Beech House & Olive Branch

Clipsham, Rutland

Swing off the A1 down a tree-lined lane to this award-garlanded village gastropub, with rooms in a Georgian house opposite. More

Good Hotel Guide Review

Swing off the A1 down a tree-lined lane to this award-garlanded village gastropub, with rooms in a Georgian house opposite. Host Ben Jones has an impressive CV which includes stints at Gravetye Manor, East Grinstead; Hambleton Hall, Hambleton; and as launch manager at Hart’s, Nottingham (see entries). In 1999 he and two friends bought the defunct Olive Branch, refurbished it and revived its fortunes. Chef Luke Holland creates innovative, daily-changing, seasonal menus, but fish and chips is a staple. You can eat indoors by the fire, or in a garden gazebo. ‘The food was fab,’ writes a reader. ‘A steak tartare starter was especially good, bread possibly the best I ever had, guinea hen tender and tasty.’ He did, though, crave more of the vegetables grown in the paddock. In Beech House, bedrooms are individually styled, with a Roberts radio and smart TV. Most have a coffee machine. Double Cream has a freestanding roll-top bath and walk-in shower. Accessible, dog-friendly Chocolate has two bedrooms, a lounge, wet room and patio. ‘Staff were friendly and efficient.’ A great, locally sourced breakfast is served only on days when the pub is open. (Peter Anderson, DW, MM-D)

Hotel details

Address

Main Street
Clipsham
Rutland
LE15 7SH
England

Telephone

01780 410355

Bedrooms

6. 2 on ground floor, family room (suitable for disabled) in annexe.

Open

all year, closed Sun evening, Mon, Tues, lunch only on 25 Dec, 1 Jan.

Facilities

bar, dining room, breakfast room, in-room TV, garden, paddock, public rooms wheelchair accessible, adapted toilet.

Background music

classical/jazz in pub.

Children

all ages welcomed, cot £10, extra bed £30.

Dogs

allowed by prior consent in ground-floor bedrooms (£10 per night, with bed, bowl), bar, in paddock on lead.

Credit cards

MC, Visa.

Prices

B&B doubles from £205, singles from £120. Set-price dinner £37.50–£45 (2/3 courses), tasting menu (7 courses) £80.