The Noel @ Whitwell in Rutland

We had such a lovely Sunday roast at the Noel! The veggies were cooked to perfection and the chicken breast was surprisingly juicy. Also, the portions were very generous. I highly recommend the duck wrap as a starter and the sticky toffee for pudding. The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating and even brought some dinner and dessert to our 11-month-old daughter. We're definitely visiting again. 💯

What a fantastic place. Cosy, welcoming and such a friendly bunch. Lola is just gorgeous as well as such a great part of the team. The food is brilliant- I can highly recommend the red onion and goats cheese sandwich for lunch. Very filling and just delicious

The Noel is just getting setup again under new management. Very friendly staff and amazing food. We tried their authentic Italian stonebaked pizzas and they're the best I've had in Rutland for a long time!

3rd visit to the Noel Arms for us and this was such an improvement on last time when it was under different management. Such friendly service but a little informal. The food was incredible. The fish pie was laden with fish and seafood and had amazing cheesy mash on top. We tried all 4 of the lunchtime menu mains and all were excellent. We will definitely revisit and hope that more people get behind them as it's a super location and the changes made since the previous landlady are excellent.

*** AVOID - FRAUD *** I booked a room to stay here in September. I paid £202 into their company account. When I arrived I was told this was a fraudulent booking (I booked through their official partner). Apparently a lady called Karen used to work there (you can see this on companies house). She was removed in August however they didn't lock her out of any emails or the accounts. Therefore she has been putting up rooms which don't exist and then accessing the company account to remove the money once you've paid. The staff I've spoken to were lovely at the time, but a month on and I've still not recieved a refund despite them (Jeanette and Kevin) saying they would give me the money back. They are responsible, as they haven't taken adequate steps to prevent Karen from defrauding potential customers. I've now had to issue them a Letter Before Action and will be pursuing them through small claims. Appauling way to run a business. Feeling very let down and feel people ought to know about the fruad activity before booking to stay here as seems they are doing little to stop it!

Very conveniently situated close to attractive Rutland Water between Oakham and Stamford but easy to miss as it's on a tortuous bend in the middle of a dip in the road and the entrance is up a narrow passage. It has plenty of seating including secluded covered outdoor areas at different levels on a hillside. My daughter described her Margarita pizza, cooked in an oven on the hillside, as the best she'd ever had and all our meals were very tasty. The price was not excessive for what we ate. There are lots of lovely dining establishments in the area but amongst them this one was worth returning to.

Had a three night break, hospitality was flawless, lovely relaxed environment and superb meals. Would absolutely recommend & will be returning.

I recently had the pleasure of staying at The Noel at Withwell, and I can’t recommend it enough! Nestled in the picturesque countryside near a serene lake, this hidden gem is a perfect getaway for anyone seeking tranquility and beauty. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the stunning surroundings. The property itself is comfortable, with beautifully decorated and impeccably clean rooms that made us feel right at home. Food is very good and every detail has been thoughtfully curated to enhance the experience, making it a truly special retreat. What truly sets The Noel apart is the warmth and hospitality of the staff and the owner. They went above and beyond to ensure our stay was exceptional, treating us like family and attending to our every need. Their genuine care and attention made our experience unforgettable, so much so that we found ourselves wishing we could stay an extra day! As a dog-friendly establishment, The Noel welcomes furry friends, which made our stay even more enjoyable. We were delighted to meet their adorable puppy mascot, who added an extra touch of joy to our visit. In summary, The Noel at Withwell is a beautiful escape that offers not just stunning accommodations, but also a heartfelt connection with its wonderful hosts. We can't wait to return for another peaceful retreat in this lovely countryside haven!

Chance by stop on our way back from Corby. Lovely meal fantastic atmosphere even at lunch time. Only down side was I would have liked a pizza. Trouble was they were not cooking any until 3.30pm that's ok but there was no signage to state this in the venue board for Pitzas. A few people left because that's what the wanted and why they stopped. I was very happy with the home made burger I has.. I would have had a pizza. If I am back in the area I would call in again

Quite a friendly place not far from Rutland Water.

Did not stay here but walked from the Rutland Hall complex at Barnsdale (about 45 minutes walk away). Quiet for a Friday but we were early. Bar staff friendly and attentive. Happy to talk about what is on offer in the area. Evening menu simple in terms of choice but caters for all tastes. Caesar salad was well worth trying and a shared plate was a great starter. Fish and chips were also good. Nice thick piece of cod steak cooked in a beer batter 😋. Prices reasonable. The team are clearly looking to move the drinking and dining experience forward and I am sure they will get there. Recently added a wood fired Pizza oven to their choices and have other things planned. Will be back.

Had an evening meal the worst I have had in years. Tiny portions , over priced, at not what was described on the menu, slow service, unorganised Would not be going again 18.50 for the smallest burger I have ever seen, and 15 small chips

Great location for Rutland Water. The food was great and nice service.

For a "premium pub restaurant" this was horrendous. We had to go to the bar for drinks service call the staff forward to order. The portions were tiny and food was over done. If you were to imagine the effort required to chew a car tire this was about the levels of effort that were requited to eat our roast chicken and beef. When we asked for the bill we were told they couldn't produce the itemised bill due the "renovation works". Only to be given one after paying.

Can't comment on rooms as only stopped for lunch. Food was lovely, there seemed to be a change of ownership going on so seemed abit unorganized, there was also an awful smell as you walked through the door. It's a shame as the place was very pretty.

My husband and I went out for lunch here on bank holiday Monday and it was delish! The pie was amazing and the service was fab!

Involved in a charity walk from LOROS Leicester to Skegness. This was the first overnight stop, super friendly staff and great food, Big thanks to Carol, and also Paul for all your hospitality, highly recommend

We had a lovely Sunday lunch at the Noel. Not a traditional Sunday roast but a chicken and sausage kebab with Yorkshire puddings and veg. It was so tasty.All the staff were very friendly and welcoming. We had a great time.

Excellent service.Very friendly.Very tasty food. Food beautifully presented.

Good food and dog friendly amazing service

We went here for dinner, the place is decorated so beautifully, the staff are so friendly. Learned while there that they've gotten a new chef and the food was absolutely fantastic best pepper corn sauce I've ever tasted and the spring onions pancakes 10/10. This place is truly a hidden gem!

We stopped for a late Sunday lunch and we were not disappointed! Warm welcome ,attentive staff and when my partner spilled his beer after hardly 1 sip, he got it replaced with no fuss or extra costs! Wonderful experience. Big parking by the place and outside seating available

Great place to stop for exploring Rutland. The staff are friendly and helpful. Felt like being part of a family. The food and chef are fab, great menu and great Sea Bass with Chorizo, Potatoes and wilted spinach. Would love to see more from the chef on the menu. Love what Karen is doing, the brand is great. Thanks Team Noel for a great 2 days stay.

We had the warmest of welcome from Rihanna and Chris, both were very friendly and made us feel at home, the food was lovely and service was fast and very efficient, couldn't fault it, we will most definitely be back, thank you for a lovely, relaxed evening 😊

Unfortunately, we chose The Noel for our Mother's Day meal. The service was shocking and the food was simply awful. It wasn't even very busy, so you couldn't blame it on that. Will not be going back.

In a very good location for walking near Rutland Lake, which offers breathtaking views, I went with my husband for a last minute Valentine's getaway. Nice and friendly owner. The weekend we needed to recharge our batteries. I advise.

Had the best meal in the area so far. Roasted Lamb was melt in the mouth and my Seabass was deliciously pan fried. My cheese had a choice of 5 cheeses and crackers. Very friendly staff.

Enjoyed a lovely Sunday lunch and quiet couple of pints after a lovely long walk. The Roast beef was cooked beautifully, hands down best cauliflower cheese we’ve had, and we’re still talking about it! Apparently the new chef started yesterday - seems like he’s onto a fantastic start!! Friendly service and we all felt very welcome and comfortable.

Attended for a wedding recently and had a lovely night. How much of the prep was done by the owners and how much by the bride and groom I don't know but it looked amazing and everyone had an amazing evening. Service was a bit slow at times though.

That was quite possibly the weirdest experience of my life! From Woofing at dogs to scranning our left over food while sat with us clearing the plates! I honestly feel like I’ve just been in a hour long fever dream from start to finish! Good location! But that’s about it!

First visit here after the makeover, really glad we tried it! Love the bright new décor. Had the Sunday roast, just managed all 3 courses after which we pretty much waddled out of there, stuffed full of good food. Definitely nothing instant or frozen here except for the ice cream which appeared like magic upon request. Mushrooms on toast were tender and delicious. Roast pork came with crackling, Yorkshire's, roast potatoes and five other kinds of fresh vegetables and just the right amount of gravy. The service was excellent, so welcoming and friendly. We were so relaxed over our coffee we barely moved for four hours! Nor were we made to feel we ought to go. Thanks everyone! We'll be back soon!

Just had a lovely home cooked Sunday dinner!!! Fantastic.

Just back from a really great meal at The Noel. New owners and only been open for two weeks. Highly recommended and excellent value, as other recent reviews have commented. Congratulations to all concerned and we wish you all the very best for the future. If we lived locally this would be a regular haunt.

We popped in for lunch as we had travelled to Rutland to stay at a nearby lodge with friends for the weekend so it was a spur of the moment visit. Its apparently recent been redecorated. It looks lovely so compliments on the decoration. Tropical theme and lovely and colourful. We each ordered and were happy with all. I had scampi and chips which were lovely and peas came with a mint sauce on top which was a nice addition. Both gentlemen we were served by were very welcoming and helpful. Thanks so much. We may come back for Sunday lunch aswell.

Had a lovely evening meal in The Noel. Food was excellent, service first class. Karen made you feel very welcome. We will be back.

Nice hotel with friendly bar and restaurant. Had a good crack with the owners who made our stay memorable 🍻

Great pub, good food and wonderful service. What more could you want from a pub.

The food was fantstic as was the service. He was extremely attentive friendly and efficient, he kindly allowed us to bring in a birthday cake also and made the evening special for us. Hughky recommend

Food was good, decor is very dated

only popped in for a drink while on a ride!

Starter was lovely. We ordered the steak, which was £25 per person. Definitely not value for money & we won't be going back

Lovely stay at the Noel, our host Ian couldn’t be more helpful and the food was spot on every night, would definitely recommend to anyone looking to stay in the area

We just chanced a visit for a late Sunday lunch. We missed the Roast Beef by one portion it the Fish and Chips were ok. I wish them every success as it's tough out there now for hospitality.

Great meal, well presented. Friendly service. Will try to return.

Quite cost and comfortable country pub which is well worth a visit.

Had a delicious meal tonight. Great food and great service. Will definitely be back

Didnt stay at The Noel, just called when passing through on the off chance for food, which was excellent.

Nice, clean, great service. Rooms a bit dated and creaky, no sound insulation from the stairway and other rooms. Breakfast was more than generous and service was single handed but friendly.

Enjoyed a lovely homemade burger and stuffed pepper

Had a drink and a burger it was very tasty great friendly pub.The landlord made us feel welcome .couldn't do enough for us

Friendly welcome and throughout the stay. Rooms were a fantastic size for our family of 3. Food was fantastic, particularly the breakfast. Great value and overall an excellent stay.

Food, service and decor under par and dated. Menu doesn't specify what is or isn't suitable for vegetarians or vegans, we had to ask. Food was prepared off site and no flexibility from the chef to accommodate dietary requirements outside of the limited menu. Food was bland and under seasoned and the vegan curry was dry and stodgy. Felt like we'd gone back in time to a different era!

Booked last minute. Our meals were delicious. Clearly home made. Hot and tasty. Very comfortable surroundings. Happy to recommend The Noel to anyone.

Had a sunday lunch here with our family and two dogs - the first thing they bought us was a bowl of water for the dogs. Lovely food, very attentive service.

Lovely hosts, great food and service. Room was lovely, personally a softer bed but I have a dodgy back so not the hotels fault

Just been for the steak night special, 2 rump steak meals & drink for £30. Could not fault it, decided to have a starter & steak cooked perfectly. Our host was lovely & very helpful. Will be back.

Had Sunday lunch here on New year's Day, absolutely lovely food, owner very accommodating and kind couldn't fault the place definitely go back there.

We had an excellent stay. Great value. Spotlessly clean Room was ideal, with everything needed. Perfect for visiting Oakham & Rutland Water. Breakfast highly recommended.

Stopped in for a drink on a walk. Nice outside area and inside looked good too. Nice beer but lose a star for no garnish in the g+t

Absolutely superb! A real little hidden gem. Great location as a base to explore the wider area around Rutland Water, Oakham, Exton & Stamford. Clean well appointed rooms, really good food and drinks in the restaurant and superb service from Mark and his wife. Highly recommended.

Great food well presented fantastic service no complaints

A really nice place to stop for buying some drinks and eating. I was in Rutland Water and before I went home, I stopped there to have a good dinner and a couple of drinks. The food was delicious, also I could try a local beer that was really good. They have a good selection of beers, wine and food. The staff is really kind and gives you perfect customer service. They have accommodation as well if you want to stay over there. The decoration is really nice and they have tables outside, next to the car parking. Totally recommended if you are nearby!

Excellent food, owners/very helpful and welcoming

Great food and even better service

Popped in for lunch with friends. Pleasant, comfortable dining room with cheerful, efficient service. The food was excellent, reasonably priced and I have to single out the chips for a special mention. Triple fried, they were some of the best, ever. Highly recommended.

Lovely food, really friendly staff and atmosphere. Made very welcome and unhurried - will return!

Staff warm and welcoming, food was excellent.

Lived up too expectations, great service and the good was top drawer

Great food and setting. Even have a EV charge point.

Great food and service, reasonably priced

Best Sunday lunch I've enjoyed for years and dog friendly too! Thoroughly recommended.

Very pleasant stay, lovely hosts, comfortable beds and excellent breakfast. Would definitely recommend.

Nice room, good food and very pleasant staff

Lovely B&B nice and clean comfortable bed huge fluffy bath towels , breakfast was really good and plenty parking at rear would definitely go back no problem

Excellent menu. Chips to die for.

Nice ambience and staff. Very attentive to my allergies, and cheerful. Food was meh, I had a rib eye steak, and it had no bone, which was odd. Also very fatty and largely inedible. However, they made a nice sauce specially to cater for my allergies, so was a mixed bag. The others in our party seemed to have decent food and no other complaints, so I think it was just luck of draw! I'd recommend, despite my mediocre meal

Having not been away for along while we chose the Noel for short break as it is close to Rutland water which is lovely.Mark and Claire who own the Noel deserve a big thumbs up for running their establishment so well under what are still difficult circumstances.The evening meal on our first night was excellent and the following evenings were just as good.The breakfasts were what you would hope for after such good evening meals,everything freshly cooked and very tasty.Nothing was too much trouble during our stay and would recommend the Noel to anyone looking for somewhere to stay or just for an excellent meal.

Love this place. We holiday every year at Rutland and come here on the Friday night. Lovely food. Always!

It was a Thursday and quiet. That said the food was spot on for a hungry cyclist. Maybe rhe wine was a tad expensive but nevertheless also tasty.

An excellent venue. We stopped for lunch for a family meetup. Great friendly service.

Nice place to have a pint or two. Didn't need to book. Parked our bicycles on the fence. Outside area is very small and sits approximately 4-5 groups of people only.

A hidden gem, nice surroundings, lovely menu and excellent hostess. ,😎💙👍

1st time, food was good and staff were friendly.

Excellent food and drink wonderful decoration and friendly staff

Had a really nice Sunday Roast with the family, will definitely be back.

A wonderful slow cooked lamb stew with crusty bread and chocolate pot and raspberries. Restaurant looked very christmassy.

Good food, great drinks selection Staff very friendly Fantastic fudge to buy

Another great stay at the Noel with wonderful food, welcoming friendly staff and such brilliant countryside and nature reserve.

Fantastic place with wonderful staff. You will not be disappointed

Stopped off for a light lunch all 4 of us had 3 courses,very tasty and very good service.

Wow! Terrific food, lovely staff, reasonably priced. Will definitely go again. Well worth a look.

Went in for lunch absolutely amazing best tagliatelle ever and garlic bread to die for so friendly really wished we lived closer

we had our wedding reception here and everything was absolutely spot on. all our guests stayed at the hotel and we all had breakfast the following day which was equally as good! Five stars all the way for The Noel, Do not miss it.

We didn’t stay at The Noel, but we did have an evening meal. It was absolutely delicious, all 3 courses tasted excellent and were cooked fresh. One of the best meals I have eaten in a long while. I had ribeye steak for my main, it was cooked to perfection and melted in my mouth, very very good indeed 👍

Dinner was perfect in every way.

Advertised on road open for dinner and lunch but failed to ad that it is bookings only.

Charming place, nice rooms, amazing food and super friendly staff. Make sure to try the fudge.

Popped in today for lunch. Loved the place. We sat in the garden gazebo with the dogs but we could have sat inside. Food and beer were lovely but the staff make the place. Super friendly and attentive and couldn’t be more helpful with the current COVID limitations.

Claire and Mark, Your Valentine's Day dinner was superb. Everything was cooked to perfection and absolutely delicious. As ever, you provided an abundance of food and little extras that make a visit to The Noel an outstanding dining experience.

Excellent food and service. Very obliging