The Olive Branch, Clipsham: Restaurant of the Month
The Olive Branch in Clipsham is Rutland & Stamford Pride’s Restaurant of the Month — two AA Rosettes and a Michelin Guide mention
When the squire of the village closed the old ale house near Clipsham Hall, there was a bit of objection from locals — so he created a new pub by way of offering an olive branch to villagers. The place closed in 1997, leaving villagers without somewhere to enjoy a drink, until three friends, Ben Jones, Sean Hope and Marcus Welford, purchased it and reopened it in 1999. The trio wanted The Olive Branch to remain a pub first and foremost, one that looked after locals as well as serving diners from further afield.
Consistency and Quality
The Olive Branch surpassed its creators’ ambitions. To date it can claim two AA Rosettes for its dining, as well as mentions in the Michelin Guide and the Good Pub Guide — not to mention winning Rutland & Stamford Pride’s own Restaurant of the Year title in both 2025 and the year before. Head Chef Dean Carroll and his team have a pub paddock to grow their own salads and herbs, and forage local hedgerows and woodland for other ingredients. Meat is sourced from Owen Taylor, Grasmere Farm and Launde Lamb, game from local shoots, and bread from Hambleton Bakery.
What’s on the Menu
The ‘Lunch for Less’ menu (£29.20 for two courses, with a third for £7.50) sits alongside an à la carte lunch menu and a dedicated Sunday lunch menu. In the evening, there’s a choice between an à la carte dinner menu and a seasonal evening tasting menu with a choice of five or eight courses (£59/£85 per person), plus an optional wine flight. Sample dishes include citrus cured salmon, lobster and chicken raviolo, half grilled lobster with garlic butter, and a chocolate torte with marmalade ice cream.
Rutland Food & Drink Week
The Olive Branch also takes part in Rutland Food & Drink Week, running from 19th to 27th September, with a special ‘Discover Rutland’ menu alongside demonstrations and wine dinners throughout the event.
FAQ
Where is The Olive Branch restaurant?
The Olive Branch is on Main Street in Clipsham, Rutland, LE15 7SH.
Has The Olive Branch won any awards?
Yes — it holds two AA Rosettes, mentions in the Michelin Guide and Good Pub Guide, and won Rutland & Stamford Pride’s Restaurant of the Year title in both 2025 and the previous year.
Does The Olive Branch offer a set-price lunch menu?
Yes, a ‘Lunch for Less’ menu is available at £29.20 for two courses, with a third course for £7.50.
