The Lake Isle

The Lake Isle

Overview

On Uppingham’s handsome High Street East, right at the heart of Rutland’s map-sized market town, The Lake Isle is a restaurant with rooms drawing food lovers from near and far. Its 17th-century terraced frontage hints at the characterful spaces within, balancing period charm with a welcoming, contemporary flair. Ideal for a weekend break or a midweek escape, The Lake Isle appeals to those seeking fine food, an intimate ambience and easy access to the best of Rutland countryside and village life.

Eat

Dining at The Lake Isle impresses with its commitment to seasonality and elegant British-French cooking. The kitchen celebrates local and regional produce, sourcing from trusted growers and putting an inventive twist on classic combinations. Menus are updated monthly, offering a smartly priced set lunch and an à la carte option that shines in the evening. Expect dishes like pan-roasted duck breast with seasonal accompaniments or carefully constructed vegetarian plates, all artfully plated for visual appeal. Puddings, such as pannacotta with damson jam roly-poly doughnuts, showcase both confidence and creativity. The dining room, spread over several low-beamed spaces, is run by attentive staff who keep the atmosphere warm, relaxed and suitably grown up, whether for lingering lunches or celebratory dinners. The Lake Isle’s wine list is notably well chosen, spanning classic bottles and more eclectic picks to suit every palate.

Sleep

The Lake Isle offers a collection of distinctly styled bedrooms and suites, many set above the restaurant in the main building, with further options in a restored courtyard cottage. Rooms range from modest yet comfortable classics to indulgent super king suites with roomy bathrooms, plush pops of colour, and little luxuries like bathrobes. Thoughtful touches abound, ensuring a restful night after a leisurely meal. Whether you’re travelling for romance, retreat or a gourmet adventure with friends, the mix of heritage features and up-to-date comforts is ideally suited for a short, spoiling stay in central Rutland.

Retreat

There’s much to enjoy during a 1–2 night break at The Lake Isle. Uppingham itself is a delight for wandering, with galleries, independent shops and a gentle sense of history; Oakham’s castle and Rutland Water’s walking and cycling trails are easily reached in under 15 minutes by car. Market days bring a local buzz to the town’s cobbled heart, while the gentle hills and woodlands of England’s smallest county make it perfect for walkers and anyone seeking peace away from the crowds. Leicester and Peterborough are both around 35 minutes by car, or under an hour by train, making The Lake Isle particularly handy for a last-minute gourmet escape.