As the days shorten and temperatures drop, let’s raise a toast to those wholesome meals that warm the cockles of our hearts. With great Sunday roasts, real ales and roaring open fires to welcome regulars, visitors and four-legged friends alike – there’s nowhere quite like Rutland to enjoy comfort food in cosy corners.
The Olive Branch
FINE FIRESIDE FAYRE
Rutland’s oldest inn, set in the idyllic village of Braunston-in-Rutland, The Blue Ball has offered hospitality since 1640. With its real log fires, it’s the perfect place to spend quality time. The menu is child-friendly, with options for veggies and vegans too. Snuggle up by the roaring inglenook fireplace to enjoy live jazz one Sunday a month (check the website for details).
The traditional bar at The Old Pheasant in Glaston also features open fires, creating a cosy atmosphere. Alongside seasonal menus, the restaurant offers traditional English meals at lunchtimes and in the evening and serves a selection of real cask ales.
Hunters Bar & Kitchen occupies the most historic part of Oakham’s Wisteria Hotel, a Grade II listed former hunting lodge built in the early 1600s. With a glowing fireplace warming diners, it offers honest, tasty, locally-sourced food, created and prepared by renowned local chef Neil Hornsby. Next door, the hotel’s snug is a lovely place to cosy up on a cold day. Open to the public, you can relax and enjoy refreshments in the warmth of the crackling open fire.
With four separate dining rooms with roaring log fires, you’re sure of a warm welcome at The Jackson Stops in Stretton, where great value set menus are available throughout January, February and March (Tues – Fri). The Falcon Hotel’s wood-burning fires offer a warm welcome on cooler days when you can savour bar snacks, afternoon teas and a la carte dining in relaxed surroundings.
Blue Ball Braunston
GREAT GOURMET
Hambleton Hall boasts the longest retained Michelin Star in the UK, having held its Star since 1982. Perfect for a special occasion, why not stay overnight, wine and dine in complete elegance and style. Overlooking beautiful Rutland Water, the gourmet ‘tasting table’ is available every evening and lunchtimes during the week.
Located in the oldest part of Uppingham, Lake Isle is a Grade II listed 17th-century hotel. The menu served in its two AA Rosette fine dining restaurant uses the finest locally-sourced ingredients, complemented by an extensive wine cellar of more than 200 wines from 11 countries and a selection of 20 champagnes.
Every day’s a school day in the pretty village of Clipsham, where The Olive Branch runs lunchtime wine masterclasses, half-day kitchen masterclasses and cookery demonstrations. Make a break of it with a stay at Beech House (opposite the pub), followed by a Full English breakfast in the Olive Branch barn.
FAMILY FRIENDLY FEASTS
The Wheatsheaf in Langham serves delicious meals in a beautiful country setting. It’s particularly well-suited to families, with menus catering for vegetarians, vegans and children. The fantastic range of beers, ciders and growing selection of over 170 gins is sure to keep the non-driving grown-ups happy too!
The charming, family-friendly Orchard Café at Welland Vale Garden Inspirations is just a short drive from Uppingham. It’s a great place to enjoy a mouth-watering Sunday roast of award-winning locally sourced produce. The Garden Restaurant at Gates Garden Centre in Cold Overton has a roaring fire – and even boasts its own Christmas grotto in December. It offers lovely snug areas by wood burners in the winter and is comfortable and stylish; the perfect place to relax with a cup of coffee or a sumptuous afternoon tea.
The Orchard Café
DOG-FRIENDLY DINING
Children, muddy boots and dogs are all welcome at The Berkeley Arms in Wymondham, where the fixed price ‘Lunch Club’ menu (Tues – Sat) offers deliciously good value. Four-legged friends are made very welcome at The Sun Inn in Cottesmore, where fantastic roasts are available on Sundays from 12noon until 4.00pm. As well as offering an extensive wine list, you can enjoy a great range of cask ales.
The King’s Arms Inn in Wing also extends an extremely warm welcome to dogs; there are even snacks and hand-made meals for your canine companion.
The Wheatsheaf in Greetham welcomes ‘man’s best friend’ and their owners. Its seasonal, modern British menu changes weekly and is complemented by an excellent selection of beers, local cask ales and wines from around the world.
Kings Arms Inn
