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As the days shorten and the weather gets wetter, what better way to while away an afternoon or evening, than cosying up in a country pub, enjoying good food, a couple of drinks, and the chitter chatter of happy patrons?
We're craving wholesome, hearty dishes that warm from the inside out; pies, casseroles, puddings; slow-cooked meat and root veg served with perfectly smooth, buttery mash. Enjoyed by a roaring open fire or in the cosy nook of a thoroughly charming inn with a glass of red wine in hand; a sure recipe for warming the cockles.
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Thankfully, there are plenty of eateries nearby that deliver seasonally-inspired dining in cosy, comfortable surrounds. Let the autumnal feasting begin!
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*Please note that the dishes listed below illustrate the kind of food you might expect to see on the menu should you visit, but please check individual websites and social media channels for up-to-the-minute menus.
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The Blue Ball, Braunston
The Blue Ball is a picture-perfect thatch-roofed pub in the pretty village of Braunston, Rutland. Dating back to the 17th Century, the inn is said to be the oldest in the county, and its chocolate box charm is undeniable; the lime-washed walls and golden thatch look staggeringly pretty on a summer's day, but the cottage vibe inside is a dream for cooler weather; all low ceilings (tall folks beware!),
exposed oak beams, and farmhouse furniture; it's
warm, it's snug, it's inviting.
The cosy vibe is reflected in the menu...there are plenty of pub classics to satisfy traditional tastes, but what we love about the Blue Ball is the inclusion of Indian dishes, from snacky starters to rich butter chicken and sweet, tangy karahi, which will definitely give you that inner glow.
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We're going for:
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Chicken and Scotch whiskey pate with homemade chutney, salted
butter, assorted crackers and toasted bread
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Slow-cooked belly pork with black pudding, creamy brie roasted potatoes, honey-roasted carrots, greens, wholegrain mustard jus
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Punjabi lamb Karahi (on the bone) served with basmati rice, naan, poppadum and mango chutney
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The Finch's Arms
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Sat upon the Hambleton Peninsula, with spectacular views over Rutland Water, The Finch's Arms offers patrons more than just welcome respite from the peninsular track. And while the terrace might be the perfect spot to sip on a cold glass of something in warmer weather, right now the place to be is the bar area at the front of the pub; it's all low beams, flagstones, and farmhouse tables, with a roaring open fire- the perfect spot to sup on a pint of cask ale.
You can enjoy the a la carte menu both here or in the Garden Room Restaurant, a space that has more of an elegant London eatery feel to it than country pub vibes, yet still delivers on cosiness, especially if you're seated near the fire. Menus feature local, seasonal produce with nods to world cuisine.
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We're going for:
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Smoked ham hock terrine with celeriac remoulade, baked apple and miso puree, sourdough toast.
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Duck breast with potato fondant, crispy duck heart, celeriac and truffle puree, baby leeks.
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Cinnamon roasted pear Santiago tart with almond brittle and clotted cream.
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The White Hart
An elegant, understated 17th-century inn at the heart of picturesque Ufford. With low-beamed ceilings, exposed stone walls, and large log burners, The White Hart has the features of a traditional pub but exudes a refined, rather genteel character, thanks to its tasteful makeover; more country home than country inn.
In warmer weather, dinner can be enjoyed on the terrace with views of the extensive beer garden/ paddock but, right now, the conservatory or panelled snug, painted in a delightful heritage blue and kitted out with farmhouse kitchen-esque furniture, are our favourite spots for a cosy evening.
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We're going for:
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Fig and Bramley apple tart tatin, with whipped goat's and garden lavender honey
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Cornfed chicken with Duchess potato, truffle mushroom sauce, and confit chicken bon-bon
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Eves pudding- a traditional sponge with Bramley apples and sultanas, served with custard
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The Fox and Hounds Knossington
A thoroughly charming historical pub on t'other side of Oakham known for its cosy, quirky interior and warm, welcoming atmosphere. It's a handsome three-storey inn, built in the 1700's, and cloaked in ivy. Inside, the ceilings are low (tall folks, be prepared to stoop) and fireplaces tall, the mantels lined with decorative objects and flickering candles; garlands of dried hops hang from wooden beams and over the windows, giving the inn a timeless, enduring appeal.
The Fox has a great reputation for consistently serving great food, whether that's a pub classic or something fancier. The Sunday roasts are noteworthy.
We're going for:
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Maple Baked Camembert, candied nuts, fresh bread and
caramelised onion
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Braised boozy beef short rib, chive and horseradish mash, Vichycarrot, and black cabbage
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Rum and raisin bread and butter pudding served with custard
We are #swooning over this gorgeous hung tile cottage....the exterior is cutesy, but the interior is a dream. The kitchen walls, ceiling and tiles are an incredible verdant green, almost true in colour to nocerella olives, set off against a cranberry red Rangemaster and matching window frames. The hallway and study are an inviting chestnut brown, and then there's the deep, salmon-pink bedroom, with folksy fabrics and a large rattan headboard. This is the perfect holiday home for exploring the gorgeous historic town of Battle and its independent retailers. Invest in a bottle of Hastings gin from Sarah's Cellar, which you can whip up into many martinis to sip on in a fancy 'fit in that glorious kitchen.
QUINTESSENTIAL COTTAGE
Barn conversions are so regular, these days you need to be sleeping in a converted stable block to send the message you are hot-to-trot.
Sat in the grounds of a glorious country manor, The Stables is a holiday home with prestige; sympathetically converted, there are nods to the stables' former use, with a kickboard-clad kitchen and stable partitions cleverly used to carve the living area into cosy 'rooms'. Thick, impenetrable stone walls cocoon guests, dimming outside noise and keeping the warmth from the cast iron rads in; perfect for cosying up under a blanket on the sofa and reading a few chapters of your favourite novel.
