The Dirty Duck in South Kesteven - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

This pub has been closed for several months with no indication of when it might open again. Myself and many others visited regularly and feel let down

Closed apparently permanently. Apparently done some in garden and children's play area in use but drain at end of was overflowing with toilet waste. Could be great setting alongside already restored section of Grantham Canal. Disappointing as signed as if part of Belvoir Estate.

One of the best meals we have had in recent times. Trio of pork was excellent as was the cod. Good service and impressive views from the garden. Very handy if you are on a boat.

We have just stayed here over the weekend for a local festival nearby and it was one of the biggest mistakes we made!! We came here last year to camp during the festival when the pub was under the old management and since the new change it is a disgrace. To start the pub itself is closed! So we had to make alternate arrangements for our food. With the pub being shut and no ‘on-site manager’ around, the campsite was chaos. The gate to the campsite was permanently open meaning anyone from the public could get in and access your tent/car whilst away. The wash block has been refurbished but the code they gave ahead of visiting was not needed as the door opens without and anyone can go in! We were aware of what the festival scene is like but the policy states no noise after 10pm and all we witnessed was loud music, screaming and drugs all night through till 3am. With no response from the ‘on-site manager’ phone number we were left to put up with it for all 3 nights. There was a large family who left early due to the noise and troubles and some lovely ladies who were also quite angry. The campsite was very unsafe with overgrown grass, no security and with people having drug canisters near stoves, there was no fire safety or first aid equipment should something have gone wrong! This campsite is advertised as family- friendly and this was the total opposite with dogs running round and large groups doing drugs with 4 cars taking up all the field. We will not be returning again and I am still awaiting a response from the ‘manager’ for my complaints with evidence.

We have just stayed ant the campsite here over the weekend for a local festival nearby and it was one of the biggest mistakes we made!! We came here last year to camp during the festival when the pub was under the old management and since the new change it is a disgrace. To start the pub itself is closed stating it is shut for a few days yet has been closed for a month or more! So we had to make alternate arrangements for our food. With the pub being shut and no ‘on-site manager’ around, the campsite was chaos. The gate to the campsite was permanently open meaning anyone from the public could get in and access your tent/car whilst away. The wash block has been refurbished but the code they gave ahead of visiting was not needed as the door opens without and anyone can go in! We were aware of what the festival scene is like but the policy states no noise after 10pm and all we witnessed was loud music, screaming and drugs all night through till 3am. With no response from the ‘on-site manager’ phone number we were left to put up with it for all 3 nights. There was a large family who left early due to the noise and troubles and some lovely ladies who were also quite angry. The campsite was very unsafe with overgrown grass, no security and with people having drug canisters near stoves, there was no fire safety or first aid equipment should something have gone wrong! This campsite is advertised as family- friendly and this was the total opposite with dogs running round and large groups doing drugs with 4 cars taking up all the field. We will not be returning again and I am still awaiting a response from the ‘manager’ for my complaints with evidence.

We booked this campsite for the Forbidden Forest festival as we did last year, however with the pub being closed and the “on site manager” being no where to be seen the experience this year was completely different. With it being in walking distance it seemed to be a good spot but was far from what is advertised. First of all the gate was open and the toilets so no code required, which also meant that anybody had access to your tent and belongings. People were playing loud music and doing balloons with gas canisters till the early house of the morning, with camp stoves in close vicinity this was massively dangerous. Not to add there are no fire extinguishers on the campsite! The grass was very overgrown making it hard to see pitch numbers and electric points. The “site manager” text us on Saturday morning to ask how our stay was to which we complained and got no reply. The phone number doesn’t work and there has been no reply to an email. If the pub is closed so should the campsite be! Considering we paid £95 for 3 nights with an electric hookup when we could have gone for free is ridiculous! A group of 12 and 4 cars were scattered across pitches doing drugs in the morning and late hours into the night and nothing at all was done from the site manager whoever that even is. We will not be staying here again! If you’re looking for a campsite that’s close to the castle I would 100% look elsewhere as this is not safe for families with kids at all! I would like an email or phone number for whoever is responsible for this campsite because on the Belvoir castle holidays where we booked this no one has replied in 2 days.

Update your chuffin website. Just walked three miles to get here and you are closed. Not even the opening times on the door have been updated!

Great lunch spot- they have no issues with muddy boots!

Very accommodating and food was very tasty. Cosy atmosphere and plenty of parking. Lovely pub highly recommended

Only sat outside for a drink on our walk so cant speak for food or ambience. Nice outside space next to the canal.

Friendly service for my dog (who was given treats) and our baby. Nice burger. Cool place

Friendly service but the food was quite pricey and underwhelming. I had a Goan vegetable curry which had very little flavour - you couldn't tell it was a curry.

We called in on Sunday lunchtime having been for a walk along the nearby canal towpath. Disappointing that whilst there were 3 or 4 real ale pumps, the barman advised that none were available. We had coffee. We then decided we would ask if we could have Sunday lunch, and a table was available. Service was prompt, and there was a choice of beef, pork, lamb, plus a vegetarian option, as well as other choices from the main menu. The price was just a pound or two higher than might be expected, and the food couldn't really be faulted, although maybe falling just short of exceptional. The pub doubtless does a good trade from walkers, and campers from the adjoining campsite in the summer months. There were some areas that lacked attention. We noticed a glass topped table that had been wiped but left with a smears finish, and crumbs left between the glass and the wooden frame. A crisp packet stuffed down the side of the chair I sat at, though blame must also attach to the lazy individual who put it there. On balance, we would probably return, but I think our experience could have been better than it was today.

Whilst it’s a nice pub with beautiful surrounding. We unfortunately didn’t have a good experience. We all had the beef Sunday roast, the meat was chewy and incredibly fatty and the rest of the plate wasn’t much to write home about. When the waitress came to clear our plates, you could clearly see we hadn’t eaten the dinner so we mentioned how it wasn’t up to £16 roast dinner standard, to which she completely ignored and walked away Very rude and incompetent staff, regardless of a personal opinion form the staff members towards the food, a customer should always be listened to and offered a rectification or an apology It turns out our opinion didn’t go unwarranted, after lunch we sat out the back of the pub near the little park, and with no shock saw multiple bags of aunt Bessie’s roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings being collected from the freezer and taken to the kitchen.

A well maintained restaurant. We visited this place pas part of our office hike trip. The food was delicious.

Visited for Sunday lunch on NYE. Whilst eating of the male chef's came out from the kitchen door at the side and spat on the ground in full view of me. Very unpleasant, unprofessional and disgusting. Who wants to see that? I contacted the pub on messenger the same day and they read the message but 3 days later still no response from them hence my review here. Food ok Pub decor/toilets were dirty and the outside was messy and untidy. I can't recommend this pub. There are far better pubs in the area with higher standards.

I suppose it's okay. Fairly costly for a basic menu, it's on the higher end of pricing in my opinion.

Lovely place. Food excellent and staff were superb. Thank you for making our family Christmas get together special.

Group of us went for a meal. Good selection.Very tasty food. Great service. Happy to recommend.

A varied hot and cold lunch menu. Staff pleasant and quietly efficient. It's off the beaten track. Has plenty of parking A lovely setting, particularly in summer, as by the canal so can sit outside and walk along toe path

Good service, reasonable prices and portions. Excellent surroundings and walks. Well worth a visit.

Good stopping place after a walk along the canal. Staff friendly and welcoming. Had coffee and sausage roll. Did not eat in restaurant.

Lovely pub with superb outdoor seating by the canal. What's not to like.

Great dog friendly traditional pub conveniently next to the Rutland estate campsite.

Lovely old fashioned pub Great food good selection of beers ales and ciders and good ambience Camp site next door handy for canalside walks and close to Belvoir Castle Racks for cycles as well

Sat outside. Good food and staff dping a great job. Place was packed inside and out. Good value food and drink.

Lovely little pub, hidden away off the beaten track but we'll worth a visit

Slightly unusual looking pub, more like a house. Decent beer selection. Nice canalside location.

I went last week and I really enjoyed it .. I will be going back

Beautiful pub in massive grounds. We camped on the field so had a couple of meals at the pub. Very busy with the Land Rover show happening this weekend, but food came out in good time and very well presented. We had the sharing ploughman's for lunch and can honestly say it's the best I have ever had. Large bundle of ham and some lovely warm bread buns. Pickles, salad and so much cheese that we couldn't manage it all. Went back for dinner, and we had the steak and the chicken schnitzel. Again, the meals were excellent and the portions generous. Staff all working hard, with the tables always cleared in good time. Inside the pub is beautiful and super dog-friendly.

After a walk on the canal we needed sustenance and we’re not disappointed. Nice greeting, tempura prawn starter, excellent crayfish Mac n cheese and a chicken Caesar salad. Nice choice of bitter and coffee. Nicely served, what’s not to like. Would have liked a few anchovies on the salad maybe but dressing was fine.

Excellent food. Would highly recommend.

Nice atmosphere both indoors and outdoors.

One of the worse stakes I've ever had. 4 out of 9 meals was ok at best. The staff are ignorant and rude, no worth their wages let alone a tip. Over all very disappointed.

Friendly and was served quickly.

Have trouble connecting to the WiFi.

Brilliant secret spot to go in the summer, they have camping there to if you want to drive there and then stay the night to allow for some drinks. Nice area to god to walks as well x too stuff x

We stayed on the campsite which is the reason I have scored 4 🌟 The pub and restaurant are fantastic. The food and the service was great 💯💯. The camping is pretty but very over priced for a field with small toilet/shower facilities

We were visiting the area with friends and the 4 of us with 2 boys between us went to The Dirty Duck on a recommendation from my Sister in Law. This is a lovely pub, in a lovely setting. My son and his friend particularly liked all the duck themed memorabilia. We all enjoyed our food, and special effort was made with our orders (mash cooked instead of chips with a steak, additional biscuits on one of the children’s ice cream). The waitress who I assumed to be the Landlady was friendly and accommodating and made us feel welcome. 😊

We went for an adult birthday celebration as a three, having been before for garden lunch. It was fairly busy in the restaurant at 7pm and we had a bit of a wait for our mains, didn’t opt for starters. Veg lasagne was tasty and came with small slice of garlic bread, chips and small mixed salad garnish. Chips are very good here! The two rib eye steaks were a disappointment though for the price - we were each thinking, is that it? Cooked as required as medium, but not the largest of steaks and served with a small grilled mushroom and half a tomato on the top, small salad garnish and chips. One of us was carb free so asked for large salad instead of chips - just came with a larger handful of the mixed salad and that was it… For £20.50 you’d at least expect a larger mushroom and tomato on the side, even a larger side salad or few onion rings.Dessert choice was ok but nothing homemade. Staff friendly and quick with order taking, nice restaurant for decor and furnishing.

The food was fabulous 👌 first class service. All the staff (even though they were short staffed) were attentive, happy and always smiling.

This was a great choice for (a second year running) family gathering of over a dozen Cousins and their partners. Well presented good quality food, well kept beers and great service. The Canal side location and large multi tabled garden area makes this a very pleasant location.

We stopped for a drink on the way home

Recently photographed a wedding reception here, they have a seperate function barn for medium sized occasions with the added bonus of the canal side, bridges and locks. Perfect backdrop.

Food ok but nothing special. Pub in need of refurbish.

Good food, nice views and nice beer

OK place. Basically pub food at above pub food prices.

We arrived at 8:00 pm noticed the sign saying please be patient as we are short staffed, and waited at the bar to be served. 8:10 we were asked what would we like and we asked for a table for two - “sorry we stop serving at 8pm!” Unfortunately we made a special trip to get here and we’re by now hungry. Do not bother with this pub as they simply can not be bothered with you!

There for a wedding reception, food was great , returned the following day for lunch, fish and chips great and hot

Had a ploughman's lunch and had to take quite a bit home and share with others. Enough for 2 to share actually. Sat outside and nice outdoor space

We enjoy a walk in this area and have enjoyed food here in the past. Today it was dismal. Our order took over an hour to deliver and we did not complain when a couple on the next table were served before us. They had arrived a good fifteen minutes after us. I ordered the Ploughman's Lunch. The focaccia did not arrive. Instead there was stale baguette with no butter. The ham was absent too. The salad had too many black curly edges to risk eating. If they had run out of the bread mentioned on the menu and the ham then it should have been mentioned when we ordered. This travesty was nearly sixteen pounds - a rip off. No one came to check if we were happy with the meal and we paid when we ordered so too late for negotiation on the bill. We did not stay for coffee and will not eat there again

Found this little gem this evening on a drive out, met with a very friendly efficient member of the team, we hadn’t reserved a table but we’re shown to one immediately! Drinks and food order taken promptly and service was vey quick. Simple steak and chips were fantastic with all the usual trimmings cooked to perfection. Lovely pub great atmosphere Will definitely return and recommend to friends and family.

Hummous starter highly recommended

Lovely place near canal fantastic food wonderful staff will eat there again.

Only popped in for a drink about 8:30 on a Saturday night and wasn’t overly impressed. Sat outside on the sofa which felt very grubby and overused. The tables had many grease and glass marks and clearly had not been wiped for a while. There was music being played outside but soon realised it was just the radio. The staff weren’t overly welcoming either and noticed the beer glass was dusty. I understand that they were short staff and it was coming to the end of a busy day. However, with this pub being in such a beautiful location it has so much more potential and definitely wasn’t hustling with people as you would expect for a sunny Saturday evening.

Stumbled across this very dog friendly place,staff were very friendly and food was excellent.

This place is called the Rutland Arms but everyone knows it as the Dirty Duck, it has a real reputation for being a place to gather. I first went here in the 1980's and wanted to return whilst in the UK. OK, so let's cover off the best bit. The setting. It's a dream for any business, let alone one that serves food and drink. We ate here four times in a month - the reason? We were back in the area visiting family - and it's fair to say we spent a lot of money here. The menu is what you'd expect for a country pub, good honest English food with some highlights. The outdoor furniture is long past its best now and needs an overhaul, all of which is doable. The issue is the senior staff. Now, knowing the game somewhat and seeing the bio of the managers on their website it's clear they are very experienced, so what has gone wrong? It's all about that front of house first impression. Waiting for a manager to finish their meal before they serve you? Shouldn't happen. Arguing with staff in front of the customers? Ditto. Tutting when a customer asks for something slightly off piste, ignoring customers...the list is far from endless and all of this is fixable. Here's a suggestion, try smiling once in a while, it costs nothing, have a bit of banter with your paying customers. Look as if they are important to you in this Covid-impacted world where customers and their needs are and should be paramount. If I were Gordon Ramsay and arrived in disguise I'd back the young girls who are waitresses, the kitchen staff too, they do as good a job as they can and I suspect they just keep their heads down, but leadership starts at the top, and menu and setting aside that counts. Money in the till is one thing, an empty property is another, admittedly the days we visited it was busy, but the sun was shining and yet there was still an air of angst surrounding the place - this is simply no good for ongoing repeat business. A hatful of commonly-themed low reviews is cause for concern. The fact that none of those critical reviews have been responded to speaks volumes. This review is fair and one that is posted in order to ensure that someone reads it, someone who has invested in the place and importantly someone who wants me to return in a few years and pay for lunch four times, including a table of ten; my money, like my loyalty is portable. Wishing the Dirty Duck a bright future.

A very picturesque spot. We popped in with the kids after my toddler fell over by the canal and although it was busy, the landlord was very kind to take the time for my daughter, gave her a plaster and lollipop. We were very touched by the sentiment as it then allowed us all to enjoy a drink on a sunny afternoon!

Lovely setting set by the river , food ok only problem the 3 of us found were how unprofessional the staff were no welcome just straight face people taking your order then bringing it to your table , no how was your food , ? Shame that we felt so uncomfortable will not be returning ,

Lovely quaint establishment 5 stars

Amazing food. As a pescatarian Coeliac, I was pleasantly surprised to have a great choice. And, although I picked something not on the gf menu, the chef made it. Salmon, with a white wine sauce and seasonal vegetables. So tasty! Staff are so nice and very helpful. Cannot recommend the Dirty Duck enough. I can't wait to revisit. 😋

OK, outside a little tired.... Food was acceptable and good service.

Only had a beer and chips, but fabulous outside space with outdoor bar, music and lots of dogs!!

What a lovely place! Perfect walk along the canal, Lovely outside space, great food.

Great little pub, right on the canal edge, within walking distance from the attached campsite. Great place for summer strolls. Lot to see, canal locks. Country side.

Very nice pub! Only thing that let's it down was the state of the gents toilet! Didn't flush! Had to take my kids for a wee to be greeted with a toilet bowl full to the brim with poop! No soap, hand towels or even a working dryer. Other than that it's such a great place! I'd definatly go again!

Long walk and lunch for our anniversary. We have had lovely meals here before so looking forward to the food Rude staff , all they could do to look up take our outdoor food order. Let me try and describe our shared ploughman @ £15. Stale cheese, old wilted salad, tiny bit of bread to share. Tiny piece of pork pie. Oh the ham was lovely. I don’t think it met the description of a ploughman’s lunch for one let alone two. People serving at table were non-verbal struggling to place anything on the table without an almighty crash. This pub has gone downhill and we won’t be back.

We go here as the area and grounds are lovely, however I can't say the same about the landlady and staff. On arrival we ordered drinks. I kid you not the head on my pint was ONE inch which is unacceptable and holds the record for the biggest ever! I know exactly why they put big heads on pints, it's because for every 10 pints they do this to they make a pint back. I know this as friends used to own a pub in Yorkshire. I asked the bar lady to top it up. No apology, no acknowledgement at all, just sour faced and unfriendly. Tried to have a bit of banter with the landlady. I think she wasn't allocated a sense of humour and lacks personality. Totally not welcomed in a friendly way whatsoever. If I owned a bar I would want repetitive business, therefore would be friendly and welcoming. I found her to be rude too. One of the waitresses (the young one) doesn't know how to smile and is also unfriendly. Another waitress was ok. We eat here and have always found the food to be good. £4 though for a tiny bowl of chips is way too expensive. Should be £2 max. I like the pub and area but am not impressed with the rubbish attitude. Won't be going back as won't give my money to those who can't take the time to appreciate their customers (without us you wouldn't have a business!). I have looked at other reviews here to see if was me just being a bit petty but many others have said the same about the rude and abrupt landlady. My wife doesn't see the bad in anybody but even she agreed they were rude. I would also add that the outdoor seating has seen better days and needs replacing. It is in such a state that it let's the rest of the pub down. It is also very uncomfortable, the cushions have had it as they are flat and the back area is too low. The only good things about this place today is the sun was out!

Great location beside the canal, has its own camping site, lots of outdoor seating with outdoor bar, function room. Fabulous food at competitive prices.

The food was lovely, and I would highly recommend

Haven't been here for years,went for some food.Staff were not very helpful,and we didn't have food as thought it was very pricey,£16 for a roast dinner.Wont be returning

Popped in for a mid week evening meal, nice range of home cooked food. Lovely!

Excellent it's a lovely place to visit definitely come again

We just love The Dirty Duck. Beautiful location, lovely food and always a lovely welcome. We will return

We had lunch here. We found it a bit under whelming for the cost + sat shivering because the room was cold.

Nipped in after a little bimble. Drinks are expectedly expensive but fab staff

Great place by the canal very dog friendly. lots of parking

We were staying at the campsite and pre-ordered our Easter Sunday lunch for 7 people as a takeaway the day before but managed to find a table outside to eat at 3pm. The staff were great, and changed our meals to eat in. No complaints about the food whatsoever, we had lamb and beef dinners that were tender and tasty and the gravy was delicious. The veg was fresh and not overcooked. They had a singer on later, which was a bit of fun and by the end of his set, we were all joining in singing. From the reviews it seems hit and miss but it really was a big hit for us and we'd definitely eat here again.

lovely place to stay...ehu toilets showers £15 ....butifull food .....will pop in again soon ...

Had nice meal chips where really good location next to the canal so it is great for a walk after lunch

A lovely place to go for a drink.

Lovely place doggie friendly nice walks along the canal

Came her to celebrate my in-laws' 50th Anniversary. The staff were very friendly and attentive. The food was reasonable priced and good value for money. Also, very well presented. The lamb shank was exceptional. My in-laws are very hard to please but both said the will definitely return, as will I.

State on website that they are open till 11pm, but don't say that they only serve food from 5:30pm. Bit misleading.

Nice area to walk dogs and get a drink at the same time

Super venue, food and staff - set amongst some very fine surroundings. Highly recommend :)

Bridge 61 on the canal is great. Dog friendly pub too.

Delicious food, good prices, friendly staff, festive atmosphere. Highly recommended.

Brilliant kept beer and exceptional food

Recently refurbished and what a massive difference, great food and a good selection of beers. Very friendly and helpful staff. Can't wait for our next visit .

Great service, setting and ambience. Food was a little underwhelming (except the chips which were great) but very reasonably priced. Staff were a joy.

Nice pub beside the Grantham canal serving good pub food. Friendly staff as well, BUT closed Mondays and Tuesdays, which is never a good sign.

Ticks all the boxes, food, staff, atmosphere, decor, service, location. It was our first visit, would definitely return

Nice place to visit, do a wonderful brie and bacon panini

Food excellent and service very good. Would recommend it.

Great location, fantastic atmosphere and food. Dog friendly with excellent staff

Really disappointed. Quality of food has dropped off. Service from young inexperienced staff doing their best but obviously not coping (and saying so). Fish and chips....chinese bulk bred pangasius white fish. Awful and pure greed to serve such food at this price. Desserts had to be returned. Very very poor from the owners. Please do much much better.

One of the worst Sunday lunches we’ve ever had. Not the worth the money at all.

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Lovely outdoor area, based beside the canal. Inside nicely laid out, good coffee and friendly staff. Didn't try the food. Great base for a walk along the canal path