Rutland and Stamford's top alfresco dining picks as lockdown restrictions ease and pubs and restaurants open their outdoor areas
We have put together a selection of great Rutland and Stamford restaurants that are offering alfresco dining.
It comes as the latest stage of the Prime Minister's roadmap out of lockdown is the reopening of beer gardens and outside dining for pubs and restaurants today (Monday, April 12).
This selection features something for everyone.
Simply browse the maps - there's one for Rutland and one for Stamford - and click on the venue you’d like to know more about, or find all the details below.
Stag and Hounds, 4 Main Street, Burrough on the Hill, Melton Mowbray LE14 2JQ
The award-winning Stag and Hounds is a beautiful country pub based in Burrough on the Hill, Melton Mowbray. The 16th Century pub has been at the heart of the community for generations and owners Dom and Antonia took the pub on in September 2019. They had worked in some of the best restaurants and hotels in the country but instantly fell in love after stumbling upon the Stag and Hounds. Since then they have won the Great Food Club, Dining Pub of the Year for 2021 and a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Their ethos is to provide great beers, lovely food and a warm welcome.
The outdoor offering starts week commencing Monday, April 12, from midday until late, offering a barbecue with meat, fish and veggie options.
The kitchen hours will be Tuesday to Saturday 12pm to 3pm and 5.30pm to 9pm and Sunday, midday to 5pm.
For more information call 01664 454250 or visit www.stagnhoundspub.co.uk.
Orbis, 4 Church Street, Oakham, LE15 6AA
Orbis will open its courtyard for outdoor dining week commencing Monday, April 12.
A unique restaurant encapsulating flavours from around the world, Orbis is proud to use no gluten in any of its ingredients.
Tuesday to Sunday, the restaurant is open offering an exciting mix of flavours and top class produce all cooked to order by head chef Sam. There is also fine wine, ice cold beers and handmade cocktails all available.
Orbis is also preparing to open a restaurant in Stamford next month.
To book visit www.orbisoakham.co.uk
Everest Lounge, 12 Church Street, Oakham, LE15 6AA
Everest Lounge is opening its outdoor area, offering an a la carte menu and drinks, including cocktails, teas and coffees.
The team, which has years of experience in the hospitality industry, takes pride in providing a wide variety of regional and traditional cuisines native to Nepal and the Indian subcontinent. Our team has years of knowledge in the hospitality industry and we would want our customers to experience the same through our food and service.
With all its exotic ingredients, unfamiliar dishes, and tongue-tingling flavours, Nepalese-and Indian cuisine can be both exciting and appetising, offering a world of taste.
"We use the whole palette of flavours and our very own blend of spices combined together with different cooking techniques to get a palatable food experience.
"We try to go the extra mile to ensure that we use the best quality ingredients without using any artificial flavours and tend to use fresh produce sourced from our local market around Oakham and Peterborough.
"Let’s begin the journey of creating memories along with our passion for food and service."
The restaurant is open from 5pm to 10pm Tuesday to Sunday.
To find out more or to book visit https://everestloungeoakham.co.uk/ or call 01572 720537
The Bull & Swan at Burghley, High Street St Martin's, Stamford, PE9 2LJ
The Bull and Swan will be offering outside dining from Monday, April 12. Opening hours will be Monday to Friday 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 9pm, and 12pm to 9pm on Saturdays and Sundays .
To increase available table numbers and protect customers from the elements, the outside terrace has been covered and a separate open-sided marquee has been installed.
A delicious new menu is on offer and The Bull and Swan's mouth-watering pizzas will once more be available on Thursday evenings.
To book a table, call 01590 616253 or email reservations@hillbrooke.co.uk.
Exeter Arms, 28 Main Road, Barrowden, Oakham, LE15 8EQ
Possibly the best outside pub space in the county!
Open Monday, April 12, from 11am and thereafter weather permitting.
Please check our website exeterarmsbarrowden.co.uk for daily updates on opening times and to view our outside menu cooked over a real wood fire. We regret due to weather restrictions we do not take table reservations however our outside space being one of the prettiest in Rutland is also one of the largest with outdoor seating for over 150.
For more details call 01572 747365
Orbis, 11 All Saints' Place, Stamford - coming soon
Diners are in for a treat when a restaurateur brings his brand to Stamford.
Jonathan Spencer will open Orbis Stamford next month, offering the same quality as the branch in Oakham.
The new eatery will be based above Hoppi Dorri, which will also have Jonathan at the helm after he acquired the business from owners Sam Letteri and Chris Riddle.
For further information visit https://www.orbisstamford.co.uk/
