Hearth

The story

Hearth Restaurant in Reading | Open-Fire Dining at Heckfield Place

The kitchen and open fire

Hearth delivers open-fire cooking at Heckfield Place, located near Reading in Hampshire. Culinary director Eleanor Henson steers a kitchen dedicated to produce-first simplicity and classic techniques. The menu shifts constantly to match what the estate provides each day. Dishes stay understated, allowing the quality of ingredients to lead. A distinct Italian accent shapes several selections, including saddle of rabbit encased in pancetta with cime di rapa. This careful balance earned the venue recognition in The Good Food Guide for its thoughtful execution.

Shared dishes and seasonal plates

Guests share a progression of dishes that build in substance through the service. Wood-fired flatbread acts as a platform for rotating seasonal toppings, ranging from smoked tomatoes with feta and oregano to roasted squash with brown butter and Spenwood cheese. Hearty plates include stuffed mammole artichoke with pork and green olive jus, accompanied by grilled purple sprouting broccoli dressed with almond, anchovy, and apple. Main courses highlight subtly smoked brill with Swiss chard and maltaise sauce, or beef sirloin on the bone served with chimichurri. Sweet finishes embrace the Italian cooking tradition with polenta cake and olive-oil ice cream.

Stable yard surroundings

The dining area sits within a vaulted former stable yard, sympathetically converted to retain the building's original character. Sheepskin-draped chairs create an intimate atmosphere suited to the relaxed vibe of the open-fire kitchen. An adjacent outdoor courtyard extends the seating for alfresco meals when the weather permits. The space balances rustic textures with a welcoming warmth that matches the hearty cooking method. This environment encourages a convivial pace, perfect for enjoying the shared format of the menu.