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Your guide to the best food & drink independents in Rutland

Rutland is home to some brilliant country pubs, wonderful restaurants and high-quality producers. ‘Multum in parvo’ is the county motto, meaning ‘much in little’, and rural Rutland indeed packs a mighty punch when it comes to food and drink. Led by Rutland editor Anna, Great Food Club will guide you to the very best independent Rutland restaurants, pubs, producers, farm shops and delis, with some fantastic member offers thrown in.

  • Find exceptional independents
  • Every place tried and tested
  • Website contains no advertisements

Recommended businesses in Rutland

Here are the food and drink independents we love in this region, with more coming soon…

  • & in

    5 Elements Cafe/Deli

    Uppingham’s 5 Elements focuses on mainly organic food and is run by Dean Clarke who also owns Orange St Practice…

  • in &

    B Is For Brownie

    The most luxurious, rich, smooth and flavour-packed brownies you could hope to find – made in Rutland with single-origin chocolate…

  • in

    Baines Bakery

    This fifth-generation family bakery bakes all produce on site and offers a real slice of history…

  • in

    Barnsdale Lodge

    This Rutland hotel/restaurant is all about comfort, good customer service and local sourcing. It’s TV presenter Julia Bradbury’s favourite local eatery…

  • & in

    Barrowden & Wakerley Community Shop

    A friendly, not-for-profit, rural community shop and café offering a fine selection of locally sourced food and drink…

  • in

    Bat & Bottle

    This much-loved Rutland wine merchant specialises in Italian wines made by small, high-quality, independent growers…

  • & & in

    Don Paddy’s

    Don Paddy’s in Uppingham is a friendly, bustling and perennially popular cafe, bar and restaurant offering good food and drink from a varied menu…

  • in

    Farmer Lou

    A new farm shop is the latest venture for Farmer Lou who has been raising animals and supplying high-quality, high-welfare meat since 2012…

  • & & in &

    Ferneley’s Dairy Barn Café

    Ferneley’s makes and serves superb ice cream using milk from its herd of Holstein and Friesian cows. Offering breakfasts and light lunches too, you can see the cattle as you tuck in…

  • in

    Fika

    Fika in Oakham is independent and very good. Try the Swedish buns called Semla – they are so, so good…

  • & & in

    Grainstore Brewery Tap

    Upstairs is an award-winning brewery, downstairs is a traditional pub serving at least 10 magnificent beers. You can smell the hops. UK Own Brew Pub of the Year in the Good Pub Guide 2014…

  • & in

    Hambleton Bakery | Exton

    Crowned Britain’s Best Bakery by ITV1, Hambleton Bakery traditionally produces a mouthwatering array of breads and pastries in its woodfired oven…

  • & in

    Hambleton Bakery | Oakham

    Crowned Britain’s Best Bakery by ITV1, Hambleton Bakery traditionally produces mouthwatering breads and pastries in its woodfired oven…

  • & in

    Hambleton Hall

    Hambleton Hall on the banks of Rutland Water is one of the most special places to eat and stay in Britain, combining luxury with Michelin-starred cooking…

  • & in

    Hambletons

    Hambletons of Rutland is a farm, bakery, butchery and deli, creating enticing and award-winning food…

  • in

    Helen Buff Handmade Chocolates

    Helen Buff hand-makes high-quality bespoke chocolates in Rutland, producing an array of unique designs…

  • & in

    Hitchen’s Barn

    Hitchen’s Barn in Oakham was our Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year 2020/21. It offers skilful cooking and a lovely setting…

  • in

    Hoggy’s Grill

    Have your barbecues never quite cut the mustard? Take a class with former England cricketer, Matthew Goddard and learn how to grill like a pro…

  • in

    Jackson Stops

    Classic country pub offering well-cooked, locally-sourced food and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere in comfortable surroundings…

  • in

    June’s Farm

    June’s Farm in Whitwell is a micro-farm on six acres near Rutland Water. All of June’s meat boxes contain antibiotic-free, slow-grown pork, beef or lamb…

  • & in

    Knife, Fork and Spooner

    Knife, Fork and Spooner is a relaxed and stylish supper club (and caterer) in Ketton, Rutland. Expect innovative, creative food…

  • & in

    Lake Isle

    Lake Isle is a double AA Rosette restaurant and hotel in the lovely Rutland town of Uppingham with an excellent reputation for lovingly prepared seasonal food and fantastic wine…

  • in

    Leeson’s Family Butchers

    Family-run butchers in Oakham selling award-winning pork pies, and fresh and cooked meats sourced from trusted free-range suppliers…

  • in

    Lily & Honey Bakery

    Lily & Honey Bakery in Oakham offers sourdough loaves and other treats baked freshly on the premises each day by owners Robert and Nicolle Bradbury…

  • in

    Lotts of Wine

    With his Wine & Spirit Education Trust qualification and passion for viticulture, Stephen Lott has sourced a unique selection of excellent wines…

  • & in

    Lotus Bakery

    A classically trained pâtissier who creates modern, elegant pastries and desserts and sells them at Rutland and Northamptonshire farmers’ markets and food festivals…

  • in

    Northfield Farm

    Northfield Farm in Rutland has been farming rare and traditional breeds of British beef and lamb for two generations. It produces seriously good meat…

  • in

    Orbis of Oakham

    Orbis in Oakham serves global food in the form of small plates and sharing dishes. There’s a great range of cocktails, too…

  • & in

    Otters Deli

    This deli on Oakham’s High Street was opened in the summer of 2011 by Leo Sugden and his family, who have a great passion for food…

  • in

    Rutland Cookery School

    Launched in Oakham by acclaimed chef Robin Stewart, this cookery school offers a full range of workshops from bread-making to sushi to knife skills…

  • in

    Sarpech Wine Bar & Restaurant

    Sarpech in Oakham is a stylish Indian restaurant and wine bar. It’s a welcoming and comfortable space where you can enjoy fantastic drinks, excellent Indian food and top-class service…

  • in

    Scandimania Coffee House

    What a little gem Scandimania is! It’s tiny, but don’t let that put you off – this is Scandi chic with delicious food…

  • in

    Sloeberry Spirits

    Maker of award-winning Melton Mowbray Sloe Gin, Wild Damson Whisky, Blackberry Vodka and other fine tipples…

  • in

    The Falcon Hotel

    The Falcon Hotel is a quietly elegant 16th century coaching inn in the heart of Uppingham, Rutland. Expect food to match the setting…

  • & in

    The Finch’s Arms

    The Finch’s Arms is an 18th-century pub with rooms, located on the Hambleton Peninsula. Enjoy stunning views over Rutland Water and once you’ve finished your meal, why not enjoy a stroll?…

  • in

    The King’s Arms

    This 17-century country pub and smokehouse is situated between Oakham and Uppingham in pretty Rutland. It’s a little bit special…

  • & in

    The Larder

    The Larder in Oakham was our Café of the Year 2019/20. Its local-sourcing policy and outstandingly varied and interesting menu ensure it stands out…

  • & in

    The Marquess of Exeter

    The Marquess of Exeter in Lyddington, Rutland, is a beautiful old stone pub and 17-bedroom inn…

  • & & & in

    The Olive Branch

    A past Good Pub Guide choice for overall UK Pub of the Year, the relaxed yet polished Olive Branch in Clipsham, Rutland, is consistently excellent…

  • & in

    The Vaults of Uppingham

    The Vaults is a charming traditional pub located in Uppingham’s historic Market Place. Expect hearty meals, real ales and excellent wines…

  • & & in

    The Wheatsheaf

    The Wheatsheaf in Greetham is a classic village pub that serves special food – it’s a former GFC Dining Pub of the Year…

  • & in

    The White Lion

    The White Lion in Whissendine is a relaxed, cosy pub in a beautiful village setting. It’s the sort of traditional hostelry where you can really kick back…

  • in

    Two Chimps Coffee

    This Oakham-based coffee roastery specialises in unusual and delicious coffee subscriptions that are tailored to your taste…

  • in &

    Viva Vino

    Viva Vino is a fun way to buy wine, without all the pomp. But this doesn’t stop the wines or service being interesting or professional…

  • in

    Vivia Crump’s Chutney

    Small-batch chutneys made in Rutland, packed with inspiring flavours and textures – perfect partners to a whole host of dishes…

  • in

    Whissendine Windmill

    Built in 1809, miller Nigel Moon bought Whissendine Windmill in 1995 – he is welcoming and enthusiastic to visitors…

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