Hitchen’s Barn in Rutland

We visited for dinner on a Tuesday evening, and testament to this restaurant that every table was taken! From the minute we arrived everything was amazing, a warm welcome, friendly and super efficient service all evening, real attention to detail, and delicious food and wine. This restaurant really knows what it's doing, and believe me, all those little touches did not go unnoticed, and are often sadly missing elsewhere. Highly recommend, we will be back!

Fabulous meal Mussels outstanding the best we have had. Steak very good The service was excellent Thank you we will be back.

Exceptional and also great value!

Absolutely fabulous food and highly attentive service. We were a party of eight for lunch on a Thursday. The lunch special menu is great value. We all went a la carte so more expensive but absolutely worth it

Wonderfull restaurant, the staff were excellent and the menu really well put together. We had 3 courses all of which were superb and there is a good choice of spirits, beers and wines. Louise, Neil and the staff have created a wonderful culinary experience and we will be back.

We visited last night for my wife’s 50th Birthday celebrations. From the first step inside the door, our experience was amazing. The staff were really welcoming and all knew it was my wife’s birthday so wished her well. There was also a little card from the restaurant. The setting was lovely - really quite homely. For a Wednesday night to be fully booked - including regular customers - shows that the restaurant is consistently good. The choice and quality of food was great. One of our sons isn’t that adventurous when it comes to his food but even he said how great his meal was. I had the scallops for starter, my wife had salmon and one son had terrine. (Mr Fussy was happy with fresh bread) We all had the lovely lamb with pea risotto. Very tender and served pink - just as it should be. In terms of cost, whilst it is not a cheap place to eat, you get what you pay for. To be honest, we’ve paid more for lower quality elsewhere so I would say the value for money is good. All in all, a great evening had by all.

This is a restaurant already held in high regard and I was very much looking forward to coming. I was not disappointed. The food, service and venue exceeded expectations. Situated in the pleasant town of Oakham there is plenty of parking nearby. We went for lunch and had their set menu two courses which was very much worth the cost. Started with potted belly prok with crackling after the bread with marmite butter - the latter was exceptionally good. Superb start and the main was even better ... Lamb with a rich gravy, bedded on ratatouille, with a potato gratin. The gratin was simply out of the this world. Infused with rosemary very richly. I had a zero beer which wad on tap. There were some excellent wine options also. This is a restaurant that is recognised with a bib gourmand I believe from Michelin which is highly deserved. I would highly recommend this very pleasant restaurant with superb food. Thank you very much.

This is a restaurant already held in high regard and I was very much looking forward to coming. I was not disappointed. The food, service and venue exceeded expectations. Situated in the pleasant town of Oakham there is plenty of parking nearby. We went for lunch and had their set menu two courses which was very much worth the cost. Started with potted belly prok with crackling after the bread with marmite butter - the latter was exceptionally good. Superb start and the main was even better ... Lamb with a rich gravy, bedded on ratatouille, with a potato gratin. The gratin was simply out of the this world. Infused with rosemary very richly. I had a zero beer which wad on tap. There were some excellent wine options also. This is a restaurant that is recognised with a bib gourmand I believe from Michelin which is highly deserved. I would highly recommend this very pleasant restaurant with superb food. Thank you very much.

My favourite restaurant in Rutland. My fourth visit and it won't be my last. The food was delicious and the service impeccable.

My favourite restaurant in Rutland. My fourth visit and it won't be my last. The food was delicious and the service impeccable.

Me and my fiancée had a rare night away from the kids and we had dinner here. From the first minute, the staff were extremely helpful and attentive. The only thing that was better, was the food! We shared a few starters (beetroot salmon being a highlight), mains and desserts. The duck breast was one of the best meals I have ever had. Desserts were both rich but also light. We will 100% be back again and getting my in-laws a voucher for here!

A fantastic place for dinner. Our food was honestly first class, the starters, main and dessert were phenomenal. The steak was cooked to perfection and the service was brilliant. A really friendly, delightful experience. We highly recommend.

8 of us enjoyed a 3 course dinner in the dining area upstairs. The atmosphere was cosy and relaxed. There was plenty to choose from the menu plus additional specials. Each course was tasty and well presented! The service was attentive and friendly. We weren't forgotten about with seating upstairs and given enough time between courses. There were no faults and will definitely be returning to enjoy more local, seasonal foods! Would highly recommend!

A very nice experience for lunch, selection of menus very good. I had liver pate, sole as my main and a very nice apple and raspberry crumble with fresh cream and a raspberry sorbet.. great service and the atmosphere was excellent. Nice place to visit, but book early to be not disappointed. ( 3 weeks on advance).

Lovely surroundings and a warm welcome. Food locally sourced and inspired combination of flavours and taste. Food portions are generous as is the service. Delicious in every way way. Reasonably priced for the quality you get

Fabulous food. Beautifully presented and so tasty. Excellent service. No parking. Need to park in the public car park which is next to the restaurant.

Our first visit. Excellent. My wife and I had completely different dishes. We are picky customers it has to be said :). But gave it five stars on all fronts. A rarity for us 👍

Phenomenal food from a cosy, home away from home. As soon as you walk in you are greeted with total friendliness and the dreamiest smells. It’s rare to go for dinner and have the perfect pacing between each course but Hitchins have it mastered! The value for money is mind blowing and the menu is something you won’t know what to do with! GO HERE!!!

This restaurant is first class. Just the best place to eat for miles. The food is amazing, great wine and staff are all great.

1st time at this restaurant. Went after being recommended in Great Food Club . Very nice lunch . Food very good. Service delightful . Had set 2 course lunch inc glass of wine and a couple of other additions. £83 . Good value . Nice relaxed atmosphere. Well done team

Had a wonderful lunch here Fantastic food. Would definitely return, would recommend booking.

Lovely place for lunch. We went as it had received 5 stars from William Sitwell, the restaurant critic, and he was bang on. It's a small place with perhaps 30 covers and the tables and chairs are a real mish mash which adds to the relaxed atmosphere. The staff were lovely. Attentive without being overly so. The food was outstanding. We both had the fixed price lunch at 24.50 for 2 courses, starting with ham hock terrine followed by sea bream served with crab cakes. Bloody delicious and I could have stopped eating after the starter it was so generous! Highly recommended.

Interesting menu. The set one was very reasonably priced and offered really delicious plaice and yummy desserts. Very attentive courteous service. Perfect.

Brilliant service , delicious food and lovely surroundings and atmosphere . We came her on a saturday at lunchtime ...I had Chicken Liver Parfait with an amazing chutney then Vegetarian mushroom gnocci with a delicious cheese sauce - both yummy ! The wine list is outstanding . My partner had salmon to start and Duck breast glazed in honey for main ..delish ! Staff so welcoming - a fab experience all round ! Thanks guys x

Exceptional lunch, every course was delicious and a great atmosphere. Would highly recommend.

Delicious. Great service. Charming atmosphere.

For wife’s special birthday we decided to go to Hitchen’s Barn in Oakham. On arrival we had pre-lunch drinks and sat down at the table looking at the menu. My wife excused herself but on returning to the table said that unfortunately she was not feeling very well. The owner and staff were very attentive and totally understood the problem. After a short time the decision was made to return home . Once again the owner and staff were very understanding and wished my wife well and as i paid for the drinks I was given a birthday card for my wife. A very big thank you to all of you at Hitchen’s Barn. Fortunately my wife is now feeling a lot better and hopefully we can re book and enjoy a lunch with you soon. Brian Hooper

Went as part of a Freemason’s social event. Food was amazing, staff were beyond helpful and it was very well organised in terms of payment at the end of the night.

We went for the lunch for less option and at £28-50 for 3 courses, a little bread and flavoured butter, and water on the table is fantastic value. Even factoring a round trip of 80 miles and parking down the road, it was well worth the drive. Excellent food, lovely surroundings and personable service. No wonder it was very busy. We will certainly return. All courses were memorable, but the terrine in particular, was probably the best I have ever had, and the desserts were top notch.

Amazing meal, staff & service. A gem in Oakham.

Visited today for the first time . Party of four . Lived up to expectations , Simple but interesting decor . Tables not crammed in . Staff welcoming and friendly ,plus efficient . Starters , monkfish , crispy egg and soufflé all delicious . Then chicken , halibut and duck dishes all cooked and served beautifully . Finished with 6 cheese board selection and Petit fours . Choices on menu made it hard to decide what to sample and I believe menu changes often if not daily . Set lunch menu was available and looked to be excellent value . Will defiantly come back Oh and nearly forgot ! Wine was delicious

Bloody lovely lunch with friends. Worth the 35 minute drive. Get the duck, it's ace.

What a lovely restaurant. We had a lovely meal and the service was very good. It was my birthda, there was a birthday card waiting on the table when we arrived and candle in my dessert to make a wish. Thank you for making my birthday meal special.

Enjoyed a wonderful meal and excellent service at Hitchens Barn for a reunion of old college friends and wives/partners . Louise organised the “top room” for our party which was ideal for our event. Our menu was varied offering excellent choice for all 3 courses. The quality of all of our meals exceeded our expectations complimented by a very good choice of wines.Throughout the whole evening Louise and her staff were friendly, welcoming and responded to all requests promptly giving us an excellent level of service.Whether you are a small family or a larger group looking for a venue for a celebration I would highly recommend this lovely restaurant in Oakham.

Lovely place. My starter (pigs cheek) was a disappointment - a touch dry and flavour was weak for my taste. Both main courses excellent - chicken and Gnocki - latter was beautiful. Service mostly good - we did seem to have different waitresses each time. All very pleasant. Heavilly booked up so maybe we had a weak day?

Had a lucky cancellation after trying to book dinner as visitors to the area, and boy were we lucky. A gem of a restaurant, excellent food, friendly service and good choice of wine. had Cheese Souffle and Mozzarella Panacotta to start, both really top notch, followed by Pork and an amazing plate of Gnocchi. Easy to see why so full on a Wednesday night. Highly recommend.

We were upstairs for a private lunch. The food was great. I have become a boringly moaning diner as I get older but this was excellent. The asparagus starter was excellent and my lamb main as good. Great service and a lovely room.

We are 6 friends celebrating our recent ‘significant’ birthdays and booked this restaurant for our Saturday night meal of our long weekend away and it certainly didn’t disappoint. What a wonderful find. The staff were friendly, welcoming and attentive and the food wonderful and we weren’t rushed in any way, despite the fact it was busy and we’d booked an early sitting on a bank holiday weekend . We all enjoyed our evening and if we were ever in the locality again would certainly book to return. Being a small establishment though I think you definitely need to book as it seems very popular.

I dined alone here for luncheon in May 2024 - had a simple fillet steak - It was totally delicious. Excellent and courteous service. The owners are obviously well used to an up market clientele. Highly recommended.

We had a fabulous meal. Everything was perfect.

Lovely warm welcome, great upstairs space for a private party and we all thoroughly enjoyed our meal. Attentive and friendly staff.

The food is second to none. It is probably the best meal out in a long time. The staff were welcoming and helpful. The restaurant was full and I found it just a little noisy.

My favourite restaurant for miles - by a country mile. Consistently great food. Consistently great service. Consistently good atmosphere. Fantastic value for money.

Amazing food, great service, lovely relaxed vibe. Loved it.

This is high quality food served professionally in an agreeably informal and comfortable setting. Last evening we were there, there was a group of half a dozen rather noisy young men, but I imagine that’s unusual. It’s more suited - I would say - to ladies who lunch, and everyone else who lunches of course! And if you lunch there I’d say there’s a fairly good chance you’ll go there for a fine dinner pretty soon afterwards. It’s a high class yet informal-ish place.

First time here following recommendation. Food really good at the appropriate price. The staff were very nice and would definitely return.

One of the best restaurants in Leicestershire! We reserved a table 6 weeks in advanced and we weren’t disappointed. Every dish we had was impressive in its own right. Our favourites were the soufflé, the fish and bread and butter pudding The service was excellent and they were able to cater to all dietary needs including the removal of alcohol from sauces.

Lovely restaurant unique inside, delicious food Friendly owner and staff the accolades are well deserved

From the moment we stepped into this delightful restaurant and the warm welcome given by the lovely owner I just knew we would not be disappointed. Food and service was faultless. As a former chef patron myself I am normally very picky where I eat and notice every detail.Hitchens Barn lived up to all the reviews .

Went with friends for lunch. Did not disappoint. Food was excellent ,service good and very friendly. We will certainly go again.

It's taken us two years to arrange a meal at Kitchen's Barn - but it won't be that big a gap next time. A delightful lunch, and a total taste treat - who would have thought 🥦, 🧄 and 🌶️ could make such a tasty veg! Definitely one to return to !!

Superb food, really lovely staff, a real gem.

Interesting menu and very well presented food which was excellent. My venison was the most tender I have had for over 10 years. Good choice of wine by the glass and great service.

Superb food very nicely presented, very friendly and professional staff, nice atmosphere. Would certainly visit again.

We had a really lovely lunch here for a 70th birthday. They were so good at accommodating the children too - bringing their food promptly and ensuring they were happy, which enabled the rest of us to relax. Delicious food and a very good service. Thank you!

We had the most amazing night for my husband’s birthday…Louise and her team as always were excellent. As we were a large group Neil had created a pre order menu for our party…all delicious and very hard to choose what to have! Everyone thought their choice was the best! Fabulous wine to accompany the scrumptious food. Brilliant from start to finish!! Thank you so much

The food is consistently wonderful at Hitchens barn, the dishes are interesting and always beautifully cooked. As locals we have eaten in most places in the area and have yet to find anywhere better. We had mackerel pate with treacle bread, followed by beef short rib and quail then buttermilk panna cotta to finish. All were excellent. The lunch for less menu is great value at £24 for 2 courses. Service was great too.

Beautiful relaxed ambience and quality food.

It’s been quite a while since I have been to a restaurant where the food was prepared so well and to such a high standard as this without a very heavy price tag. No wonder this establishment was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand. The menu was varied and interesting without being too large and all reasonably priced as was the superb wine list. Friendly efficient serving staff in relaxed comfortable surroundings. Our dishes were superbly prepared and presented and I cannot recommend this restaurant enough.

Perfect food, wonderful host, the best place to eat in Rutland

My friend bought me a voucher for lunch and wow what a lovely experience Lunch menu is an explosion of mouth watering choices Cheese soufflé to die for Chicken and mushrooms amazing Panna Cotta just perfect The decor ,service was exceptional

We tried to get a table on Friday for Saturday lunchtime but they were fully booked…they put us on the cancellation list and lucky for us we had the call and had a table The welcome was very friendly and the menus great.. we chose to go off the set menu and the food was lovely & very well presented and great value for money The decor is very nice and the ambiance was good.. we will deff be back..

Reliably excellent food and service. You know you’ll never be disappointed with a meal here. Great quality food, extremely thoughtful owners and extensive menu. Picking only one pudding is always the biggest challenge!

Why have I never visited this wonderful restaurant before? A great welcome, delicious food and drink, a delightful restaurant and friendly and helpful staff. I highly recommend Hitchen’s Barn and now I have discovered it, I will certainly return….

We booked for lunch and ate from the special 2 courses for £23.95 menu which we thought was very good value. We both chose a confit leg of duck for our mains. Both dishes were served piping hot and the duck fell off of the bone. For desserts we both chose a chocolate and pear tart and again these were very tasty with delicious rich chocolate. The service was friendly and efficient throughout although we were surprised that they did not carry out a “check back” to make sure that everything was ok. The only real negative was that we thought that the seats were very uncomfortable.

Nice food Some Staff a little standoffish West end prices Nice building but probably not the best value for money Seems popular though

My wife and I had wanted to eat here before but the restaurant had been fully booked. We were not disappointed. The food was beautifully cooked and well-presented. I had the loin of rabbit which was excellent. The staff were superb and we felt the cost was more than acceptable for the quality on offer.

What a wonderful place this is, we had the most amazing lunch here and cannot remember enjoying food so much! Everything was perfect. The food was so tasty and wholesome, full of flavour and cooked to perfection! Well done to all concerned at Hitchens Barn, it’s definitely a 10 out of 10 from us.

Went for lunch today for our wedding anniversary. All I can say is the food was simply delicious and the service efficiently attentive as it always is. The menu is so interesting and you feel confident whatever you order will be sublime. Stand out dishes today were the duck liver parfait and the banana pudding

Visited Saturday 9th September 23 a trip over from Leicester and well worth it , Everything was excellent the cheese soufflé the lamb mmmm all the group left clean plates . Great atmosphere with great portions and value for money 5 ⭐️ will return

Excellent, very nice food with meats not found in most places.

First visit very nice experience. Would deff visit again

This place joins my list of best places to eat. Excellent!!

Enjoyed a beautiful lunch here last week with my son to celebrate his 30th Birthday. I expected a lot as it’s a difficult place to get a booking… and we were definitely not disappointed. Service is very slick without feeling rushed. The food was just...

Amazing food and great staff, will be back!

We really enjoyed our visit for my husband's birthday. The service was excellent and the atmosphere was great. The food was so good we had 3 courses! We loved the black pudding scotch egg and the duck parfait; my husband had the grouse which he said was perfect, and I felt the same about my breast of chicken with girolles. The pudding platter was superb and we'll remember that for a long time to come. We loved our wine choices too - Nyetimber English sparkling wine, viognier and Australian pinot noir. All in all, a fantastic visit and excellent value for money.

Excellent food, great service, unfussy atmosphere , what more could you want ! Everything we ate was delicious but a big shout out to the twice baked cheese soufflé which was so light but packed with flavour. Somehow we managed to make room for the...

We spent our 20th anniversary here and had such a wonderful experience. Delicious food, friendly staff and special touches all make for a fantastic experience. Thank you for a lovely evening.

We have long wanted to try this restaurant after friends have given glowing reviews. It did not disappoint. Food is intriguing - some lovely combinations that make you want to try everything on the menu. The food was delicious - could not be faulted. The...

Very good all round. A small, unusual menu that was freshly cooked. I had terrine to start and turbot for main. Both delicious. Really well presented without being over fussy and decent portions. The staff were lovely and very efficient - in fact we asked...

First visit here for lunch yesterday & nothing but impressed. Friendly, attentive staff. Decent menu. Relaxed ambience. Desserts a stand-out. Good value. We’ll be coming back.

We had an excellent meal in very pleasant surroundings. The food choices were delicious with seasonal ingredients, beautifully presented. The wines were also good and well priced per glass.

This is the place to bring someone to be absolutely spoilt. Firstly, the staff are amazing, extremely warm and welcoming and when they learned that it was my husband's birthday a card appeared signed by them all! As for the food, just one word. Superb....

All three courses beautifully cooked, service spot on and atmosphere excellent. Well worth a visit.

More than excellent. We were so fortunate to be given a table for 4 at short notice and able to take friends for dinner. Louise & team make their guests so welcome and as usual the cuisine was superb. It really is a unique and...

Very good quality meal. Staff attentive and welcoming. Lovely rustic feel. Although steaks delicious and tender, I prefer mine more with a chargrilled crust. We would definitely recommend though.

Another superb meal at this amazing restaurant. The team front of house are fantastic. Attentive but not intrusive. The chef/s produce the most amazing food. Our party of 4 all kept commenting about how gorgeous our food was. Starters, main course and desserts all beautifully...

Excellent meal and very friendly helpful staff. The food was exceptional , piping hot and good to look at. We thoroughly enjoyed the meal. Please could you hold vouchers or something for the public car park nearby. Us Oldies use cash and could find anywhere...

My children booked our entire family here for dinner to celebrate my husband’s 80th birthday. The nine of us had the upstairs room to ourselves. Service is always impeccable. Choices on menu were all delicious and all nine of us loved every mouthful. We all...

Great place to eat, very friendly service, staff remembering your past visits which is so acceptable and personal. Already booked for an evening dinner in July

Astonishingly good food Outstanding champagne and St Emilion Service perfect Cannot commend this restaurant highly enough

What a fabulous find. Taken for dinner by family for my wife’s big birthday. I had the most delicious Mussels I have ever had ,I always have them whenever possible. For main I had Cornish Brill which was also superb and not often offered on...

Visited last night three of us for the first time my wife had luckily for her been before. What a great restaurant great location and ambiance and food is exceptional. Unusual selection of beers a good selection of wine by the glass as well. Staff...

Came here as our dear friends gave us a voucher to spend on lunch. We were not disappointed - truly delicious! And who knew Marmite butter was a thing and could be so gorgeous! Only a couple of tiny niggles - belly pork crackling wasn’t...

One of my absolute favourite restaurants. Superb hospitality, always greeted with a warm welcome, service is attentive and excellent, food exceptional and we love coming here. Highly recommend!

Visited a week ago for a celebratory lunch with family, thank you so much for your hospitality. The cheese soufflé starter was truly fabulous, the pork amazing and the Hambleton Bakery fruit loaf bread & butter pudding was exceptional. Coupled with the attentive service and...

Written to directly counter the awful and very personal view from Keith, this restaurant is exceptional. Fabulous locally sourced food, very attentive but discrete staff, exceptional catering and always full to the rafters. Absolutely fabulous

Visited on a wintry Tuesday in March, but the restaurant was still bustling, with a great atmosphere. The welcome was warm and we were soon settled in with drinks and a menu. The main restaurant was quite full, which was great, and the menu was...

So pleased we found this place, we will definitely be back! Great service, interesting and varied menu, excellent food - all piping hot, cosy and warm atmosphere and all at a reasonable cost! Excellent!

I was trying to find somewhere special to celebrate my friends 40th birthday. After numerous searches, I found Hitchen's Barn and after reading the 5* reviews on Tripadvisor, I booked it. I had high expectations for Hitchen's Barn and I wasn't disappointed! Wow! From the...