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This delightful 16th century former coaching inn in the historic village of Lyddington, just outside Uppingham with its ancient market place and highly respected public school, has taken on a renewed lease of life ever since the new owners took over in May 2009.

The Marquess has 18 ensuite bedrooms, a luxurious bridal suite and a couple of family suites, and a selection of twin rooms. Recognising that an attractive restaurant with a weekly changing menu that embraces wide appeal is an essential part of such a facility, the food is all freshly prepared to order, using local seasonal ingredients whenever possible.

Sunday lunches are a real treat and the perfect occasion to enjoy with family and friends, as they serve traditional roasts and also a good selection of other fare. Chef Brian Baker has designed sharing dishes such as the grilled rib of Derbyshire beef, béarnaise sauce and pommes frites, and slow roasted shoulder of lamb with Savoy cabbage and boulangere potatoes. To complement your meal you could choose from the excellent wine list or from a fine selection of real ales, beers and spirits.

When planning a private celebration, whether it is a special birthday or maybe an anniversary, the Marquess of Exeter offers a warm and intimate venue for gathering friends and family together. The Inn is extremely versatile and can accommodate up to 100 guests in the bar and lounge area.

The Old White Hart is the way a pub should be. Set in the picturesque village of Lyddington with its Bede House and ancient houses it is a favourite watering hole for many who not only appreciate a pub of distinction but also appreciate a game of boules.

Eating is done on two fronts, informally in the bar where a good fire keeps everyone warm during that time of the year, and in the dining room, a pleasantly more formal room where virtually the same food as in the bar is served with cheerful efficiency by country staff who go out of their way to make you feel welcome.

The food is pure English traditional, with ingredients often drawn from the surrounding countryside and prepared without pretence. An interesting wine list deserves attention and house wine at £12 a bottle is a credible alternative.

The George Restaurant at the Whipper-In Hotel in the centre of Oakham features a well-presented range of dishes with the traditional glamour of candlelight and a silver service. Although there is certainly a modern air to the cuisine, it is at heart traditional. Originally a 17th century coaching inn, the hotel retains its period charm with many original features.
 
Guests can drop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner here and choose from a daily table d'hôte and à la carte menus replete with dishes that use the finest products available in the region. This could include leek and Stilton tartlet, calves liver and crispy bacon with bubble and squeak, braised lamb shank with a minted pea purée, oriental salmon with egg noodles, stir fried vegetables and soy sauce and roasted vegetable lasagne. A selection of vegetarian dishes and a children's menu are also available. An interesting wine list from around the world complements your meal perfectly.

Located in conservation parkland overlooking Rutland Water, Barnsdale Hall is a warm and delightful hotel in the smallest county of the United Kingdom. The peaceful haven offers the perfect ambience for a few days of rest and relaxation.

From comfortable bedrooms that offer lovely views, to the health spa and leisure club, Barnsdale's guests are truly spoilt for choice. Talking about the food, the Brasserie Restaurant presents a range of seasonal dishes from around the world that are created from local produce whenever possible.

The à la carte, for example, greets you with starters of seared king scallops, pancetta, cauliflower puree and red wine, and oriental duck spring rolls with a mango and papaya salsa and sweet chilli and soy dip. For the main event look out for crispy salmon steak accompanied by Sri Lankan curried potatoes and spinach, and honey-roasted rump of lamb with dauphinoise potatoes and roasted root vegetables. Great British grills and a selection of lighter dishes and desserts are always available.

Barnsdale Hall caters for weddings and receptions.

British it says and you almost expect to see "and proud of it" to follow, so much is this the quintessential English pub. There's an incredible bustle on at any time but Sunday lunch is the time for connoisseurs of that sort of thing. The last time we were there a helicopter stopped by in the field behind the pub and the occupants tumbled out to join in the fun. The whole place just exudes 'country pub' and its location overlooking Rutland Water lends to the magic.

A busy kitchen serves meals that are in a different class from many pubs, full of interest, ably prepared and with an élan that distinguishes them from the norm. Start with mussel and bacon ragout in a filo basket topped with brie and served on a herb salad, or a tagliatelle of artichokes, wild mushrooms and flagoulet beans in a pesto cream. For mains a venison loin in a pepper and blackcurrant sauce comes sat within a beetroot and potato nest, and the seared smoked salmon, served on a white wine and chive risotto and topped off with a poached egg was a dish to be cherished. Their Cajun spiced fries are pretty tempting too.

An extensively travelled wine list covers most of the recognised wine producing countries and house wine at £10.95 is eminently drinkable. The staff, as you might by this time expect, are a jolly crew who combine humour with courtesy and razor sharp efficiency.

Reviewed by Michael Tebbutt