Oakham Restaurants- The Olive Branch

Following a recommendation from fellow foodie friends we discovered The Olive Branch in Clipsham as one of the great Oakham restaurants in Rutland. A good place to catch up over a plate or two of delicious food.

Using homegrown or locally sourced seasonal produce, this place is quality. Pre-Christmas, we had the choice of the a la Carte, festive set lunch, or the Lunch for Less menu. On this visit Mel opted for the value Lunch for Less menu (£17.50 for 2 courses and £4 for the third).

The Food:

We start with a complimentary chunk of bread from the amazing local Hambleton Bakeryserved with lashings of butter.

great places for lunch in Rutland — Beetroot and Goats Cheese Starter.

Then to the starter. A generous portion of lightly whipped goat cheese paired classically with earthy beetroot. This was a fresh start to the meal.

Other starters we enjoyed included the bubble and squeak soup, and cornfed chicken and young leek pressed terrine. This was served with mushroom ketchup and toasted brioche. We move happily on to the main event.

main course lunch for less — Mel’s Main- Chicken Breast detailed below.

Mel’s main, a perfectly seasoned chicken breast served with fondant potato, parsnip puree, button sprouts, bacon and sage was plate-licking delicious.

Other delicious dishes we enjoyed included classic chunky fish and chips with homemade mushy peas, and the lighter choice of pan fried sea bream with a potato cream, smoked leeks and chives (pictured above).

To finish a great meal came great desserts. The Christmas Pudding Parfait served with mulled figs and satsuma ice-cream. The ice-cream cut through the richness of the tart with a burst of citrus. This was the absolute essence of Christmas flavours.

The desserts were all very enjoyable (yes, I tried a little of each). My favourite, a slice of dark and orange chocolate delice, topped with a sweet caramel popcorn. Served with a refreshing blood orange sorbet, this was truly decadent.