Wild Bear Eats: Chalk Restaurant at Wiston Estate

Rooted Luxury, Refined Palate: Where Vineyard Meets Plate

Set among the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs, Chalk Restaurant at Wiston Estate is more than just a dining destination — it’s the beating heart of one of England’s most respected wine estates. Here, heritage meets sustainability and gastronomy meets viticulture, all within the walls of a beautifully reimagined Sussex barn.

Dining at Chalk isn’t just about the food. It’s a connection to land, craft and tradition — a full-bodied experience where each course and each glass tells a story of place and time.

What I Ordered & Loved

Starter:The meal opened with the Cured Cornish Mackerel, paired with cucumber, horseradish, and estate elderflower. It was a brilliant beginning — sharp, clean, and refreshing, the flavours rippling with coastal brightness while the elderflower brought subtle floral tones drawn straight from the estate’s own hedgerows. A light dish that still managed to leave a lasting impression.

Main Course:The standout of the evening was the Wood-Fired Pork Loin, complemented by a crisp croquette, Tokyo turnip and King Oyster mushroom, all brought together with a bold XO sauce. The pork had a rustic, fire-kissed edge, perfectly paired with the umami depth of the sauce. It was a dish that respected its ingredients and let the wood-fired technique shine.

Dessert:I finished with the Buttermilk Pannacotta, topped with Kentish strawberries and lemon verbena. The pannacotta was silky and subtle, the verbena lifting the dish with a citrusy-herbal note. Delicate yet memorable — a refined end to a grounded meal.

The Wiston Wine Estate Experience

To dine at Chalk is to immerse yourself in one of England’s most respected wine estates. The Wiston family has been cultivating this land since 1743, but it’s in the last two decades that the estate has made a name for itself as a producer of some of the UK’s finest traditional-method sparkling wines.

• Wiston Estate Blanc de Blancs: crisp, refined, and minerally — ideal with seafood and lighter starters.

• Wiston Estate Rosé: served with my pork loin, this was a stunning match — dry, complex and vibrant.

• Tank 5 (estate white): clean and food-friendly, perfect for sipping on a terrace or with vegetarian courses.

The wines are more than pairings — they’re a signature of the land, born from the same chalky soils that define the estate. The wine menu reflects a deep connection between vineyard and kitchen, with staff well-trained in offering pairings that amplify both the plate and the glass.

You can even tour the vineyard and winery before your meal — a wonderful way to expand your appreciation of where everything on your plate and in your glass comes from.

Atmosphere & Architecture

The space itself is pure rustic elegance — vaulted beams, soft linens, hand-thrown ceramics, and large windows that frame the vineyards and South Downs beyond. It’s the kind of environment that encourages you to slow down, stay longer and savour more.

It never feels pretentious. Instead, it feels curated, intentional, and grounded in hospitality.

Wild Bear Verdict

Score: 9.5/10

Chalk is not just a restaurant — it's a full-sensory estate experience. From the first glass to the final bite, it’s about purity, provenance and the simple luxury of excellent craftsmanship. This is a must for Wild Bear explorers who appreciate fine food in wild places, stories in every sip and sustainability woven through the details.

Best For: Couples, conscious travellers, seasonal food lovers, wine-led experiences

Wild Bear Dish to Remember: Wood-Fired Pork Loin with XO Sauce — bold, earthy, unforgettable

Wine Pairing to Try: Wiston Rosé NV or Blanc de Blancs with starters

Visit and book at Wiston Estate Chalk Restaurant