British, Modern Restaurants in Uppingham
1. The Lake Isle
British, Modern restaurant in Uppingham
16 High Street East - LE15
This “small and friendly restaurant (with rooms)” occupies a small 17th-century building just a stone’s throw from the cute marketplace of this scenic Rutland town, and has been a feature of the area for decades. It serves a “fine seasonal menu” – “original without striving for effect” – and “the service is efficient, professional and pleasant”, adding to the joys of the “lively” atmosphere and “very reasonable” price tag. Those who have been coming for decades (“we held our wedding here in 1994 and visited last night to celebrate our Pearl anniversary!”) report that it’s “excellent still”, and after a visit “a walk around Rutland Water 15 minutes’ drive away is enjoyable”.
2. Hambleton Hall
British, Modern restaurant in Hambleton
“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.
3. The Olive Branch
British, Modern restaurant in Clipsham
Main St - LE15
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”.
4. Finch’s Arms
British, Modern restaurant in Hambleton
Oakham Rd - LE15
“Always a favourite”, this 17th-century country inn is a “lovely old” place – “at least in the bar and older parts” (there being a “less lovely modern bit on the back built to take advantage of the location with fine views over Rutland Water”). The “food is pretty much standard gastropub fare”, but makes for handy refuelling before a walk round the reservoir.
5. Hitchen's Barn
British, Modern restaurant in Oakham
12 Burley Road - LE15
“Bravo Hitchens!” – this “consistently excellent” barn conversion is “a template for the perfect neighbourhood restaurant, owned and run by a talented chef and his charming wife” (Neil & Louise Hitchen, who met working at local powerhouse Hambleton Hall more than 20 years ago). “The interior is bistro-esque and relaxing”; and the “beautiful seasonal food” delivers “real value for money”: “flavour combinations are carefully created, with each dish superbly planned and cooked to maximise taste. Fish has to come from afar (Cornish turbot on the bone) but nearly all else is sourced from local suppliers”. Top Menu Tip – “game in season is a standout”.
6. Bakers Arms
British, Modern restaurant in Thorpe Langton
Main St - LE16
This “beautiful old country pub” – thatched and beamed, with a “lovely cosy atmosphere, open fire and low lighting” – serves “top-quality food” from chef Emilie Bull, backed up with an “impressive wine list” overseen by proprietor Tim Hubbard, here for 22 years with his wife Kate. “Kate and Tim know what they’re doing and they do it very well indeed” – “they’re always so friendly and happy to see you again”.
7. The Wheatsheaf
British, Modern restaurant in Greetham
Stretton Rd - LE15
“A go-to destination in Rutland” – “always deservedly very busy and utterly recommended for its delicious and different dishes (especially fish and seafood)”, this “part pub but mostly restaurant” has won widespread recognition over the past 16 years under ex-Bibendum chef Carol and her waiter husband Scott Craddock. Top Menu Tip – “escargots in garlic butter as a homage to the past!”.
8. Ascough’s Bistro
British, Modern restaurant in Market Harborough
24 St Mary's Road - LE16
This “great local restaurant” from Chris & Abby Ascough has built a solid reputation over 19 years for its “beautifully cooked and presented food” at “exceptionally good value” – including a £20 set lunch and a six-course tasting menu for £48 per person with matching wines for £20 per person.
9. The George
British, Modern restaurant in Great Oxendon
Harborough Road - LE16
In the hands of Stephen & Tracey Fitzpatrick (also of the Joiners Arms at Bruntingthorpe), this village boozer with four rooms dates back to the 16th century and has preserved its traditional bar, which is rounded out by a modern restaurant leading out to the tranquil patio. The food is of the hearty, carnivorous kind, with Friday fish ‘n’ chip nights, once-monthly steak nights, and Auberge Mondays, where a three-course meal racks in at a bargain £22.50 per person.
10. Tap & Kitchen
British, Modern restaurant in Oundle
Station Road - PE8
Celebrating its 10th year, this “very lively option with good cooking on Oundle Wharf” is “now a stalwart of the local dining scene”, with an “interesting menu that showcases local produce” – and “the beers are not too bad either, being brewed next door” at the Nene Valley brewery.
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