Local businesses are thriving and there’s a greater variety of local produce for sale in our markets, farm shops and cottage-run enterprises than ever.
Rutland also has specialist importers of wine from across the world, Bat and Bottle just outside of Oakham, specialise in quality Italian wine, and Oakham Wines on the Market Place also source beers and spirits.
Hambleton Bakery opened in 2008 with the aim to bring the flavour back to bread using organic flours and products free of preservatives, enzymes and enhancers. The bakery and shop just outside of Exton (follow your nose) is not the only place to get these wonders, you will find their shops in Oakham, Stamford, Market Harborough, Oundle and West Bridgeford – but there’s also a good chance you’ll taste something of theirs if you eat in a local restaurant. Buy online here
The Grainstore Brewery have a large variety of beers, ales and ciders, brewed right here in the heart of Oakham.
The Grainstore Brewery was recognised in the 2023 SIBA Business Awards, which highlight the best beer businesses across the UK.
‘Nip’ was awarded Overall Champion Cask Beer of 2023 and a gold medal in the Cask Imperial and Strong Beers 6.5 per cent category. Whilst ‘Rutland Beast’ was awarded a silver medal. Buy online here
Multum Gin Parvo produce a range of gin flavours inspired by Rutland, including ‘Strawberry & Rutland Lavender’ and ‘Earl Grey & Rutland Honey’. Buy online here
Blue Aurora Wine made from 100% English blueberries at a local farm. Buy online here
Northfield Farm stock their own beef, chicken, pork and lamb and also provide veg boxes and other essentials and goodies. Buy online here
Otters Fine Food sell a range of artisan and traditional produce including cheeses, meats, charcuterie, deli, fish and a selection of treats, gift hampers and much more. Buy online here
Whissendine Windmill is one of England’s few remaining fully operational nineteenth-century windmills which has towered over the picturesque village since it was built in 1809. The fully restored mill produces more flour types than you most people know exist: plain, strong white, wholemeal and organic stone ground flour, bread and pastry flour, spelt and barley flour, ryemeal and oatmeal flour, plus middlings and bran available for pigs, chickens and horses! It supplies many local restaurants, pubs and food producers, including Hambleton Bakery.
Rutland Rapeseed oil is grown, pressed and bottled on the shores of Rutland Water and is big in flavour, nutritional value and healthy eating. Buy through Otters Fine Food above.
Sourcing locally produced ingredients is a high priority in Rutland, residents take full advantage of regular markets and Farmers’ Markets, and visitors too can discover the flavour and value of real local goods such as local cheeses, local bread, fresh meat and fish.
Many pubs and restaurants use the best of what is local and seasonal in their ever changing menu’s so you can experience the best quality the region has to offer.
In Oakham, the Farmers’ Market takes place on the 3rd Saturday of every month, so if you want to reduce your food miles and be assured of the origins of your meat this is the place to shop. In between the Farmers Markets, regular markets still provide top quality local fruit, vegetables and other goods. Oakham has a weekly market on Wednesdays and Saturdays plus Uppingham and Stamford’s market days are Friday
