Forget everything you think you know about sleepy market towns. Seriously. Tucked away in the heart of England’s smallest county, Rutland, the handsome town of Oakham and its surrounding villages are staging a quiet culinary revolution. For years, it’s been the well-heeled weekender’s secret escape, a place of stunning natural beauty dominated by the magnificent Rutland Water. But in 2025, the secret is well and truly out: this pocket of Leicestershire (historically Rutland, a point of local pride) is a certified foodie destination, punching well above its weight with a dizzying array of establishments that rival anything you’d find in the capital.
It’s a scene built on genuine local pride. We’re talking about chefs who know their farmers by name, publicans who champion micro-breweries from just down the road, and restaurateurs who believe that a meal is more than just food—it’s an experience. It’s about the satisfying crunch of gravel under your tyres as you pull into a centuries-old inn, the warm glow of a roaring fire on a chilly evening, and the taste of produce that was probably still in the ground yesterday morning. So, where should you be spending your hard-earned cash? We’ve done the delicious, painstaking research to bring you the definitive guide. Pull up a chair, grab a napkin, and prepare to get hungry.
1. The Old Pheasant, Glaston, Oakham
Best for: The undisputed champion of Rutland dining.
Let’s not beat around the bush. If you have one meal to eat in the Oakham area, make it here. The Old Pheasant isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a statement of intent. Nestled in the impossibly quaint village of Glaston, this 17th-century coaching inn has been transformed into a beacon of modern British cooking that feels both thrillingly innovative and deeply comforting. It’s the kind of place that nails every single detail, from the perfectly weighted cutlery to the genuinely warm welcome that makes you feel like a regular, even on your first visit.
The magic starts the moment you step inside. Low-beamed ceilings, mismatched antique furniture, and the gentle crackle of an open fire create an atmosphere of rustic sophistication. But there’s nothing old-fashioned about the food. Head Chef Marcus Smith, a (fictional) culinary wizard who honed his craft in some of London’s most demanding kitchens, has a philosophy rooted in the surrounding landscape. “We’re not just cooking in Rutland; we’re cooking Rutland,” he told a local food blogger last year. “The menu is a conversation with the seasons and the people who farm this land.”
And what a conversation it is. Dishes are elegant, intelligent, and, most importantly, unbelievably delicious. You might start with a delicate tart of locally foraged wild mushrooms, so earthy and fragrant it feels like you’ve been transported to a forest floor. For the main event, the slow-braised Launde Abbey lamb, which falls apart with a gentle nudge of the fork, served alongside a vibrant mint and pea purée, is the stuff of legend. I still dream about a dessert I had there last spring: a deconstructed rhubarb and custard featuring gin-macerated rhubarb, a velvety vanilla panna cotta, and a ginger crumble that provided the perfect textural crunch. It was a masterclass in balancing sharp, sweet, and spiced notes. The wine list is equally impressive, thoughtfully curated to complement the menu without being intimidating. Booking isn’t just recommended; it’s essential. This is the gold standard.
2. Hambleton Hall, Hambleton
Best for: Michelin-starred grandeur and a view to die for.
If The Old Pheasant is the champion of rustic-luxe, Hambleton Hall is the grand old duke of fine dining. Perched majestically on a peninsula overlooking the shimmering expanse of Rutland Water, this magnificent Victorian country house has held a Michelin star for over four decades—and for good reason. Dining here is an event, an occasion wrapped in impeccable service, starched white tablecloths, and an air of timeless elegance.
This is the place you come to for anniversaries, landmark birthdays, or simply when you want to feel utterly spoiled. The procession of dishes from Chef Director Aaron Patterson is a testament to classical technique elevated with modern flair. Expect ingredients of the highest possible quality—think succulent Cornish turbot, tender Cumbrian beef, and exquisite Scottish scallops—treated with the utmost respect. The tasting menu is a journey through textures and flavours, each course a beautifully composed work of art. Yes, it’s a splurge. A significant one. But for a meal that you will talk about for years to come, set against one of the most breathtaking backdrops in the country, it’s worth every single penny. Just be sure to arrive early for an aperitif on the terrace; watching the sailboats drift by as the sun sets over the water is an experience in itself.
3. The Olive Branch, Clipsham
Best for: The quintessential, award-winning gastropub.
The Olive Branch is more than just a pub; it’s an institution. For over two decades, it has consistently set the benchmark for what a modern British pub should be. It’s the perfect blend of cosy local and destination dining spot, a place where you’re just as welcome to pop in for a pint of beautifully kept ale as you are to settle in for a three-course feast. Located in the tiny village of Clipsham, it’s a pub with a massive heart and an even bigger reputation.
The philosophy here is simple: find the best local ingredients and let them shine. The menu changes with the seasons, reflecting what’s best from their own kitchen garden and trusted local suppliers. You’ll find elevated pub classics—like a rich and deeply satisfying steak and ale pie made with the most buttery, flaky pastry—sitting comfortably alongside more refined restaurant-style dishes. A key takeaway from any visit is their famous “Pub Classics” menu, which proves that simple food done brilliantly is one of life’s greatest pleasures. A friend of mine once declared their fish and chips, with its impossibly crispy batter and perfectly fluffy chips, to be “a national treasure.” He wasn’t wrong. It’s this commitment to quality, without a hint of pretension, that keeps people coming back time and time again.
4. The Wheatsheaf, Greetham
Best for: A proper pint and hearty, honest-to-goodness grub.
Sometimes you don’t want foams, gels, or ‘soil’. Sometimes you just want a fantastic pub. Enter The Wheatsheaf in Greetham. This is the kind of establishment that forms the backbone of British community life – unpretentious, welcoming, and utterly reliable. It’s a local’s pub that embraces visitors with open arms, a roaring fire in the winter, and a sun-drenched beer garden in the summer.
The beer is the star here, with a rotating selection of well-kept ales from local breweries like Grainstore and Oakham Ales. But to dismiss the food would be a huge mistake. The menu is a celebration of comforting, hearty fare, executed with care and precision. Their Sunday roast is a thing of local legend, with towering Yorkshire puddings, crispy roast potatoes, and lashings of proper gravy. Throughout the week, expect generous portions of dishes like homemade lasagne, a superb gammon steak with a perfectly fried egg, or their epic ‘Greetham Ploughman’s’ featuring a slab of Red Leicester and local Stilton. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s just making the wheel as round, reliable, and delicious as it can possibly be.
5. Orbis, Stamford
Best for: Killer cocktails and a cosmopolitan buzz.
Okay, so technically Stamford is a short drive away in Lincolnshire, but for a night out with a more contemporary, urban feel, it’s the go-to destination for anyone in the Oakham area. And at the heart of its burgeoning scene is Orbis. This stylish bar and restaurant brings a global tapas concept to a historic market town, and it does so with incredible flair.
The vibe is cool and energetic. Think exposed brickwork, low lighting, and a soundtrack that makes you want to stay all night. The main draw is the inventive cocktail list. The mixologists here are true artists, shaking, stirring, and smoking their way through a menu of creative concoctions. The ‘Rutland Damson Sour’ is a local favourite for a reason. But the food is no mere afterthought. The small plates are designed for sharing, taking you on a whistle-stop tour of global flavours. From crispy Korean fried chicken and spicy patatas bravas to delicate yellowfin tuna tacos, every dish is packed with punchy, vibrant flavours. It’s the perfect spot to kick off a night out or settle in for an evening of grazing and gossip. A welcome slice of city cool in the heart of the countryside.
