A haven of rural calm within a sprawling mosaic of countryside, undulating valleys, and dappled woodlands, Grimsthorpe promises a spellbinding sojourn for all who seek fresh air and verdant adventures. Peppering the landscape with honeyed buildings and sun-kissed gardens, Lincolnshire is home to many idyllic villages and market towns lined with country inns and bijou bistros, ensuring your stay in Grimsthorpe is adorned with blissful moments shared over a meal.
From village pubs warmed by flickering fires to Michelin Star restaurants framed by tiered gardens, read on to uncover the very best places to eat near Grimsthorpe for an unrivalled taste of Lincolnshire’s rich local larder.
The Six Bells, Bourne
Set in the picturesque market town of Bourne, The Six Bells is a village pub with a divine difference. A soul-warming interior wrapped in honey-dipped stone, this darling inn is a masterclass in comfort and personal touches. Framed maps and vintage posters adorn the walls inside, while the sun-trap alfresco seating areas invite you to soak up your winsome surrounds in the spring and summer. The bound menus quickly draw the eye as you sit down, boasting a myriad of seasonal dishes brought to life with local ingredients - a fusion that has earned the pub a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide. The seasonal menu changes regularly to make the most of what’s available from surrounding farms and hedgerows, with dishes ranging from twice-baked Lincolnshire poacher soufflé to roast haunch of Grimsthorpe venison. With a wood-fired oven to hand, the Napoli-style pizzas are a true celebration of this beloved dish, while other classics such as fish and chips and chicken Caesar salad ensure every taste is satisfied. A village pub at its heart, The Six Bells invites you to sink into a food-fuelled reverie on Sundays, when the likes of wood oven-roasted leg of lamb and sirloin of aged beef take centre stage, backed by a medley of honey-roasted carrots, fluffy Yorkshire puddings, and balsamic-roasted onions.
The Five Bells Inn, Bourne
Another family-owned pub to win your heart, The Five Bells Inn invites you to recline by the original Ancaster brick fireplaces as you embark on a journey through a seasonal exploration of local flavours woven with a Mediterranean twist. A select tapas menu marries Spanish favourites, including albondigas, dates wrapped in serrano ham, and chorizo with red wine and honey. The menu then tours across land and sea, tempting you with aubergine sautéed in garlic, honey, and paprika; mussels in a béchamell sauce, drizzled with sherry; and slow-roasted pork belly with patatas bravas. For those seeking epicurean eats a little closer to home, a selection of pub classics draws you in with steak, gammon, and beef burgers all sourced from local farms. Finish your tour of the Med with poached pear in white wine, honey, and spices, churros with decadent dipping sauce, and crème catalana, a delicious custard dessert with a caramelised sugar topping. As the week draws to a close, combine a pretty walk to Grimsthorpe Castle with a lavish Sunday roast with all the trimmings, paired with something special from the extensive wine list.
The Olive Branch Country Inn, Oakham
Rutland might be the UK’s smallest county, but its beautiful countryside and vibrant array of culinary greats make it a wonderful place for a rural retreat. A whisper from Oakham, The Olive Branch is a country inn woven with cottage influences, creating a space that welcomes you to unwind as if you were at home. The menus follow a seasonal pattern, often changing in tandem with what’s available from nearby farms, producers, and from the pub’s very own paddock. In the summer, homemade lemonade adds a refreshing twist to your visit, while winter is accented by the sweet aromas of chestnuts roasting on open fires. Before thoughts turn to food, peruse the wine menu for an artfully curated choice of local and international wines, from a Devonshire cuvee and Kentish Brut to Italian whites that celebrate summer with every sip. Serving flavourful lunches and dinners, alongside an impeccable seasonal tasting menu for a true taste of Lincolnshire’s larder, you’ll soon be swept away by lamb scotch egg, saffron tagliatelle, and chocolate torte paired with marmalade ice cream and an orange crisp. Open for exquisite dining Wednesday to Sunday, with a children’s menu, and dogs welcome in the bar area, this family-friendly country inn promises a dreamy place to sink into rural repasts. And for those seeking to broaden their culinary horizons, The Olive Branch also hosts a variety of masterclasses and cookery demonstrations.
Hambleton Hall, Oakham
Marrying history with fine dining and boasting the longest-held Michelin Star in the UK, Hambleton Hall is a beacon of elegance amongst 17 acres of arcadian paradise. A walled kitchen garden ensures the restaurant has only the freshest of ingredients to play with, resulting in a sophisticated menu that celebrates the seasons with every course. Hosting lunches, dinners, tasting menus, and Sunday lunch, Hambleton Hall has something for every cherished occasion, whether you seek a relaxed two-course lunch with a loved one or a private dining experience that leads you through seven artful dishes. From tuna tartare with lemongrass, ginger, and coconut to pluma of Iberico pork with sauerkraut, parsnip, and coriander, dishes take inspiration from around the world, while the head sommelier uncovers unparalleled wines from small vineyards to complement the menu. Whether you enjoy a vivacious red or a zesty white, the sommelier is there to help you find the perfect addition to your meal. Combine your visit with a walk along the enchanting banks of Rutland Water, or pause in the tranquil grounds for a moment of post-dinner contemplation.
The Belvoir Bistro, Grantham
Moments away from Grimsthorpe, the historic market town of Grantham and its surrounding hamlets promise a melange of fairytale estates to explore, including Woolsthorpe Manor and Belton House. A timeless escape that promises spellbinding tiered gardens and grand interiors, Belvoir Castle is another beloved landmark to explore. Within the castle’s retail village, Belvoir Bistro beckons with a winsome blend of breakfasts, light lunches, and exquisite wines, including vintages from the Belvoir Estate. Begin your day with fresh fruit and berry granola or sumptuous rarebit on toasted bloomer, pause in your explorations for a delicious roasted Mediterranean vegetable risotto, or sink into an afternoon reverie as you sip a refreshing cocktail, perhaps with a piece of Sicilian lemon cheesecake on the side. The bistro also offers private dining in the evenings, inviting you to share a variety of dreamy packages with loved ones, from Roman suppers and wood-fired pizzas to an indulgent selection of desserts and tailored drinks pairings. Boasting a storybook farm shop, animal park, and regular markets, the retail village is an ideal accompaniment to your dining experience, pairing perfectly with a captivating tour of the castle and grounds.
Chequers Inn, Grantham
Whether you seek quiet repose in a 17th-century nook or an alfresco experience surrounded by the sun-kissed Vale of Belvoir, the Chequers Inn has a spellbinding space to suit every occasion. In winter, luxuriate by the flickering fires that fill the dining rooms with warmth, and in summer, sit back in rural rapture as you sip something refreshing and utterly delectable. The menus here are a tempting mix of old and new, with firm favourites complemented by fresh fare led by the seasons and local larder. Uncover a culinary collage of masterful dishes that range from torched mackerel with a pickled fennel and shallot salad to roast chump of lamb with tabbouleh, tenderstem broccoli and feta, alongside an array of pub classics and decadent desserts. The bar, which sits in a gorgeous room with wooden beams and exposed stonework, is home to a miscellany of mixes, whether your tastes lie in English gins, Spanish reds, or smoky Scottish whiskeys that linger on the tongue.
Knight & Garter, Leicester
Swapping the rural serenades of Grimsthorpe for the bustling allure of Leicester, a day trip to this captivating cathedral city is a wonderful way to absorb the county’s enticing contrasts. When in the city, Knight and Garter calls to those who wish to imbibe boutique drinks in a stylish setting. The bar offers a sleek space in which to try the unique Budweiser Budvar Kräusened, an unpasteurised and unfiltered beer served from gorgeous copper kettles, or an espresso martini made with Knight’s very own signature small-batch espresso. If you’re looking to linger for a while, step through the concealed bookcase door into the spacious dining room, which boasts a mesmerising mix of elegant archways, glass partitions, and colourful walls. Influenced by Italy and brought to life using local ingredients, the menus invite you to spend long hours over small plates, relaxed brunches, and intimate dinners, as well as ambrosial afternoon teas that promise a dreamy addition to your day in Leicester - the sparkling tea is a truly unique pleasure.
The Chubby Castor, Peterborough
Set in the heart of a quaint village near Peterborough, The Chubby Castor is a chocolate-box inn with a thatched roof, setting the scene from the moment you arrive. Despite the historic exterior, the inn’s outlook is very much rooted in looking forward, with sustainability guiding everything they do, from the ingredients they source to the people and communities they work with. A charming onsite vegetable garden provides the kitchen with fresh fare, while trusted local suppliers bridge the gaps. Behind the scenes, this tapestry of provenance ensures that every dish served delivers unmatched flavours that reflect the surrounding countryside, inviting you to enjoy a true taste of the East Midlands. Leading you through a carefully curated selection of dishes, the seven-course tasting menu embraces seasonal ingredients with flair, from heritage tomatoes with basil and a yoghurt sorbet to sea trout paired with brown shrimps, courgettes, and tom yum. The seven-course tasting menu also comes in a plant-based option, or you can opt for the blind menu, which offers a surprise selection of dishes that change daily, all with optional wine pairings should you wish to maximise your experience. And for those seeking something more particular, the à la carte and Sunday lunch menus proffer a flavoursome selection to choose from.
Feeling inspired for rural reveries? Uncover our collection of luxury cottages in Lincolnshire.
