Stop Press!
December 2018: Nick Evans left The Olive Branch after just six weeks.
Harden's survey result
Summary
One of the country’s first rural ‘gastropubs’ when Ben Jones and Sean Hope (formerly of local luxury spot Hambleton Hall) opened it almost 20 years ago – this “relaxed and friendly” gem is currently on fine form – a “delightful country inn with a wonderful atmosphere and excellent menus sourced with local produce”. Just two minutes from Stretton junction, it makes “a good stop for anyone driving on the A1”. Stop Press: In November 2018, Nick Evans (formerly a top chef at Langho’s Northcote Manor) joined the business as executive head chef, while Sean Hope is to take more of a backseat.
Summary
This “delightful country pub set in pretty Rutland” is not only “a convenient stopover just off the A1” but “an unexpectedly good gastroboozer”, providing not only a “warm and friendly, traditional setting” but also “a very good range of set and à la carte options” featuring “wonderful”, “hearty and seasonal” fare. It was at the vanguard of the rural gastropub revolution when it opened over a decade ago and locals say it’s “upped its game again significantly in recent times”. Top Tip – “stay the night in their adjacent Beech House”.
Summary
“I can’t imagine driving down or up the A1 without stopping here!” – a Rutland-fringe pub which makes a “perfect stop-off”. Though not as stellar as when it first opened over a decade ago, it remains one of the UK’s best-known gastropubs, thanks to its “warm and engaging service”, “very interesting menu and some great beers and wines”. “We left replete and happy to carry on with our holiday!”
Summary
“Scrumptious food and wine” and “very friendly and knowledgeable staff” maintain the “eternally high standards” of this “lovely” and “relaxed” venture off the A1 – if “not as extra-special as it once was”, still one of the UK’s more notable gastropubs.
Owner's description
Good Pub Guide Pub of Year. Michelin pub of the Year. Good Hotel Guide Cesar Award Restaurant with Rooms.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £18.50 |  |
|
|
| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 35.00 | D only | 5 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £7.95 | £18.00 | £6.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £16.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
Main St, Clipsham, LE15 7SH
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm-2 pm, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm-2:30 pm, 7 pm-9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm-3 pm, 7 pm-9 pm |
