The Barnsdale experience is all about enjoying exceptional food and drink. Our homely 1760 Brasserie and breath-taking Orangery, are accompanied by a number of fabulous private spaces.
View our handy Food & Drink Map with cycling route and list of places to eat
Rutland is proud of its farming and agricultural background and it is thanks to this strong tradition of supporting local produce that there is an excellent selection of quality food and drink available now, not only when eating out but also with local businesses producing delicious fare to enjoy in your own home.
Award Winning Food & Drink
Inspectors and reviewers are repeatedly impressed with the quality food offer here, with many establishments winning awards in guide books and reviewed in the national press.
The Olive Branch in Clipsham has an enviable clutch of hospitality industry honours. Crowned ‘Best Pub’ in the GQ Food & Drink Awards 2021, this year it has also been recognised as the finest gastropub in the county in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropub Awards. Being placed in ‘The List’ is one of the pub world’s highest accolades and The Wheatsheaf in Greetham is also proud to be among the recipients of this coveted award.
The Good Pub Guide, awarded The Olive Branch ‘Pub of the Year 2021’ and also recommend these excellent Rutland pubs:
- The Grainstore Brewery, Oakham
- The Wheatsheaf, Greetham
An AA Rosette Award is an highly sought-after accreditation for culinary excellence, awarded annually on a rising scale of one to five. Rutland is proud to have a multitude of recognised venues:
Hambleton Hall 
The Olive Branch
Lake Isle
The Kings Arms
Barnsdale Lodge
Since 1951,The Good Food Guide has reviewed the best restaurants, pubs and cafés across the UK. Each year, the guide is completely rewritten and compiled from scratch. All reviews are based on a huge volume of feedback submitted by readers, together with anonymous expert inspections to ensure that every entry is assessed afresh. Rutland boasts four entries in 2021;
The Olive Branch, Clipsham | Hitchens Barn, Oakham | Lake Isle, Uppingham | Hambleton Hall
Michelin Awards of Distinction
For top quality English elegance, it is hard to beat Hambleton Hall on the Rutland Water peninsular, it has the longest retained Michelin Star in the UK (since 1982) and appeared in The Good Food Guide’s Top 50 best UK restaurants for 29 years, it is also renowned for a quality wine list, luxury accommodation and an award winning bakery, not to mention outstanding hospitality – come and see what all the fuss is about on your next visit.
Hitchen’s Barn opened on Burley Road in Oakham in 2019 and as well as featuring in The Good Food Guide, has also been distinguished with a Bib Gourmand, an award which showcases “delightful little restaurants selected by MICHELIN guide inspectors for their very good value for money.”
Featured Listings
A multi award winning restaurant in the heart of Oakham.
Relax in the family friendly tearoom, serving delicious homemade meals and treats, wander the wild wood and browse a selection of boutique shops, all exclusive to this 210 year old windmill site.
Your Local traditional English Pub
Award winning farm shop, butchery and eatery just south of Rutland, New Lodge Farm has been owned by the Singlehurst family for over 100 years, focusing on cattle and sheep production by using traditional organic methods of farming.
Our Orchard Café has something for everyone and is family friendly. With everything made on site to order, it doesn’t get much fresher.
A family-owned, independent garden centre with a restaurant and cakery on the outskirts of Oakham, located within a selection of tempting shops at Rutland Garden Village courtyard with children’s play area.
Rutland is a county bursting with flavour! The variety and quality of produce made in this area is astonishing.
Enjoy local, seasonal produce in beautiful surroundings. The Orangery Restaurant serves locally sourced dishes throughout the day, including delicious breakfasts, a seasonal lunch menu and luxury afternoon teas.
Our curry house is a culinary destination that offers an unforgettable dining experience. We take pride in presenting an extensive menu of Indian dishes that are made with the finest ingredients and spices.
Hambleton Bakery on Cottesmore Road, Exton sprung into life in 2008, since then the little shop at one end of the Bakery has surpassed all of our expectations. Traditional bread, made slowly with top quality English or French stone ground flour, makes up a significant part of our output.
Whether a glass of wine, spirit & mixer, classic cocktail, or a draught pint – we’ve got something for you! Showcasing award winning English & World wines, as well as Champion spirits, in a comfortable atmosphere complemented by Top-Tier service.
We are a beautifully refurbished village pub in the heart of the Welland Valley.
It was decided to start by bringing French L’Art De Vivre to Middle Earth. (The Magical County of Rutland) With exclusive French Wines, Cheese and Wine nights, Bespoke Events and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Set in the picturesque village of Lyddington, The Marquess of Exeter is a charming country pub, a modern Indian restaurant by Krishnapal Negi and 17 charming rooms.
The perfect pit-stop if you’re heading north on the A1 between Stamford and Grantham, boasting a crowd-pleasing menu of all day breakfast, burgers, kids’ favourites and plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
