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RestaurantsRutlandClipshamLE15
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survey result

Summary

£47
   ££
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“A great village asset” – Ben Jones & Sean Hope’s “intimate old pub” of two decades’ standing was one of the country’s early wave of rural gastropub, and has – with the help latterly of chef Nick Evans – “maintained high standards” over many years: “it’s the best affordable restaurant for miles around” turning out reasonably priced, locally sourced food, alongside an “interesting and eclectic wine list”; “comfortable, well-appointed accommodation available in a separate house over the road”, too.

Summary

£47
   ££
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

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

£55
   ££
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

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

£53
   ££
3
Good
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“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!”

For 29 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. This year diners have submitted over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK.

Have you eaten at The Olive Branch?

Owner's description

Award winning Gastropub with 6 bedrooms in the pretty village of Clipsham, Rutland. Down a tree lined avenue just 2 miles off the A1 between Stamford and Grantham.

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 coffee included service included
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

Yes
Highchair, Menu, Portions
Yes
20
54
Yes

The chef

Luke Holland joined as Head Chef in April 2019 to work alongside Executuve Chef Chris Ansell. Luke has previously been Head Chef at Stapleford Park and the Wicked Witch at Ryhall.

Luke joins Chris who has been at The Olive Branch for four years having been Sean Hope's development chef and cookery school Head Chef. Chris brings a traditional style of cooking having worked with Nick Gill and Brian Baker at Hambleton Hall and more recently running the kitchen as Langar Hall. Luke brings youthful exuberance and a more modern style of cooking and creativity. Working together they continue to evolve the kitchen menu whilst maintaining the pub ethos of The Olive Branch.  

Private dining

We can acter for private parties and meetings of upto 20 guests in our private dining room 'The Barn'.

We renovated the original cow barn to create our private dining room, maintaining the characteristics of the barn with white washed stone walls and exposed beams with hand made oak framed leaded windows, whilst adding some more 'modern' luxuries including underfloor heating and beautifully upholstered chairs.

 

We cater for parties of eleven to twenty on one large table and there is a small reception area perfect for pre-dinner drinks. With a beautiful modern log burning stove set into the wall of the dining room the barn has a warm welcoming atmosphere throughout the year, just like the rest of the pub.

 

We have accommodation in Beech House across the road, where we have six suites and bedrooms. The rooms can be booked individually or exclusively for your entire party.

The Olive Branch Restaurant Diner Reviews

Reviews of The Olive Branch Restaurant in LE15, Clipsham by users of Hardens.com. Also see the editors review of The Olive Branch restaurant.
Peter C
Lovely Sunday lunch -horseradish hollandais...
Reviewed 1 months, 1 day ago

"Lovely Sunday lunch -horseradish hollandaise was excellent as was the garden pea cream dessert. Service was very good and would have scored a 4 had it not been for the lengthy wait to get the bill at the end"

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Matthew C
More than a Gastro pub!...
Reviewed 4 months, 22 days ago

"More than a Gastro pub!"

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Derek B
No room in the main restaurant so had to si...
Reviewed 10 months, 20 days ago

"No room in the main restaurant so had to sit at uncomfortable tall benches but same price menu."

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Have you eaten at The Olive Branch?
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Main St, Clipsham, LE15 7SH
Opening hours
Monday12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9:30 pm
Tuesday12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9:30 pm
Wednesday12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9:30 pm
Thursday12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9:30 pm
Friday12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑9:30 pm
Saturday12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑9:30 pm
Sunday12 pm‑3 pm, 7 pm‑9 pm

The 2020 Harden's Guide

2020 Hardens London Restaurant Guide

"User friendly in price, size and outlook"

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