Horse & Panniers, The

The building of Rutland Water, Europe's largest man-made lake, and its development as a major centre for leisure and recreation has offered a life-line to the attractive restaurants and pubs that come within its influence. This is particularly true of the villages of South and North Luffenham, and it is in the latter where The Horse and Panniers, known locally as the 'Nag and Bag', can be found. You are likely to be rubbing shoulders with fishermen, the occasional sailing buff, or A.Non willing to share with you the innermost secrets of his allotment, or an IT exec with a rapidly building client list.

Built in 1647 using the warm-coloured local stone, the pub offers a warm welcome to locals and those have travelled further. The emphasis is on informality, with a brief but changing menu listing dishes that are well prepared and tasty. For starters expect to see a robust soup of the day, Caesar salad or prawn and avocado. Smoked trout and tagliatelle, ribeye steak or homemade steak and mushroom pudding feature regularly amongst the main courses.

A good selection of real ales and well-travelled wine list complete the picture.