Having not posted on the blog in a couple of weeks (apologies about that!), I thought I would share a list of my favourite places to visit in and around Rutland and Stamford that may be of interest to you this summer.
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| Find out where I like to spend my time around the county. |
There are many places in and around the county I love to visit with family and friends, whilst walking the dog or alone. We're very lucky to live in a picturesque area full of historic, unique and beautiful restaurants, cafes, shops and more.
Here is a list of my top ten favourite places to visit in and around Rutland and why I love to visit them - enjoy!
Living in Uppingham, I spend a lot of time in the Market Place at Don Paddy's, you could say it's my 'local'. With amazing breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, a great selection of gins and an impressive wine list too, Don Paddy's is the perfect all-rounder open from early to late seven days a week and with outdoor seating in the sun.
I personally recommend the 'Three Bean Chilli', 'Skinny Fries' and a large glass of the Pinot Blush.
I regularly visit Rutland Antiques Centre to check out the latest stock and new arrivals. I enjoy a browse but can usually guarantee I'll find something that is just what I've been looking for.
I'm a lovely of antiques and collectables and most of my house is scattered with vintage treasures from the centre itself.
I also think that Rutland Antiques is the perfect place to visit if you're looking for that ideal gift for a friend or family member, and is usually the first place I go to find that special, unique gift which has a story to tell.
Growing up in Harringworth (just across the Rutland border), the Welland Viaduct has a close place in my heart. As a child it was the first piece of architecture I fell in love with, I spent most of my weekend and evenings after school walking the fields and countryside through the 82 arches I loved.
A real structure of beauty, the viaduct is still used today on railway journeys, all whilst being restored to keep it in full function for hopefully many more hundreds of years.
Possibly the icon of Rutland, Normanton Church is a lovely place to visit for stunning views across the water and a place we love to walk our dog. In the summer months, there is also usually an ice cream van outside the church where you can treat yourself to a scoop in the sun.
Whether you just want to visit the church or continue walking the many miles of Rutland Water, you could even stop at L'Oliveto Italian for a traditional style pizza or pasta dish.
Whether you just want to visit the church or continue walking the many miles of Rutland Water, you could even stop at L'Oliveto Italian for a traditional style pizza or pasta dish.
Sophie Allport moved to the Stamford area in 2008 and earlier this year opened her first shop on Stamford's high street. Not only do I like to support local creatives, business owners and local entrepreneurs but local start ups too.
Sophie's collection of designs are beautiful, as is the store. Located next to Stamford's Library, the shop is definitely worth a visit whether you're looking for some homeware for your house or a gift for a baby, friend or even something for your pet, you'll always find something you cannot possibly leave without upon your visit.
Opened in 2017 by business owner Naomi, The Rutland Cake Company is somewhere I regularly visit for a coffee and some lunch when I'm between meetings. Whether you want a homemade soup, toastie or piece of Naomi's incredible cake selection, The Rutland Cake Company is a calm and relaxed place to visit, and as it's location on Oakham Enterprise Park you don't have to panic about finding somewhere to park.
Another 2017 start-up, Scandimania is Uppingham's first scandi cafe with the most interesting selection of drinks and food options that will blow you away.
My favourites have to be, 'The Greens' juice and the 'Avocado, Chilli Toasted Sandwich'. Scandimania is the perfect place to visit for tasty but extremely tasty food that won't make you feel guilty for eating afterwards.
I've always had a big thing for fashion and style. When I stumbled across Arch Label Agency in Stamford in 2014, I fell in love. A shop full of all your designer brand favourites, new and used at affordable prices. So if you have always dreamed of owning a pair of Louboutins, Arch could be the place you'll find them.
9. The White Swan - Harringworth
As I mentioned before, I grew up in Harringworth and have spent many years in The White Swan pub and have seen the pub through many different owners, landlords and managers. The pub is now run by Michael and Chef, Rob and is a place we love to go to for one of the best Sunday dinners around, and even includes cauliflower cheese and a delicious nut roast for vegetarians.
Not only is their Sunday lunch affordable, it's delicious and the portion sizes are huge - so you really do get great value for money. The standard menu is also great and The White Swan also offers a number of themed evenings such as 'Steak Night'.
As I mentioned before, I grew up in Harringworth and have spent many years in The White Swan pub and have seen the pub through many different owners, landlords and managers. The pub is now run by Michael and Chef, Rob and is a place we love to go to for one of the best Sunday dinners around, and even includes cauliflower cheese and a delicious nut roast for vegetarians.
Not only is their Sunday lunch affordable, it's delicious and the portion sizes are huge - so you really do get great value for money. The standard menu is also great and The White Swan also offers a number of themed evenings such as 'Steak Night'.
10. The Lord Nelson - Oakham
Lastly, is another food favourite of mine and that is, The Lord Nelson in Oakham. I've now idea how I managed to get to 22 without visiting, but I only discovered The Lord Nelson in the last 12 months after a recommendation from a good friend.
I would consider myself as a pizza connoisseur, and I can say that The Lord Nelson is 3rd in my 'Worlds Best Pizza' ranking, after Rome & New York. Stonebaked in house, with hundreds of unique and tasty toppings to choose from, if you love pizza you need to visit The Nelson.
Another reason I love to visit is that of their unique side dishes and fabulous gin selection, as well as the fact it's dog-friendly - which is always a plus in my eyes.
Lastly, is another food favourite of mine and that is, The Lord Nelson in Oakham. I've now idea how I managed to get to 22 without visiting, but I only discovered The Lord Nelson in the last 12 months after a recommendation from a good friend.
I would consider myself as a pizza connoisseur, and I can say that The Lord Nelson is 3rd in my 'Worlds Best Pizza' ranking, after Rome & New York. Stonebaked in house, with hundreds of unique and tasty toppings to choose from, if you love pizza you need to visit The Nelson.
Another reason I love to visit is that of their unique side dishes and fabulous gin selection, as well as the fact it's dog-friendly - which is always a plus in my eyes.
