White Lion Inn in Rutland

Lovely little country boozer with rooms upstairs. Very attentive host, well appointed rooms and free tinterweb. Would definitely stay again.

Stayed here for a conference in the neighbourhood. Excellent base, friendly welcome, clean and comfortable rooms, first class breakfast, quiet, plenty of character, spacious parking area ... what more could you want?

From the moment we sent an email enquiring about holding our joint wedding/birthday celebration at The White Lion, we received a totally professional, personal and first class service from Yolanda, Chris and their team. The venue is extremely homely and the staff so welcoming and friendly, we held our event in marquees in the beautiful garden. Yolanda served everyone an amazing afternoon tea, with Chris keeping everyone entertained with his brilliant magician set. In the evening, we had pizza's made in their own pizza oven. We booked all the bedrooms for our guests, which were of a very high standard. We had the best day ever and cannot thank them enough for making it so special, we will definitely be returning for their excellent Sunday Carvery, Vicky and Andy Miller

I booked two nights for my son and I as we had a windsurfing event at Rutland and everything was booked up. I have to say we were blown away by the service we had. We arrived late on Friday evening, however we had a phone call whilst on our way to ask when we’d be arriving as they could plate sandwiches up for us. When we arrived they asked us what time we’d want breakfast, we were leaving early so wouldn’t manage the time, however no problem they offered us a sandwich packed lunch, which was beautiful. We were phoned during the day to see if we wanted an evening table - and our breakfast order was taken early the night before so we could have it as soon as service opened on Sunday. Our bedroom was lovely, very clean, and modern and a joy to stay in. I would highly recommend this pub and we will stay there again when we visit Rutland. The evening meal was great and the service very friendly. This is an excellent place to stay, worth every penny. Thank you so much for making our stay such a joy, after a day on the water it is so much cosier to come back to than anywhere else in the area we’ve stayed.

Not been here for a long time and based on recommendations we booked for the Sunday carvery. It was lovely And I liked the fact that we could add our own vegetables and gravy/sauces. Very generous portions and really good value. Lovely attentive staff and the whole place is run very well. Considering it was fully booked it speaks for itself. We will try the evening menu soon. Highly recommend!!

Having been a regular at the White Lion, I had no reservations about booking my 60th birthday celebrations there. It was a magnificent event and everyone of the 100 or so attendees loved it . Many had come from all parts of the country and not one of them could fault the accommodation, hospitality and professionalism of the staff. I cannot thank Chris, Yolanda and every member of the team enough for all their efforts and hard work. This is truly a special pub and deserves the highest praise. Mark Comer

DON'T BE LATE FOR A BOOKING! I'm honestly upset with our service last night for my mums 50th birthday meal. We arrived 10 minutes late for our booking, but were seated at our table okay, until we were told that we couldn't be served for an hour due to us being slightly late. We were able to have drinks, whilst sitting and waiting, watching other party's sit down, eat and leave before us. Our order wasn't even taken in the mean time, it was exactly an hour before they even took our order. Watching my mum and the rest of the family starve whilst we waited to have our order taken was really upsetting to see. IT FELT LIKE A PUNISHMENT. Also, we received a copy of our drinks order during the wait that we didn't order, thinking it may have been complimentary for the wait, but they wasn't. They had to take them back to the bar. Train wreck! Disgusted that we didn't receive an apology for having to sit and wait so long. A bit of quality customer service goes a long way. I embarrassed myself in front of my family booking this place for my Mum's birthday meal and am taking her else where tonight to make it up to her. Don't make the same mistake as me and take your mum out for a meal here. She deserves better.

We were so pleased when we arrived here for an overnight stay. I cannot recommend this homely pub, the hospitality l, the food and the rooms highly enough. It's so beautiful with all the flower baskets and the grounds are kept to such a high standard. The rooms were spacious and comfortable and breakfast was made with the highest quality ingredients.. 👌 wow is all I can say... A***

Stayed here for 2 nights . Rooms very comfortable. Lovely fluffy towels and everything spotlessly clean. Food varied and very good. All staff helpful and friendly. Hard working owners that ensure all well . Lovely gardens and outside space. Situated in a village close to shop and nice walks. Would definitely recommend.

We stayed here overnight to break our journey home! Unfortunately the kitchen is closed on Mondays but we were told it was ok to order a takeaway and they provided plates etc! We had a few drinks and enjoyed the atmosphere of the pub! We felt very welcome! Our room was lovely and clean and comfortable and the breakfast the following morning was excellent , one of the best we’ve had out in a good while! We certainly would go back next time we holiday in Hopton!

Visited a couple of times whilst staying on a local caravan site. This pub is brilliant. Locals and bar staff very friendly. The range of Everards beer is top notch and food was delicious. My wife and I had steaks which were cooked to perfection. We would definitely come again next time we’re in the area. If only every village had a pub like this

Stayed here to catch up with a friend of my husband's, booked dinner and stayed the night. The food was amazing for dinner and breakfast, lovely atmosphere, will definitely return

We had the lunch menu and at £12.95 were very pleased. The smokey chilli was great, packed with hearty beans. The freshly battered cod was great too. The sticky toffee pudding had juicy dates to make it a winner. The staff were attentive and friendly. A lovely looking pub, we will be back.

Good. Must day first time i been for food. Yummy. All excellent. I had 2 starters both where good. Partner rated his fish and chips w 10

Homely atmosphere plus the food is exceptional...love staying...Highly recommend to anyone...Beautiful surroundings and situated in a location thats picture postcard too

Absolutely amazing place, quality of food is top, and service from everyone all smiles and helpfully especially a young gentleman called AJ definitely highly recommend and we’ll be coming back again

Called in to the White Lion on the spur of the moment today for lunch. On arrival we noticed how lovely the flowers in all the containers were in the car park despite it being late October. We were offered the choice of eating in the restaurant or the bar, we chose the bar and were quickly served with drinks and our order for food was taken. We both chose the the steak and ale pie off the lunch time ‘2 courses for £12.95’ menu. The food arrived promptly and was delicious. A really tasty pie which was piping hot with a light puff pastry top. This was followed by a great Belgium waffle with ice cream. The staff were friendly professional and efficient and checked in on us to make sure everything was ok. I would definitely recommend this pub for a good value lunch time meal. It’s a shame other pubs in the area can’t offer such good value especially when many village pubs are struggling to stay afloat. We will return

Great value extensive Dinner menu with excellent food… and very friendly service. Already planning our return visit!

First time here, went for Sunday lunch. I thought all of the food was delicious and cooked perfectly, especially the crispy roasties and beef, although a few fellow diners had a bit of a grumble about the variety of veg and that the roasties weren’t self-serve. The service from all staff was polite and prompt, but not necessarily what I would call ‘warm and friendly’. Beer garden next to the brook is great, loved to decor inside, and the flowers all around the outside are beautiful and commendable. Hope to return soon!

Stayed here when attending a wedding. Friendly staff, great pub, decent pub food and a great breakfast. The rooms are spacious enough and the bathrooms while not ultra modern are clean and perfectly functional - absolutely nothing to complain about. The bed was comfy enough.

Staying on holiday nearby in the village, we visited the pub several times for both meals and drinks in the garden and also a Quiz evening. Food was lovely, well cooked and reasonably priced. Staff were lovely and everything run efficently. If only my local pub was as good as this.

Stayed at the White Lion for a 3 day weekend Fri/Sat/Sun whilst attending a wedding locally. Excellent accomodation, clean and comfy. We also dined herre and the food at tea time was delicious. Full English breakfast is highly recommended.. sets you up for the day. The hosts and staff were very friendly and helpful. Great value would stay again, hopefully soon.

We came here 3 times during our weeks stay at the local caravan site....each and every member of staff we came across were really friendly and super efficient. Our food could not be faulted - really lovely. Always a warm welcome when we visit - dog friendly in the bar and garden.

Our 2nd overnight stay at the White Lion … and I’m sure we’ll be back ! Only 20 miles from our home but it feels like being on holiday. A tasty and well prepared dinner, a clean and comfortable bedroom and a delicious breakfast. Everything we require!

Lovely accommodation with excellent food and hosts would recommend it to anyone who is visiting the area.

My partner and I called here without a table booking for Sunday lunch, the staff were really friendly and helpful and despite being busy found us a table very quickly. We had the carvery and it was lovely. Very reasonable price. Would highly recommend.

My wife & I last lunched at the White Lion a few years ago and popped by for another go. Glad we did. A proper vintage village pub this, traditional in appearance, lovely setting beside a stream, with adequate parking and dog friendly too. We were warmly welcomed. Things were fairly busy, but we were warmly welcomed. Service by the friendly and efficient staff, was excellent. The interior had a mellow, timeless ambience - lots of oak beams, comfortable furnishings, nooks & crannies, all very genuine and unassuming. The shady terrace overlooking the stream would be perfect to enjoy al fresco refreshments, on a (sadly rare this year) sunny day. We opted for the “meal deal” menu, reflecting simple “pub-grub” offerings at very fair prices, together with a pint of Everard’s finest ale. More comprehensive fare was also available. The food was served piping hot, portions were generous and quality was really very good. Toilets were well up to standard too. All in all, a friendly, comfortable, well run inn and well worth a visit.

I stopped at the The White Lion with 3 friends while exploring the Rutland Water area . It’s a fabulous hotel . Chris & Yolanda & the staff couldn’t make you feel more welcome . Everybody was so friendly & the service wonderful . A big thank you to Lisa behind bar & all the team . The food is superb . Breakfast was excellent freshly cooked to how you wanted it & a lovely evening menu to pick from . The rooms are nicely furnished , spacious & very comfortable. We had an excellent two nights stay . I can highly recommend The White Lion if you are looking for a really good hotel / pub & very reasonably priced . For sure you will get a warm welcome from Chris , Yolanda & the team & well looked after .

Lovely pub, chosen for its proximity to Barnsdale Garden. We only stayed one night, the room was comfortable and very clean, a great nights sleep. The evening meal was delicious and despite being a busy evening the service was great. Good range of draught beers, ciders etc and a varied menu choice. Good choice for breakfast but to be picky the yoghurts (not served in a bowl but in the pot from Aldi/Lidl, with the top taken off) let things down. Aside from that would definitely recommend.

Walked down from Greendale campsite. Very busy with a mix of locals and visitors. Dog friendly. Staff and service good, dinner very nice. Everards Tiger ale was very good. Outside gardens and baskets looked great. Loved the wallpaper in the Ladies!

The food for a music evening was very poor. Very small one course. What makes things inexcusable in this pub is the attitude of the hostess. I wonder why she does this job if she isn’t prepared to be pleasant to people.

We had an excellent stay and were well looked after by Chris and his lovely wife Yolanda from start to finish. Most enjoyable time. Food is good and reasonably priced. Thank you.

Called in twice during our stay at Greendale Farm. Both visits the staff were welcoming and friendly, just a pity it didn’t extend to some the locals. We had 2 dogs with us (as had other people!), and so had pre booked to sit in...

Just really lovely food . Very friendly and attentive service . It was our first time and we will be back for sure Thank you

Lovely old fashioned hotel in rutland. Beautifully decorated bar with selection of local beers and very and hospitable staff. Nice comfortable accommodation and a really nice breakfast. A excellent overall experience

I am biased about The Lion as this is my local. We have lived in the village for nearly 5 years and it has to be one of the best village pubs you will find anywhere. The food is fantastic, Tiger bitter superb, fish and...

We had friends staying from Surrey and booked a meal here on 2nd March. The menu caters for everyone but our coeliac friend was especially impressed, and absolutely ecstatic over the syrup sponge! Cannot recommend highly enough.

Sadly our weekend had been an extremely emotional one, having lost a close relative in hospital. On arrival at the hotel, we were greeted with nothing but warmth, kindness, and sympathy from the wonderful hosts and staff. Having arrived just in time for a carvery,...

Just what you want from a country pub. Great atmosphere. Friendly locals. Great food and service. Dog friendly even when she was soaking wet.

Went for a 3 course meal on new years eve, the food was very good and the service friendly and efficient.

We had a very comfortable stay overnight in The White Lion. Chatty and friendly hosts were on hand to make us feel welcome. Our bedroom was very clean and had everything that we needed. The WiFi was very fast and worked perfectly. Breakfast in the...

Very friendly and accommodating when booking this meal and we had a really great table overlooking the garden lawn and brook beyond. Once seated we had more drinks and was called to decide on a great choice of lamb, beef or pork or all three!...

We were struggling to find somewhere to dine at 6:30 on a Sunday evening to celebrate a family members Birthday. I e-mailed the White Lion Inn, aware that they stopped food service at 7pm and with 8 of us thats a big ask ! Yolanda...

Great food, good prices. Excellent staff. Popped in for drinks and dinner a couple of times...but we will definitely come back and stay in the hotel next time

Spent overnight at The White Lion and what a discovery as do not know Rutland. Beautifully appointed pub with locals and dinners. Chris, Yolanda and the team made us very welcome and spent some time in the lovely garden, sheltered even on a rainy night....

We’ve been here a few times over the last couple of years when staying at Greendale up the road and Eye Kettleby Lakes - and yet again we have enjoyed sitting in the beer garden with our dogs for a drink on one evening and...

Small over night room but adequate a good evening meal and very friendly staff made our stay enjoyable amazing breakfast

My wife and I were staying close by, having travelled up from Southampton for a wedding. Exhausted after a 6+ hour journey, a meal and drinks at this lovely pub was just what we needed. I thoroughly enjoyed the last available but excellent lamb shank...

The White Lion has a pleasant atmosphere complimented by a nice choice of foods on the menu with good value for money the staff are always welcoming

stayed for one night . Room was basic . Bedside light on one side had no bulb in it ( only noticed when went to bed ). Were some stains on carpet , view of the side elevation of a roof, no window in bathroom....

We were recommend to visit the pub by the owners of the campsite we were staying at. We had a lovely walk with the dog to the pub and were met with a very friendly smile. We only popped in for a pint but ended...

Came here for an evening meal before leaving for home in the morning. Was greeted by very friendly staff and shown to our table. A lovely choice of food on the menu with a specials board as well. Dining room staff were very friendly and...

Lovely dog friendly pub, just a 20 minute walk from campsite, didn't eat there but the food looked and smelled delicious

Just enjoyed a few nights here with friends. Great hosts and lovely food, in particular the breakfast and the battered haddock and chips - as we told Chris, the best outside of Yorkshire! We had a superior room which was very comfortable being light and...

Visited several times over my stay in the area. Very friendly staff, good quality real ales, reasonable prices and good quality food on the one night I ate there.

Working in the area, found this great place, lovely freshly made food and room was clean and had everything I needed, will be back

Very comfortable and enjoyable few days. Chris and Yolanda couldn't do enough to make us feel at home there. Breakfast and evening meals lovely. Pub situated in a very convenient location to visit all tourist spots such as Rutland Water,Oakham and Stamford. Thanks very much.

What a beautiful old pub so warm and welcoming with lovely fireplaces and lovely friendly staff and great portions of lovely food will definitely visit again

Called in for Saturday lunch and had their very tasty steak pie Lots of tasty gravy and vegetables too.

We did not stay in the rooms as we only went along for the special meal deal for Pensioners that they do on a Wednesday Lunch time and we all enjoyed a great meal that was proper value for money also very nice and tasty...

Stayed for one night with family, rooms very clean, staff were very polite and made us feel welcome. Breakfast was very nice well worth it, will stay again. Thank you 😊

Our first trip away for two years and a great find . A lovely village in Rutland; friendly people and a beautiful night as a start to our first away trip for over a year..Friendly service, good food and nice setting help make it a...

Always a good experience at the White Lion. Service is always excellent lead by Chris and his team. Nothing is too much trouble and pub is always warm, clean and welcoming. Excellent quiz nights and magic evenings all well attended. Good luck for 2021, hope...

Another excellent lunch combined with great service and a superbly friendly environment. One the best village pub restaurants in Rutland. Thank you team White Lion and have a safe and happy Christmas

Cannot recommend The White Lion highly enough. We had Sunday lunch here today and will definitely be returning. The food was great, and the service even better (from start to finish!). Our son is a particularly fussy eater and we were worried that as it...

Another super lunch with excellent service and super tasty food. And always excellent value. The kofta was magnificent. Compliments once again to Chris Yolanda and their team.

The Menu is so over priced for a pub , I guess these people will only be here 5 minutes, you are having a laugh....

Excellent service A most enjoyable experience. Room was spotless staff friendly. Felt very safe. Definitely recommend. We will return.

Like all folk in the leisure industry Chris and Yolande are battling with a plethora of Covid regulations, but are doing so superbly to the extent that although they apply them rigorously, they appear totally unobtrusive and consequently make one's stay most pleasurable. We spent...

We had a lovely stay overnight in a beautifully appointed bedroom with our 2 children (our daughters birthday celebration) and enjoyable dinner and drinks as well. There is a separate entrance to the accommodation and plenty of car parking. The outside garden and play area...

Myself and my wife stayed for two nights in midweek for short walking holiday. Chris, Yolanda and their staff couldn't have been more helpful. The food was excellent as was the frienldly welcome from all the locals in the snug bar. Room was cozy and...

We stayed in the superior room and it was just that. The breakfast and evening meals were very good, the staff were friendly and helpful, could not fault anything or anybody. We did 3 lovely walks and the footpaths were in good condition, also bought...

What a fantastic 2 nights we enjoyed here. The place is a delight the staff very professional and friendly the food cooked to perfection by yolanda who also does the beautiful hanging baskets. And then there is Chris cheerful chatty and a magic man. We...

Booked a table for five at 1pm for the Sunday carvery. Lovely food, lovely pub, well set up for Covid situation and great staff. Chris was serving and gave good sized portions and everything was cooked perfectly. He then continued to sneak my daughter (5yrs...

We have just enjoying a lovely lunch in the beautiful garden of this idyllic pub. A varied menu, attentive and friendly staff, a great range of beers. We will definitely return and highly recommend for a nice relaxing treat.

Amazing meal. Can’t fault the bar staff, waitresses or the food, was lovely. We have booked for the end of the month and would highly recommend.

Lovely to be back in the White Lion garden enjoying lunch on a sunny afternoon. Very well organised from the COVID safe perspective and as always super friendly service and very tasty food. We just had a tasty light lunch of pate and toast plus grilled goat cheese and beetroot. A great place to enjoy and a very easy place to recommend wholeheartedly. Well done Chris & Yolanda and the team.

Just stopped in over the last few days for a few beers. Friendly member of bar staff. Beer well kept and reasonable prices. On the ball as far as Covid is concerned so drink/dine with confidence

4of us plus 1 dog stayed here for 2nights,warm welcome from hosts Chris & Yolanda. Pub very cosy and very dog friendly . The food on both evenings very good, definitely recommend.

This is our "local" so I was happy to book a surprise family birthday lunch for my wife's 60th, knowing that the venue would be idealYolanda was more than helpful with the booking process throughout and on the day she, Chris and the rest of the staff were very welcoming and attentive.The roast beef lunch was served perfectly and everyone had ample to eat.Chris's entertainment after lunch proved to be a hit with young and old and the Uri Geller fork now takes pride of place in our kitchen.We were not rushed into leaving and spent the afternoon both in the private room and out in the garden.Thanks to all at The White Lion and we'll see you again soon.

Had a short stay on a very hot weekend. Very pleased to have had a fan in the bedroom that night. Bedroom small but perfectly comfortable and clean. Breakfast, very tasty served by friendly staff. A nice old-style country pub.

We were at the White Lion Inn for an evening meal. It’s a nice place to be. Clean, comfortable and welcoming. There was a good selection of food on the menu, with prices similar to many other pubs in the area. As it was so early in the evening we were a bit surprised to be told by the waitress that there was only one of the three menu items left. We ordered and waited for our food to arrive. It wasn’t long before the waitress was back “sorry, we have no peppercorn sauce” two other sauces were offered. I would have thought that most chefs in a professional kitchen should have been able to produce peppercorn sauce from scratch from what are basic ingredients. The food arrived. The well-done steak had blood oozing from it when cut, and was returned to the kitchen. What a disappointment, everyone else is tucking into their meal and one of the party has no food. After a while the same steak came back, this time well-done.The sweets were okay but missing that little bit of flare and taste that we were expecting.Overall the food wasn’t bad but it wasn’t memorable either. It just lacked that little something that’s hard to put your finger on but is really appreciated when you get it on your plate and taste it in your mouth.The meals were paid for with no apology about the steak.Will we go back? It’s unlikely with so many other places to eat in the area.

On the occasion of reaching my three score and ten, I booked (Thirteen of us) the family in for a meal. Yolanda and the kitchen / serving staff coped very well. The catering was excellent coping with those who just enjoy good food to fussy grand kids. No dirty plates. And to top it all Chris entertained us brilliantly. My sister-in-law will be haunted by the six of clubs for quite a while! We will be back.

Resturant has lovely decor and is clean, and we warmly greated upon entering. Ordered the flat bread and this was a great start, however the main of rack of lamb was not good at all. Fat was not rendered and meat was not cooked well. Sauce was unpleasant too. Pudding was delicious, however my son ordered the cheese and biscuits from the childrens menu. A very large portion came out for a child with a varity of chesses. Thought it was odd as just said cheddar and buscuits on the menu, so questioned with the waitress before he started and was told yes this is the childs one. Then asked if we could have some plain buscuits as he would not eat the fancy ones. Waitress left and then a chef comes out and questioned us at the table if we asked for a childs option, then told us we would have to pay for the extra biscuits. £1 for 4 digestives is a rip off and the way we were questioned at the table was uncomfortable and embarrasing for what was their mistake.Could have forgiven the main meal as the rest of experience was good, however biscuit gate attitude to us means we won't be visiting again.

Found White Lion in passing, a gem, beautiful flowers tempted us in.Traditional bar friendly clientele, very good food and most pleasant landlady ,Yolanda. Hope to return one day.

Stayed for two nights at the White Lion and had breakfast and evening meal there on both days. Breakfast was excellent with cereal, fruit, yoghurt and the White Lion breakfast which was egg, bacon, mushrooms, beans,sausage and toast. Take your pick or have each if you wish. Well I had the White Lion Breakfast on both days which was sufficient to put me on until the evening meal. The rooms were spacious and the beds very comfortable - a long while since I have slept so well. There is a large beer garden to the rear with a well stocked children's play area. I will be going to the same sporting event next year and will certainly be going back to The White Lion.Jim

Thoroughly enjoyed our weekend at the White Lion - the welcome was warm, the service good, room was comfortable, and the food great! We will be back - nothing was too much trouble- staff obviously well trained and happy to accommodate little extra requests like “please can we take some fresh milk for our morning cuppas, upstairs ?”

This is just what an English village pub with rooms should be. A great comfortable bar with lots of activity and atmosphere and a restaurant serving very well cooked and presented meals. The food was excellent and service spot on. We stayed for one night and the room was very comfortable and spotless. And breakfast was excellent too. So all in all a very good stay. Yolanda and Chris and their team have got this place “right” and I am happy to recommend a visit to eat or stay. We will return.

Just home from a weekend at Rutland. We went to Rutland water on the Saturday. Visiting the Ospreys and taking a boat trip on the Rutland Belle. We then stayed the night at the White lion. Had a meal there (which we has in the beer garden as it was such a lovely evening). They have a beautiful garden with several huge weeping willows.

Visited with friends. Friendly pub, sadly the restaurant service and menu items let the occasion down.

Ive been wanting to try the White Lion for some time and reading other reviews it looked a good place to go. The pub it self was great really friendly landlord and service from all the staff was excellent. Nice atmosphere too. Couldn’t fault it.

We visited after Sunday lunch times, so we're given the daily menu. There were six of us, and we all enjoyed our meals. Well presented. Pub was warm enough on a cold evening.

Had Sunday lunch yesterday(3 Jan) it was excellent, the service was brilliant even though it was very busy. The magic tricks were mind blowing!!! Will be back soon.

Once more – the weekend before Xmas – my extended family was decanted into the family room which, although it is directly over the bar, is quiet.

Stayed 7-9th December. Great hospitality as always from Yolanda, Chris and the White Lion team. Comfortable room. Freshly cooked food and a great atmosphere. Will return in 2019. Have a great Christmas and New Year.

I ate here with friends recently and absolutely loved both the meal and the friendly welcome I received from staff members.

Just had a great Sunday Carvery at the White Lion. Cooked to perfection we will be back again. Staff are really helpful and very friendly.

Pleased to have such a wonderful village pub !! Tonight we dined with friends, food was great , tasty , well presented with generous portions :) Family have stayed here too and have been pleased with the rooms and service. Thank you xx

We stayed for a weekend camping not far from here, the food and drink are great people very friendly. We shall be coming back here again. Good choice of food on the menu

Excellent meal with a old friend - catch up time - the food was great - the waitress was delightful - very nice and polite indeed - she was a definite asset to the restaurant - many thanks young lady.