expert care of James Osborn, brings with him a wealth of experience in wine—most recently as Managing Director at Squerryes Wine Estate and non-Executive Director at Tillingham Wines—brings invaluable knowledge to Hambledon.
A Historic Setting with Breathtaking Views
Founded in 1952 by the pioneering Major General Sir Guy Salisbury Jones, Hambledon Wine was England’s first commercial vineyard, the very birthplace of English wine. Nestled within the rolling landscapes of the South Downs National Park, our new restaurant is bathed in natural light and offers stunning views of the historic vineyard, from all angles.
Designed by Mowat & Co, the new building seamlessly integrates the modern and the natural, preserving the rural feel while embracing modern elegance.
Digging the foundations of the cellar, and what would be The Restaurant, 2018.
Building The Restaurant at Hambledon Wine Estate, 2024.
A Menu That Celebrates the Seasons
From lunch through to dinner, Nick Edgar’s carefully curated menu showcases the best of British seasonal produce, with dishes that highlight fresh flavours and exceptional quality. Expect highlights such as:
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Chalk stream trout with beetroot, dill, and horseradish
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Grilled fillet of mackerel with a soy and honey glaze
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Roasted loin of Hampshire venison with celeriac, pear, and juniper
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Braised beef cheek with pomme purée and roasted & pickled alliums
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Pistachio soufflé with clementine sorbet and dark chocolate sauce
At the bar, we proudly offer an expertly curated selection of wines, including those from Symington Family Estates and Berry Bros & Rudd, alongside a classic cocktail list and, of course, Hambledon’s own award-winning sparkling wines.
Thoughtful Design, Inspired by Nature
Designed with both aesthetics and sustainability in mind, the restaurant features large barns constructed from Green Oak, blending seamlessly with the surrounding vineyard landscape. The interiors boast handcrafted furniture made from Ash and Walnut, offering a refined yet welcoming ambiance.
Our culinary garden, developed in collaboration with plant specialist Emily Erlam, will provide fresh herbs and flavours for the kitchen—further enhancing the estate’s commitment to fresh, local, and sustainable dining.
Photography by Ellie Walpole, Architecture by Mowat & Co
A New Chapter for Hambledon
Excitement has been building among our team as we prepare to welcome guests into this extraordinary new space. James Osborn shares his enthusiasm: “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!"
Having overseen the project since joining the business in early 2022, there’s nobody more excited about the opening than Katherine Fromm: ” I cannot wait for our guests to enjoy our new building. Equally, for everyone that has joined us for an experience over the years, to those who are visiting Hambledon Wine Estate for the first time. We look forward to showcasing the culmination of a project that we are all very proud of, and to invite everyone to come and enjoy our warm hospitality.”
Be Part of the Story
We’re thrilled to finally open our doors and invite you to experience the magic of Hambledon Wine Estate. Whether you’re here for a long, leisurely lunch, an intimate dinner, or a celebratory glass of our finest sparkling wine, we look forward to sharing this journey with you.
The restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday—book your table now and be part of this exciting new chapter!
