10 of the Best Pubs & Restaurants in and Around Uppingham
Good food, great drinks and plenty of character – our guide to some of the places that make Uppingham and the surrounding Rutland countryside such a wonderful place to live.
One of the many attractions of living in and around Uppingham is the fantastic choice of places to eat and drink.
From elegant restaurants and lively wine bars in the heart of the town to traditional country pubs tucked away in the surrounding villages, there is something for almost every occasion.
We've taken inspiration from current Tripadvisor ratings and reviews, alongside the character and location of the venues, to put together ten places worth knowing about if you're living in – or considering a move to – Uppingham.
1. The Lake Isle Restaurant, Uppingham
A real Uppingham institution, The Lake Isle Restaurant sits on High Street East and combines a historic setting with a more refined dining experience.
Currently rated 4.7 out of 5 on Tripadvisor from almost 400 reviews, it is one of the most established and highly reviewed places to eat in the town. Tripadvisor lists its cuisine as European and British, with lunch and dinner among the main dining options. (Tripadvisor)
It's the sort of place that works particularly well when you're looking for something a little more special, whether that's a leisurely lunch, dinner or an occasion worth celebrating.
Perfect for: A special meal, relaxed lunch or evening dining.
2. Fern Restaurant, Uppingham
For something a little newer, Fern Restaurant has already made an impression.
Tripadvisor currently gives Fern a 4.9 out of 5 rating, although with a much smaller number of reviews than some of the more established venues in the area. Its menu and reviews highlight contemporary British and European cooking, with dishes including scallops and Beef Wellington appearing among recent reviews. (Tripadvisor)
It's an interesting addition to Uppingham's food scene and one to keep on your list if you're looking for somewhere for a more intimate meal.
Perfect for: A special dinner or date night.
3. Don Paddy's, Uppingham
Right in the heart of Uppingham's Market Place, Don Paddy's brings together a brasserie, wine bar and coffee house under one roof.
With more than 430 Tripadvisor reviews and a 4.2 out of 5 rating, it is one of the town's established favourites. Tripadvisor describes it as a bar, British restaurant and wine bar, with lunch, dinner and brunch available. (Tripadvisor)
Its central position overlooking the Market Place makes it particularly appealing for a coffee during the day, lunch with friends or an evening drink.
Perfect for: Coffee, lunch, drinks and a relaxed evening.
4. No.23, Uppingham
Located on High Street East, No.23 offers something slightly different, with Mediterranean and European influences alongside British dishes.
Tripadvisor currently rates it 4.2 out of 5 from almost 100 reviews and lists lunch, dinner, brunch and drinks among its offerings. It also has a full bar and a selection of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. (Tripadvisor)
It's a good option if you're looking for somewhere that sits somewhere between a restaurant and a stylish bar.
Perfect for: Dinner, drinks and a relaxed night out.
5. The Old Pheasant, Glaston
Just a few minutes from Uppingham in the village of Glaston, The Old Pheasant Pub & Inn is exactly the sort of country pub that makes the Rutland area so appealing.
Tripadvisor currently gives it 4.2 out of 5 from more than 100 reviews, describing it as a traditional country pub with British food, real cask ales and a relaxed atmosphere. (Tripadvisor)
The pub also offers themed food nights and Sunday roasts, making it a particularly versatile choice for a casual midweek meal or a traditional Sunday lunch.
And being only around five minutes from Uppingham makes it an easy option when you want to escape the town without going far.
Perfect for: Sunday lunch, a country pub dinner or a pint after a countryside walk.
6. The Vaults, Uppingham
If you're after something that feels like a proper traditional pub, The Vaults is well worth knowing about.
Situated in Uppingham's Market Place, The Vaults currently has a 4.1 out of 5 Tripadvisor rating from more than 170 reviews. Tripadvisor lists it as a British pub and notes its bar and food offering. (Tripadvisor)
It's the sort of place where you can enjoy a drink, meet friends and soak up the atmosphere of the town without anything feeling overly formal.
Perfect for: A traditional pub experience, drinks and a casual meal.
7. The George & Dragon, Seaton
A short drive from Uppingham, the George & Dragon in Seaton is another excellent example of the village pubs that make this part of Rutland special.
Tripadvisor currently gives it 4.4 out of 5 from around 300 reviews, with the pub listed for British food, lunch, dinner and brunch. (Tripadvisor)
The village setting adds to the appeal, particularly if you're combining a meal with a walk through the surrounding countryside.
Perfect for: A countryside lunch, relaxed dinner or Sunday outing.
8. The Blue Ball, Braunston
In the village of Braunston-in-Rutland, The Blue Ball has built up an impressive following.
Tripadvisor currently shows a 4.4 out of 5 rating from more than 600 reviews, and the pub has also received a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice award for 2026. (Tripadvisor)
It's described as a historic country dining pub with several dining rooms and outdoor seating, with food focused on seasonal and local produce. It's also dog friendly and welcomes families.
For anyone who enjoys combining a country walk with a good lunch, it's a particularly attractive option.
Perfect for: Country dining, Sunday lunch, dogs and family meals.
9. The Marquess of Exeter, Lyddington
Lyddington is one of the villages that really demonstrates the character of the Rutland countryside, and The Marquess of Exeter is right at its heart.
A short drive from Uppingham, it's a great option for those wanting to make more of an occasion of eating out while enjoying one of the area's picturesque villages.
It's the kind of destination that works particularly well as part of a longer afternoon – perhaps a walk through the village and surrounding countryside followed by dinner and a drink.
Perfect for: A countryside escape, lunch or dinner.
10. The Old White Hart, Lyddington
Also in Lyddington, The Old White Hart is another characterful option for food and drink close to Uppingham.
The historic village setting makes it particularly appealing for anyone looking to combine a meal with an afternoon exploring the surrounding countryside.
It's another reminder that one of the real benefits of living in Uppingham is the number of excellent villages and country pubs within easy reach.
Perfect for: A traditional country pub experience and a relaxed afternoon out.
Why Uppingham is such a great place to live
For us at Willow & Stone, one of the most appealing things about Uppingham isn't simply what's available within the town itself.
It's the lifestyle that surrounds it.
You have independent shops, the market, cafés and restaurants right on your doorstep, while within a short drive you can be enjoying lunch in a country pub, walking through a Rutland village or exploring the countryside.
That combination of town and country is a big part of what makes Uppingham such an attractive place to live.
And when we're helping people find a home, we think that's just as important as the number of bedrooms or the size of the garden.
Because buying a house isn't simply about the property.
It's about the life you can live once you walk out of the front door.
So whether you're already lucky enough to call Uppingham home or you're thinking about making the move, there are plenty of places waiting to be discovered.
Which one will you try first?
Tripadvisor ratings and review numbers can change over time. This guide is intended as a local lifestyle recommendation rather than an official Tripadvisor ranking. We recommend checking individual venues directly for current menus, opening times and booking arrangements.