A county renowned for its rich agricultural heritage and historical significance, Lincolnshire offers a culinary landscape as diverse as its history. Home to one of the four surviving copies of the original Magna Carta, Lincoln Castle stands as a testament to the region’s storied past.
The county is also famous for its unique local delicacies, such as the Lincolnshire sausage, known for its distinctive herby taste, and the Lincolnshire plum bread, a succulent tea loaf filled with dried fruit and spices. These traditional foods reflect the county’s deep-rooted connection to its fertile lands, which produce more wheat, cereals, pumpkins, and potatoes than anywhere else in the UK.
In addition to its historical and agricultural significance, Lincolnshire boasts a vibrant food scene that caters to a variety of tastes. From Michelin-starred temples of fine dining to cosy, humble cafes, the county offers a whole host of dining experiences that highlight its local produce and culinary traditions. Here are just a handful of the very best of them; the best restaurants in Lincolnshire.
Winteringham Fields, Winteringham
Nestled in the picturesque village of Winteringham, Winteringham Fields is a culinary gem that has garnered a reputation for its exquisite fine dining experience, winning the county’s only Michelin Star in the process. The restaurant is housed in a charming 16th-century manor house, which exudes a sense of historical grandeur and rustic elegance. The building itself is a testament to the rich heritage of the region, with its period features and beautifully maintained gardens providing a serene backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience.
The culinary mastermind behind Winteringham Fields is chef Colin McGurran, a familar face from his two triumphant appearances on BBC’s Great British Menu and appearances on Saturday Kitchen.
McGurran has transformed Winteringham Fields into something of a place of culinary pilgrimage, with an innovative approach to modern British cuisine evident in every meticulously crafted dish, all a celebration of locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. The tasting menus are a highlight, priced at £99 per person at lunch and £170 per person in the evening. Expect light and flavourful dishes like cured chalk stream trout, apple, buttermilk and dill, or a ‘celebration of spring lamb’ paired with wild garlic, morels and yoghurt.
Sure, this is a special occasion kind of place, but what a special place it is. Booking ahead is highly recommended.
Website: winteringhamfields.co.uk
Address: 1 Silver St, Winteringham, Scunthorpe DN15 9ND
The Olive Branch, Clipsham
The Olive Branch in Clipsham is a quintessential English country pub that has been elevated to new heights with its award-winning cuisine and warm, inviting atmosphere. The building itself dates back to the 17th century and retains much of its original charm, with exposed beams, roaring fireplaces, and cosy nooks that make it the perfect spot for a leisurely meal. The pub’s garden is equally enchanting, offering a tranquil setting for al fresco dining during the warmer months.
At the helm of The Olive Branch’s kitchen is Chef Sean Hope, whose dedication to using the finest local ingredients has earned the pub recognition in the Michelin Guide, with a Michelin Plate award. The menu is a delightful blend of traditional British fare and contemporary culinary techniques, with dishes that are both comforting and sophisticated. Diners can expect to find hearty classics with a Mediterranean accent, like pan seared pollock with artichoke couscous and bouillabaisse, or rump and belly of Launde Farm lamb with smoked aubergine and dauphinoise potato.
The Olive Branch also boasts an impressive wine list, carefully curated to complement the diverse flavours of the menu.
There are a number of menus available, aimed at inclusivity and suitability for every pocket. The ‘lunch for less’ option is a steal for the quality of cooking, with three generous courses keenly priced at £35.
Website: theolivebranchpub.com
Address: Main St, Clipsham, Oakham LE15 7SH
Belton Garden Centre Café
It’s not all gastropubs with Big Red Book ambitions in Lincolnshire. For those interested in a more casual yet equally delightful setting, the Belton Garden Centre Café offers a quintessentially British experience. Known for its hearty and wholesome meals, this café serves up classic dishes such as full English breakfasts and afternoon teas with homemade cakes and scones.
Set within the scenic grounds of the Belton Garden Centre, diners can enjoy their meal surrounded by lush greenery and floral displays, adding an element of tranquility to the dining experience. The café prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients, supporting local farmers and producers, which is evident in the humble but satisfying nature of their dishes. Go for the Belton Bap, here caressing the famous local Boston sausages, plump and peppery, and a homemade onion marmalade. Magic.
Website: beltongardencentre.co.uk
Address: Belton Garden Centre, Belton, Grantham NG32 2LN
The George of Stamford, Stamford
Estate agents in Lincolnshire will tell you that Stamford is one of the county’s most sought after towns, a prosperous, bustling place with a dynamic property market.
The George of Stamford certainly doesn’t harm the town’s reputation, an iconic establishment that has been welcoming guests since the 16th century. This historic coaching inn is steeped in history, with its grand architecture and period features providing a glimpse into the past. The building’s elegant interiors, complete with antique furnishings and opulent decor, create a luxurious yet inviting atmosphere that is perfect for a special dining experience.
Though there are several dining areas offering a more casual experience, the real fireworks go down in The Oak Room Restaurant, with the culinary team here led by Executive Chef Mark Tomeo, who brings a wealth of experience and a passion for seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The menu is a celebration of British cuisine without unnecessary pomp or frippery. The beef wellington, blushing and with properly burnished pastry, is a highlight. The expertly made accompanying bearnaise sauce certainly does no harm!
The George also offers an extensive afternoon tea service, featuring a delectable array of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries that are perfect for a leisurely afternoon indulgence.
Interestingly, the winelist here using a cash mark up system, taking a much lower percentage on the more expensive wines, thus favouring the bigger, bolder bottles. This means you’ll find plenty of premium drops in the mid forties and fifties – a relative bargain.
Website: georgehotelofstamford.com
Address: 71 High Street St Martin’s, St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LB
The Six Bells, Witham on the Hill
The Six Bells in Witham on the Hill is a delightful country pub that offers a perfect blend of traditional charm and contemporary dining. The pub is housed in a historic building that dates back to the 17th century, featuring original stone walls, wooden beams, and a thatched roof that adds to its quaint and inviting atmosphere.
The culinary experience at The Six Bells is overseen by Head Chef Mark Collins, who brings a wealth of experience and a passion for local produce to the table. The menu is diverse, crowd pleasing affair. Diners can enjoy a range of dishes, from classic pub favourites like fish and chips to more refined offerings such as venison loin with red wine jus, rotisserie chicken and even wood-fired pizzas.
The Six Bells also prides itself on its selection of real ales and fine wines, making it a popular choice for both food and drink enthusiasts.
Website: sixbellswitham.co.uk
Address: Main Street, Witham on the Hill, Bourne PE10 0JH
The Comfy Duck, Laceby
Located within the Oaklands Hall Hotel in Laceby, The Comfy Duck is a contemporary restaurant that has quickly become a favourite among food enthusiasts. The restaurant’s modern decor, with its sleek lines and stylish furnishings, creates a chic and comfortable dining environment. The building itself, a grand Victorian mansion, adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall experience.
Head Chef Mike Hambling (the owner of one of the most impressive beards we’ve ever seen) leads the culinary team at The Comfy Duck, bringing his expertise and creativity to the table. Perhaps surprisingly, duck isn’t thoroughly represented on the menu, with the vibe more respectively elevated pub classics like a gorgeously juicy minted lamb burger, or Lincolnshire bangers and mash whose onion gravy has an inviting sheen.
A selection of lighter lunch bites are available between midday and 2pm.
Website: thecomfyduck.co.uk
Address: Hall Hotel, The Oaklands, Barton St, Laceby, Grimsby DN37 7LF
Cognito, Lincoln
Lastly, Cognito stands out with its eclectic menu that borrows from the culinary culture of Japan for an enjoyable menu of sushi, gyoza, yakitori, bao buns and more, with enough variety to satisfy just about all members of the squad.
The only restaurant on our list that’s in the city of Lincoln itself, a lot of the most exciting cooking at Cognito comes from the small dishes section of the menu, where the kitchen allows itself to get a little playful with breadcrumbed then deep-fried oysters with a dressing of lemongrass, ginger and chilli, or tacos of tuna tataki with avocado puree that have been dusted with a Korean spice togarashi spice blend.
Ignore the daft names and pair it all with one of Cognito’s signature cocktails. Though you won’t enjoy ordering the No Fox Given out loud, you will enjoy drinking it. A mix of premium 42 below vodka, raspberry liquor and passionfruit, it’s a real eye opener.
Website: cognitouk.com
Address: 10 Park St, Lincoln LN1 1UF
Next up, we’re heading north, to check out the best restaurants in Leeds. Care to join us?