Hambleton, LE15 8TH
Harden's survey result
Summary
“You can gaze at Rutland Water” and “sitting on the terrace before and after your meal is an experience in itself” at Tim & Steffa Hart’s “very traditional country-house hotel” (once owned by the Hoare banking dynasty, and long predating the 1970s reservoir that nowadays surrounds it). A scenic drive and the crunch of gravel as you pull up herald an “old-fashioned gastronomic delight” in the pretty dining room of this luxurious mansion, where service is “always impeccable”. Chef Aaron Patterson has been at the stoves for 34 years now and is the longest holder in the UK of a Michelin star. His classic cuisine “never fails to deliver top- quality food”: “even old favourites like roast beef have an added dimension”. “It is just so reliable and such a relaxing place”, if with a slight formality to the proceedings. It remains one of the top-25 most commented-on destinations in our annual diners’ poll outside London and inspired no words of criticism this year.
Summary
The “quintessential country house” – Tim & Steffa Hart’s fine property was owned by the Hoare banking family prior to its conversion into a hotel; and long predates the 1970s reservoir over which it nowadays provides “stunning views”. That it’s “pleasantly old-fashioned” (or, if you prefer, rather old-school) is intrinsic to its charm. The “hushed tones in the dining room might not suit everybody”, but can provide “a perfect setting in which to enjoy a significant occasion, with magnificent service and a glorious setting”. Chef Aaron Paterson has overseen the kitchen for over thirty years now: and his classical cuisine remains “superb” (if “very expensive”). And it’s matched with a “varied and well-chosen wine list, backed up by the excellent Dominique Baduel (Sommelier) who is always happy to recommend and advise”. Stay the night and there are “excellent English breakfasts cooked to order”. Top Menu Tip – “highlights this year included marinated scallops with a fennel and cucumber essence; gazpacho with celery granita; and slow-cooked octopus with squid ink pasta, chorizo, lemongrass and ginger”.
Summary
“On a hot day there is the terrace with its glorious views over the water. On a cooler day, it’s time for the comfy seats by the log fire. Whatever the weather, there is always a top quality meal to be had” at this “stunning” country house hotel (back in the day, owned by the Hoare banking family, and which actually pre-dates the surrounding reservoir, created in 1975, by many decades). Its “opulent” lounges and dining room epitomise “old-fashioned elegance” and provide “the quietest and most relaxing environment”. Staff are “professional but very friendly” and “go above and beyond to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience”. Chef Aaron Patterson has been at the stoves for a remarkable three decades and his cuisine “tends towards the traditional but is none the worse for that”. It’s superb quality but not showy food – “his deft touch lets the locally sourced, seasonal, food sing, rather than the chef!”. Owner Tim Hart (whose sons run Quo Vadis, Barrafina, El Pastor, etc in the capital) has amassed a fine wine list and “they have started providing some of their brilliant cellar wines by the glass, a great opportunity to experiment”. For a romantic stay in particular, it’s “truly wonderful and well worth the cost”.
Summary
“A stunningly beautiful position overlooking Rutland Water” helps set an appropriately stately tone at Tim Hart’s “lovely” mansion (previously owned by the Hoare banking family, and actually built before the surrounding lake was created in 1975). In its rather traditional-looking dining room, “the consistency of Aaron Patterson's cooking has proved extraordinary over three decades. Ingredients from the kitchen garden and the area are superb – beautifully presented but without fuss”. And “sommelier Dominique Baduel’s wines complement the food to perfection”. Despite its un-flashy style, it’s one of our annual diners’ poll’s most commented-on and highly rated destinations. (And hospitality clearly runs in the blood, as Tim’s children run a string of high-profile London hits, including Barrafina, Quo Vadis and El Pastor).
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 Hambleton Hall?
Owner's description
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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| Dinner | £125.00 |  |
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| SundayLunch | £92.50 | |
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| Drinks |
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| Wine per bottle | £33.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £7.50 |
| Extras |
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| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
Hambleton Hall Restaurant Diner Reviews
"A beautiful setting overlooking Rutland Water. The traditional decor is in keeping with the building but a bit old fashioned for me. The style of service mirrors the decor which is great if that's your thing. I went for Sunday lunch and there were a number of large family groups clearly having a good time. I had a pleasant if unmemorable meal. It is an iconic setting and one of the nicest country restaurants in the UK. There is a larger than average wine list partly curated by the Hart family with some interesting choices at fair prices. Nevertheless next time I'm in the Midlands I'll go to Alchemilla (although parking is more awkward there."
Hambleton, LE15 8TH
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑1:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑8.45 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑1:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑8.45 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑1:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑8.45 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑1:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑8.45 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑1:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑8.45 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑1:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑8.45 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑1:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑8.45 pm |
