Picture perfect dining

Barbara Young samples some innovative Modern British cuisine at The Finch’s Arms in Hambleton.

Enjoying one of the best total locations in the region, The Finch’s Arms, which sits in a magical setting on the Hambleton Peninsula overlooking Rutland Water Nature Reserve, has earned a well-deserved reputation for excellent food and outstanding hospitality.

An established magnet for foodies and gourmets situated in a picturesque area just 12 miles from Stamford recently hailed as “the new Cotswolds”, The Finch’s Arms currently holds 2 AA Rosettes. It was also an award-winner in the prestigious Rutland Pub & Bar of the Year at the National Pub & Bar Awards this year.

Directors Colin and Celia Crawford have owned this charming country inn for nearly 30 years, operating it alongside their children, Charlotte Maulik and Jordan Crawford, through their company, The Proper Pub Company Ltd.

Step inside this honey-coloured stone 17th century English country pub/boutique hotel, with beamed ceilings, small bustling bar, elegant dining room and stylish leafy patio area with magnificent views and you instantly leave your everyday stresses behind as you prepare to indulge in some of its well designed dishes on an eclectic Modern British menu.

We visited during a busy lunchtime midweek and chose to sit outside on the Continental-style paved terrace under one of the shady London plane trees. The restaurant had a quiet and confident buzz about it, although nothing felt rushed or pressured, with the friendly, efficient hospitality team more than happy to take time to chat about the dishes on the à la carte and set menus.

MENU CHOICES
The set menu, which is available Monday to Thursday for lunch and dinner, as well as Friday lunchtime, is very reasonably priced considering the quality and choice of dishes.

The chefs source fresh ingredients from local producers, including baked goods from nearby Hambleton Bakery, which is also well worth dropping by on your journey.

We chose the hot smoked salmon, served with tangy pickled fennel and rich chive crème fraîche – a classic, flavour-balanced pairing with the creamy dairy cutting through the rich, oily fish, together with crisp, acidic fennel adding a burst of flavour.

The mains offered a choice of cod fillet, served with a lemon and white wine cream sauce and Parisian potatoes, or sun-dried tomato, olive and courgette tagliatelle – both sounded equally tempting.

However, having spotted the beautifully plated pork belly with crispy skin, served with crushed new potatoes and glazed carrots served at a neighbouring table, this proved a worthy winning choice.

From the à la carte menu, we chose the Japanese influenced bistro rump beef, with tempura battered oyster, served with Ponzo glazed fondant potato, highlighting the combination of salty, umami kick of soy sauce with a touch of sweetness, topped with a light teriyaki jus – a perfectly balanced, glossy, rich savoury reduction.

Make sure you leave room for desserts as these are particularly memorable: it was a close call between lemon crème brûlée with pistachio biscotti and our eventual choice, pistachio sponge, with raspberry ganache, and pistachio ice cream, which was an excellent decision.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Sitting high on a hill above the Hambleton peninsula which juts out into Rutland Water, the Finch’s Arms is perfectly placed for diners to work off after lunch calories and enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride around the peninsula.

And, if you’re feeling particularly energetic, you could even check out some of the popular water sports on the lake such as sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding.

Alternatively, make the most of your full dining experience, and book in for a night or two in one of the Finch’s Arms’ 10 luxuriously appointed hotel rooms – a perfect opportunity to further explore the rural appeal of “the Cotswolds without the crowds”.

We Recommend

Make a beeline for Bainland

Marching into spring

Sunday sharing sensations

Wonderful winter wellbeing

Set your sights on The Steeple Bar

Classic treats at Cleatham Hall

View all