Main St, Clipsham, LE15 7SH
Harden's survey result
Summary
Co-owner Ben Jones together with two friends rescued this property off the A1 25 years ago to create a then-cutting-edge gastropub, and it’s an “old and reliable friend” to long-term fans, with the “atmosphere is of a bubbling country pub that attracts regular clients from a wide area” (and is still one of the top-100 most commented-on destinations in our annual diners’ poll). Probably it’s fair to say it’s “not quite as good as it was in its heyday, but it’s still a very good bistro-esque pub” serving “an interesting and varied menu of seasonal delights”. “Have a pint at the bar or in the summer outside in the garden, and then sit down to an excellent, comfortable meal. The well-appointed rooms in a house opposite are ideal for those that like to sleep where they have eaten”.
Summary
This “lovely and buzzy” and incredibly popular gastropub is situated near the A1 “on the edge of England’s smallest county” and – “with its cosy open fires” – represents “the modern English pub at its best”: “drink excellent local ales on draft at the bar” (or “there’s an intriguing wine list as long as your arm”); “sit and eat delicious, upmarket food which is both straightforward and sophisticated… or do both!” (and you can also “stay in one of the beautifully appointed rooms in a neighbouring property for the perfect away break”). “Not only are most of the ingredients sourced locally, many of them are actually grown on the land surrounding the pub”.
Summary
A “delightful pub” with a “proper bar and superbly cooked dishes” – from both standard and more elevated tasting menus – that has long played an integral role in the thriving Rutland food scene, and is, for many, an “absolute favourite”. “Sometimes standards slip”, but “when it’s good (which is most of the time), it’s very good” with “high-quality ingredients and careful, imaginative cooking”.
Summary
In a tranquil Rutland setting (but convenient for the A1), “this picturesque gastropub has maintained excellent standards despite the horrors of the last year” and remains one of the most commented-on destinations in our annual diners’ survey. Its straightforward menu consistently delivers “fresh local ingredients beautifully cooked and presented” with “British dishes to appeal to all ages (we were a party of ten aged from 7 to 81 and all left happy!)”. For more ambitious palates, “a tasting menu showcases the abilities of the kitchen”. “A beautiful setting and lovely staff” (plus “six well-appointed, comfortable rooms” if you need somewhere to stay) make it “thoroughly recommended and well worth a visit!”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Olive Branch?
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 | £28.50 |  |
|
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| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 95.00 | Dinner only | 9 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £13.50 | £32.30 | £10.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
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.
Main St, Clipsham, LE15 7SH
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9:15 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9:15 pm |
| Friday | 8 am‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9:15 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:15 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am‑4:30 pm |
