The White Lion is a proper village inn in the heart of Whissendine, a lovely Rutland village near the church, with a stream running through its garden.
After years under Chris and Yolanda, the pub passed to their son Adam and daughter-in-law Hebe in early 2026. They have kept its role as a welcoming village inn while giving the food a sharper focus.
The menu combines elevated pub classics with more ambitious dishes, backed by strong local sourcing. Suppliers include Northfield Farm Shop & Butchery, Scarborough Fare Fishmongers of Melton Mowbray and Hambleton Bakery.
We visited on a busy Friday evening and found The White Lion in excellent form. The lamb rump was tender and well cooked, served with pancetta and pea fricassee and saffron barrel potatoes. The homemade pork, apple and cider pie was equally satisfying, with mash, gravy and red cabbage.
This is strong pub cooking: generous but sensible portions, plenty of flavour, good plating and the basics done well. Add friendly service, well-kept drinks, log fires and eight en-suite bedrooms, and The White Lion remains a fine Rutland pub with fresh energy.
