Fox & Hounds Hotel, Oakham

Situated in a rather wonderful setting opposite the village green, this an amazing old ivy-clad building and with an interior and atmosphere to match. “Like something out of an Agatha Christie novel” said one of my companions. The décor is upmarket but comfortable with a number of features to occupy the eye, including a massive candelabra with masses of old wax solidified at the base, turning it into more of a piece of art. To the rear is an equally brilliant garden with a lot of tree cover. Inevitably the place is geared towards the food trade, but we had no issues getting beer and lounging over the chesterfields. Two ales on, Wadworth Game of Stones and Grainstore Osprey (extremely good nick). I’d more than happily come back again.

Official site of Fox & Hounds Hotel - www.afoxinexton.co.uk

Official site of Fox & Hounds Hotel - www.afoxinexton.co.uk

Attractive limestone coaching inn opposite the tree studded green in a prosperous looking village close to the renowned Barnsdale Gardens in Rutland. As Alan says, two bars.An airy main bar to one’s right, mainly laid up for dining, with a couple of comfy sofas, and an ancillary, and pleasantly cool room to the left. We’ve visited on a couple of occasions on our way north-quite handy for the A1, and about half way for us. The food is the attraction here,drawing (at lunch at least) a comfortably middle aged trade. On our most recent visit, we all enjoyed sizeable and authentic pizzas. Being in Rutland, I was pleased to see Ten Fifty from Grainstore on the bar, a beer that I consider to be the spiritual, if not direct descendant of Ruddles “County”, one of the early heroes of the real ale movement. It was accompanied by something from Cornwall and Greene King IPA, together with an Italian lager and the usual fizzy concoctions. To the back is a garden,used on our July visit,by a number of diners. I understand that the pub also offers a number of letting rooms.Service was friendly and efficient on a busy lunchtime, and we plan to return.