New Restaurant in Winchester

Come eat in Winchester. My brother was in the kitchen for the opening of his new restaurant The Black Rat. (88 Chesil Street. 01962 844465) Owned by the guy who runs the famous The Black Boy pub (and a review) round the corner it is a great gastro feast. On the corner on Chesil Street and Wharf Hill, at the lower end of Winchester on the way to Bar End and the Water Medows.

They opened quietly on friday 15th June, and I'll get an update later today from my sister who went to Saturday with friends. He is sharing the kitchen and running of the place with the head chef but it is still a new challenges . But as he has run other kitchens and hotel kitchens I am sure it will be great!

One bio for Chris Bailey says:

Chris Bailey, Chef, Rousillon

He trained in Westminster College, London and has over 8 years of cheffing experience in professional kitchens, mostly "fine dining", including the one Michelin-starred Chez Bruce in London, 1837 in Brown’s hotel and 1880 in the 5* Bentley Hotel. He has most recently been working as chef de partie in the one Michelin-starred Aranda restaurant in Winchester, UK. He has also completed stages in La Gavroche (2*), Gordon Ramsey (3*), Claridges (1*), St Johns, Chez Panisse and Gary Danko in London, and Zurbaran, La Broche (2*), and Dassa Bassa in Madrid.

Chris is very passionate about his work - his cooking style is traditional, with modern undertones and he likes to use seasonal produce as much as possible. He has worked a winter season before, as a private chef in Val d’Isere, and is looking forward to this opportunity to be back in the mountains.

He is a very friendly, smiley and relaxed person - in his spare time he enjoys sports, going to the cinema, socialising, going to jazz clubs and, unsurprisingly, eating out in restaurants!

So who am I to say any more but go there and EAT!