British, Modern Restaurants in Stamford
1. Hambleton Hall
British, Modern restaurant in Hambleton
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”.
2. The Olive Branch
British, Modern restaurant in Clipsham
Main St - LE15
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”.
3. The Blue Bell
British, Modern restaurant in Glinton
10 High Street - PE6
“An ever-dependable gastropub in a delightful village north of Peterborough” – Will and Kelly Frankgate have run this attractively extended property for over 10 years now. It serves a menu of high-quality fare, supplemented by some “mostly Italian” dishes.
4. The Lake Isle
British, Modern restaurant in Uppingham
16 High Street East - LE15
“In an attractive village near Rutland Water”, this seventeenth-century hotel-restaurant near the cute market place “has much to commend it” – not least its “really good food at a very nice price”; its many longtime fans (“as good today as it was for our wedding breakfast 28 years ago”), some of whom visit specifically to eat here, claim that it “never disappoints, whether it be for a celebratory dinner, a set lunch or fishcakes for breakfast”. “The rooms are excellent too” if you want to overnight.
5. The Wheatsheaf
British, Modern restaurant in Greetham
Stretton Rd - LE15
This “classy neighbourhood pub/restaurant” is a “perennial favourite for quality food, welcome, service and all-round atmosphere – long may it flourish”, chorus the many admirers of chef Carol & husband Scott Craddock’s Grade II-listed stone pub, where “you dine on the freshest of fish and seafood, their own herbs, wild garlic and good-quality locally raised meat”. Top Tip – “full marks for the home-baked breads and fancy butters (wild or black garlic are favourites)”.
6. Finch’s Arms
British, Modern restaurant in Hambleton
Oakham Rd - LE15
“A lovely old pub in the bar and more ancient parts (the newer additions are slightly less appealing – tip: avoid the dining room and stay in the original section if you can!)” – this characterful inn with its great Rutland Water setting put in a “less checkered” performance this year. That said, standards can still be “more ordinary than in the past – pleasant enough” and “readers are advised to be cautious in their expectations!”. “Beautiful walks for after a meal though!”
7. The Chubby Castor
British, Modern restaurant in Castor
34 Peterborough Road - PE5
Adebola Adeshina (ex-Gordon Ramsay) left London to set up this restaurant in a Grade II-listed thatched pub. Fans say that this fine diner is “very romantic” and “superb all round” – while, for the odd critic, “dishes are picture perfect but tastes lack follow-through”. PS – Adeshina has now developed the open space behind the pub into a casual summer lunch spot, The Yard.
8. Hitchen's Barn
British, Modern restaurant in Oakham
12 Burley Road - LE15
“There’s a great atmosphere in this country town restaurant, run by husband and wife team Neil & Louise Hitchen” – “Neil turns out superb dishes from the barn-conversion kitchen while Louise is in charge of front of house. Many of the ingredients are sourced locally in Rutland and the well-briefed team can answer any questions instantly”. Set in a “venerable old building in the heart of lovely Oakham”, with “mismatched furniture and crockery adding to the charm”, it’s “a mainstay of the town” and about “as good as a proper neighbourhood restaurant can get”. “Better still, a huge effort has been made to construct dishes which achieve this whilst being affordable, so a dinner for two with some very good, interesting, wines is still possible for south of £100. No small achievement these days” – and it means “you leave smiling and probably happier than when you arrived. Even nearby Hambleton Hall (where the Hitchens met working in the 90s) can’t better that!” Top Menu Tip – “scotch eggs are a speciality and well worth trying”.
9. 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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