Discover the Charm of The Falcon Hotel
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
From Farm, To You, By Lou X
Visit Our Farm Shop for Meat, Poultry, Farmhouse Pies, Artisan Burgers, Craft Sausages & More.
A village pub serving freshly prepared modern British food, homemade bread, weekly changing menu, lunchtime open sandwiches and specials.
Start Date: 01/01/2019
The Sun Inn is a traditional thatched village pub which has retained many of the original features with oak beams and inglenook fireplace. A great range of light snacks and restaurant meals are available Tuesday to Saturday lunchtimes and evenings, plus a fantastic roast is on Sundays from 12 until 4pm.
A Stunning, traditional country pub dating back to the 16th century, with a roaring fire in the winter and a suntrap of a garden to the rear. Settle in amongst the locals and their dogs for a pint, cocktail or a bite to eat.
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.
Set within a Grade II listed former hunting lodge circa 1604, Hunters Bar & Kitchen offers honest tasty food, locally sourced, created and prepared by renowned local chef Neil Hornsby. We serve specialist coffee from Oakham’s local roaster Two Chimps, local craft beer from the Oakham based Grainstore Brewery and locally produced spirits, including from Market Harborough the award winning Two Birds range of gin and vodka.
Step into a bright, modern café at the heart of Oakham where our friendly team serves up locally‑sourced and home baked treats, expertly roasted coffee and vibrant conversation all day long. Whether you’re craving a power‑packed coffee before you explore Rutland or lingering over a brunch board with friends, our café is your haven for delicious flavours, warm smiles and that little boost of inspiration.
The Fox Country Pub and Dining is an 18th Century Inn idyllically set in the quiet picturesque village of North Luffenham in Rutland, England’s smallest county. An attractive 18th century double fronted stone property with a local Collyweston slate roof, the building affords lots of charm and character.
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.
Set in ten acres of meadowland with a fantastic children’s play area, the Country Cafe offers a warm welcome, and delicious home made cakes.
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.
Fresh quality ingredients, an excellent dining space and exceptional service. Come and visit Sarpech, Rutland’s wine bar and fine dining restaurant with an Indian flavour in the heart of Oakham.
Our Orchard Café has something for everyone and is family friendly. With everything made on site to order, it doesn’t get much fresher.
The Crown is a 16th-century coaching inn with boutique accommodation set in the heart of Rutland, on the quaint high street of Uppingham. Serving fresh food, real ales, gins and hot drinks, sourced where possible from other local independent businesses.
In May 2023 we opened ‘The View’, a new 100-seater restaurant with panoramic views across stunning Rutland Water to the hills beyond.
