Go dine review
Set in the glorious English countryside of Rutland lies the Olive Branch; a Michelin Star pub and restaurant that has gained a national reputation over the years. Situated just two miles off the A1, signposted Clipsham, Greetham, Stocken and Stretton, it is easily accessible and the perfect venue for travellers, locals and passers-by.
The Olive Branch has been featured in the Michelin Guide since 2002 and has held its Michelin Star since then alongside 2 AA rosettes since 2001 as well as winning the Michelin ‘Pub of the Year’ in 2008. It is a beautiful venue that has been the focal point of village life for many years.
The Olive Branch has been a traditional village pub since 1890 and has been formed from three labourers cottages which were renovated in 1999, returning them back to their former glory whilst maintaining many of the original features and capturing the essence of the 19th century builds. It is a charming pub and restaurant, full of character and warmth that is welcoming and comfortable and ideal for spending hours sampling the local ales, fantastic food and soaking up the atmosphere.
Sean Hope heads an innovative and highly skilled kitchen which prides itself on using only the very finest in local produce and frequently plucks fantastic ingredients from the surrounding Lincolnshire and Leicestershire countryside. You can expect to find a host of pub classics on the menu, like the famous Lincolnshire Sausage, or the Pork Faggots devised for the Hairy Bikers BBC2 television series. These hearty dishes feature alongside restaurant-style creations such as Twice-baked Crab soufflé with Waldorf salad and Loin of local Lamb with olive crushed potatoes. An informal lunch menu also offers salads and sandwiches on home-made pumpkin seed bread.
The passion for local produce extends to the bar where, as well as extensive wine lists from all over the world, you’ll find excellently kept real ales, and in the winter sloe gin, damson vodka and mulled wine all made with berries picked from the surrounding hedgerows.
The Olive Branch is friendly and informal, yet top-class, a professionally and fantastically well executed pub restaurant that will not fail to disappoint. We highly recommend a visit to The Olive Branch in Clipsham whether you are passing by or not, you won’t regret it.
Antony Hewitt – 01/09/2012
Lisa Garrard – 21/03/2012
A beautiful setting and had a log fire burning. An wide variety of choice on the menu including rabbit and pigeon, with a look of master chef on presentation. Service efficient but not over friendly.
Warren Walpole – 21/02/2012
Faultless! Absolutely amazing! Perfect! (We didn't choose the deal menu as the main menu proved irresistable!)
Carole Jeffries – 19/01/2012
An excellent meal in a relaxed atmosphere with superb service.
Beth Hodgson – 18/01/2012
Another excellent evening! We'll be back very soon.
Mike Williams – 04/11/2011
This was our first visit to the Olive Branch and we really enjoyed the experience. The staff were exellent, curtious and polite but not over attentive, something that many places should learn from! The food was perfectly cooked and well presented. Overall a great eating experience. Mike Williams
Ashley Fenyn – 01/11/2011
The Olive Branch was everything that I had hoped for! The atmosphere was cosy whilst the service was professional yet unassuming. The food was beautifully cooked and well-presented, although maybe not to the same standard as other Michelin starred establishments that I have visited. Saying that however, the menu was remarkably reasonably-priced, with the main courses being a particular highlight. Will definitely eat there again and have already recommended to friends and colleagues.
John Wright – 24/10/2011
Top class.
Beth Hodgson – 05/07/2011
Another superb meal! Very friendly staff. Beautiful setting.
John Wright – 22/06/2011
Top class.
Lesley Abbitt – 16/04/2011
Lovely meal, with excellant service
John Wright – 27/03/2011
Top class. The food was great.
Jon Stocker – 17/03/2011
A lovely meal fit for the occasion.
Andrew Beresford – 28/02/2011
Good food, good service, good ambience - would recommend to others, could not fault the food, table a little small for 4 but minor issue.
Beth Hodgson – 18/01/2011
We were made to feel very welcome as soon as we arrived.
I have coeliac disease and they informed us straight away that they knew this and that they would point out all the meals I was able to have and that if I chose one that contained gluten they could possibly adapt it.
The log fire was warm and inviting.
The whole evening was wonderful.
Helen Banks – 25/10/2010
Highly recommend teh Olive Branch. The food was exceptional and very well presented. Will definitely return.
William Dennis – 08/10/2010
The food was superb, we opted for the 'a la carte menu' as it was a special occasion, but the set meal sounded yumee. The staff were particularly friendly.