The perfect pit-stop if you’re heading north on the A1 between Stamford and Grantham, boasting a crowd-pleasing menu of all day breakfast, burgers, kids’ favourites and plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
View our handy Food & Drink Map with cycling route and list of places to eat
Rutland is proud of its farming and agricultural background and it is thanks to this strong tradition of supporting local produce that there is an excellent selection of quality food and drink available now, not only when eating out but also with local businesses producing delicious fare to enjoy in your own home.
Award Winning Food & Drink
Inspectors and reviewers are repeatedly impressed with the quality food offer here, with many establishments winning awards in guide books and reviewed in the national press.
The Olive Branch in Clipsham has an enviable clutch of hospitality industry honours. Crowned ‘Best Pub’ in the GQ Food & Drink Awards 2021, this year it has also been recognised as the finest gastropub in the county in the Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropub Awards. Being placed in ‘The List’ is one of the pub world’s highest accolades and The Wheatsheaf in Greetham is also proud to be among the recipients of this coveted award.
The Good Pub Guide, awarded The Olive Branch ‘Pub of the Year 2021’ and also recommend these excellent Rutland pubs:
- The Grainstore Brewery, Oakham
- The Kings Arms, Wing
- The Wheatsheaf, Greetham
An AA Rosette Award is an highly sought-after accreditation for culinary excellence, awarded annually on a rising scale of one to five. Rutland is proud to have a multitude of recognised venues:
Hambleton Hall 
The Olive Branch
Lake Isle
The Kings Arms
Barnsdale Lodge
Since 1951,The Good Food Guide has reviewed the best restaurants, pubs and cafés across the UK. Each year, the guide is completely rewritten and compiled from scratch. All reviews are based on a huge volume of feedback submitted by readers, together with anonymous expert inspections to ensure that every entry is assessed afresh. Rutland boasts four entries in 2021;
The Olive Branch, Clipsham | Hitchens Barn, Oakham | Lake Isle, Uppingham | Hambleton Hall
Michelin Awards of Distinction
For top quality English elegance, it is hard to beat Hambleton Hall on the Rutland Water peninsular, it has the longest retained Michelin Star in the UK (since 1982) and appeared in The Good Food Guide’s Top 50 best UK restaurants for 29 years, it is also renowned for a quality wine list, luxury accommodation and an award winning bakery, not to mention outstanding hospitality – come and see what all the fuss is about on your next visit.
Hitchen’s Barn opened on Burley Road in Oakham in 2019 and as well as featuring in The Good Food Guide, has also been distinguished with a Bib Gourmand, an award which showcases “delightful little restaurants selected by MICHELIN guide inspectors for their very good value for money.”
Featured Listings
Artisan coffee shop that serves up the finest brews. Enjoy our scrumptious cakes and light bites while soaking in the breath-taking views.
Whether a glass of wine, spirit & mixer, classic cocktail, or a draught pint – we’ve got something for you! Showcasing award winning English & World wines, as well as Champion spirits, in a comfortable atmosphere complemented by Top-Tier service.
The place to buy your luxury foods and indulgent treats, making it a top destination for foodies!
Bowl Everyone Over With Our Grilling Courses
We are a beautifully refurbished village pub in the heart of the Welland Valley.
With a focus on offering the finest produce, sourced locally wherever possible, Gates Farm Shop promises customers a true foodie experience.
Enjoy local, seasonal produce in beautiful surroundings. The Orangery Restaurant serves locally sourced dishes throughout the day, including delicious breakfasts, a seasonal lunch menu and luxury afternoon teas.
The 16th Century award winning picturesque freehouse “The Berkeley Arms” is located on the border between Leicestershire, Rutland, and Lincolnshire. Here we aim to provide a friendly service in a cosy, traditional village pub.
A Stunning, traditional country pub dating back to the 16th century, with a roaring fire in the winter and a suntrap of a garden to the rear. Settle in amongst the locals and their dogs for a pint, cocktail or a bite to eat.
New for 2023, come and enjoy freshly made soup, served with our famous Sourdough; Salads, filled Focaccias and of course all of your favourite sweet treats….all in the site of the old bakery near Exton.
A village pub serving freshly prepared modern British food, homemade bread, weekly changing menu, lunchtime open sandwiches and specials.
Ganders Goat pride themselves on their green focused farming and production methods. Come Goat Walking on the farm, where they produce a range of Soap and Ice Cream from the goat milk.
We are extremely proud of our brewing expertise at The Grainstore Brewery. But not only do we offer great ales, but great food too!
Rutland CAMRA [Campaign for Real Ale in Rutland] is dedicated to preserving real ales, ciders and perries in real pubs for real people.
We are a body of over 200 men & women, most of whom live in Rutland, who are dedicated to preserving Real Ales & Cider in Real Pubs and Clubs for Real People like you and me.
15/08/2025
Ben Robson, co-founder of Bat and Bottle Wine Merchants, Oakham’s own specialist importer of Italian Wines presents the first of the Summer Italian Wine Tastings at Castle Cottage.