Win a Meal Every Month - 10/10/2012

Until the 31st of March, 2013 we're giving away a meal for two every month to one person drawn at random from our email database. To enter the competition click on this link and complete the registration form. We won't share your details with anyone.

Good luck!

Number 6 - in a list of the Top 10 Best Pubs published by the Good Pub Guide 2012 - 12/09/2012

The Olive Branch Clipsham is celebrating this week after being named best county dining pub Leicestershire and Rutland by the Good Pub Guide 2013, one of the UK’s best-selling guide books.

The pub also comes sixth in The Guardian’s national list and received a glowing review from The Independent on September 1st.

This makes it the ninth time the Good Pub Guide, now in its 31st year of publication, has named the Clipsham pub the best in the county for dining. In the website write-up, the reviewers describe the Olive Branch as: “A special place for an exceptional meal in comfortable surroundings, fine choice of drinks… This is a great place to make a weekend of it as their bedrooms (just opposite in Beech House with delicious breakfasts) are lovely.”

Echeverria Wine Dinner - Thursday 19th July - 21/05/2012

Guest Speaker 'Viviana Echeverria'

In 1740 the Echeverria family moved to Chile, and have been prominent in Chilean agriculture and active in grape growing and wine making since then. In the early 1900's the Echeverria family established their vineyards and winery on the outskirts of the town Molina, in the Curico Valley. Viviana has a wealth of knowledge on Chilean wines and has travelled the world hosting events and introducing people to the great wines of Chile and Echeverria.

The evening starts at 7pm with a pre-dinner drink in the bar and an opportunity to meet our evenings host. At 7.30pm we will take our seats for a five course dinner with an especially chosen wine to accompany each course. The wines are introduced by Viviana, who will be happy to answer any questions.

We are sure you will have an enjoyable evening, with good food, great wines and convival company, and hopefully you will have learned something about the magic of wine.

£60 per head

Call the pub to book your place - 01780 410355

Mini Desserts - 09/04/2012

April 2012 - Mini Desserts The first of Sean's new series of articles, featuring his amazing new mini desserts.

Pudding lovers take note! We’ve launched a selection of mini desserts at the Olive Branch in Clipsham. I guess these sweet treats could be described as ‘pudding tapas’ and the idea behind them comes from my own experiences of eating out (which with two kids and two pubs to run, doesn’t happen all that often these days!).

Spring Cookery Demonstration - 14/03/2012

Spring Cookery Demonstration

Seans seasonal Cookery Demonstrations at the Red Lion Inn and The Olive Branch - an enlightening and amusing 2 hour demonstration followed by a wonderful 3 course lunch....

MENU

***
Passion fruit queen of puddings

The day begins at 10am with coffee, after which Sean demonstrates this specially chosen seasonal menu and then prepares lunch for all guests, which is served with a complimentary glass of wine at 12.30pm.

Sean provides a continuous stream of time-saving hints and tips on menu preparation, cooking and final presentation during the demonstration. Guests leave with a copy of the demonstration menu recipes for the featured dishes.

Sean's Spring Cookery Demonstration;

Tuesday, 12th March - The Olive Branch - £45 - 01780 410355

Tuesday, 19th March - Red Lion Inn - £40 - 01949 860868

Please call the relevant pub to make a booking full payment in advance will be required.

Lunch for Even Less - 17/01/2012

Lunch for Even Less

From the 14th of January until the 30th March. 

2 Course Lunch for £13.50 at the Red Lion Inn

2 Course Lunch for £15.50 at The Olive Branch

The Olive Branch and the Red Lion Inn have teamed up with four other local establishments to offer an exceptional Set Lunch Menu at an especially low price.

From the 14th of January to 30th March 2013
Monday-Friday at The Olive Branch  - 01780 410355
Tuesday-Saturday at the Red Lion Inn - 01949 860868
(excluding Valentines Day)

We will be offering a choice of two seasonal dishes within a three course menu which will reflect all that is worthy of local produce.

To make your reservation please call the pub of your choice and quote the “Lunch for Even Less” offer. (Book early to avoid disappointment).

Party for Even Less

Take advantage of the great value £13.50 menu at the Red Lion Inn and the £15.50 menu at The Olive Branch,
in the evening as well as lunch time by bringing a party of friends, a society or club. We can accommodate parties of up to 30 at the Red Lion Inn or 20 at The Olive Branch.

Beech House and Olive Branch, is named Restaurant-with-Rooms 2012 - 02/10/2011

Beech House and Olive Branch, Clipsham, has been named Restaurant-with-Rooms of the Year in the 2012 edition of the Good Hotel Guide which was published today Monday the 3rd October.

Desmond Balmer, joint editor of the Guide, said: ‘A happy atmosphere prevails at this informal restaurant-with-rooms in a village near Stamford. Ben Jones is a considerate manager; Sean Hope is an outstanding chef.’

Good Hotel Guide Press Release

Olive Branch Press Release

Good Hotel Guide Website

British Food Fortnight. - 23/08/2011

Great British Food Fortnight - 19th to 30th September

We will be offering a tasting menu consisting of 6 dishes to celebrate everything that is great about local food in the Vale of Belvoir.

Sean has created a menu split into three course with 2 tasting dishes per course, with wonderful local ingredients such as blewitt mushrooms, Rutland Water trout, Longhorn beef and local fruits and berries.

Marcus is also offering a menu of great local drinks to match each dish.

Book Online or call 01949 860868.

'Rutland Food Festival'

Sean will also be demonstrating at the 'Rutland Food Festival' on the 17th of September. It will be a great day celebrating all that is great about local food.

Winter Cookery Demonstrations - 05/07/2011

Winter Cookery Demonstration

Seans seasonal Cookery Demonstrations at the Red Lion Inn and The Olive Branch - an enlightening and amusing 2 hour demonstration followed by a wonderful 3 course lunch....

MENU

The day begins at 10am with coffee, after which Sean demonstrates this specially chosen seasonal menu and then prepares lunch for all guests, which is served with a complimentary glass of wine at 12.30pm.

Sean provides a continuous stream of time-saving hints and tips on menu preparation, cooking and final presentation during the demonstration. Guests leave with a copy of the demonstration menu recipes for the featured dishes.

Sean's Winter Cookery Demonstrations;

Tuesday, 15th January - The Olive Branch - £45 - 01780 410355

Tuesday, 22nd January - Red Lion Inn - £40 - 01949 860868

Please call the relevant pub to make a booking full payment in advance will be required.

AA Highly Commended - 23/06/2011

We have just been awarded the AA Highly Commended accolade in the 2011 ratings, classifying us in the top 10% of Inns in the UK.

Congratulation to the team at The Olive Branch & Beech House, particularly the Housekeeping Team (Helen, Sarah & Ania) and Rachael, for achieving such a high standard in the rooms & the welcome.

Sean's Stamford Living Article - 23/02/2011

Read Sean's great new feature in this months Stamford Living.

Great ingredients, recipes and kitchen tips. 

Look up our archive of Seans Stamford Living article for recipes and tips.......

NEW 2011 MENU - 04/01/2011

New Red Lion Menu 
Sean has created a new menu for 2011 consisting of a selection of great value pub dishes using some wonderful local ingredients such as,
- Deep fried whitebait, black pepper & lemon mayonnaisse....£4.95
- Lamb Faggots, local black pudding & red cabbage..............£9.95
- Red Lion fish & chips, homemade mushy peas...................£9.95
- a great selection of pub puds from £4.50.

The winter menu starting on Tuesday, 4th January will be accompanied by a daily changing Lunch for Even Less Menu (£11.50 for 2 courses, £14.50 for 3 courses until the end of February). Sean and his team will also be creating daily changing specials every day.

Daily Mail Review of the Red Lion - 15/12/2010

Daily Mail Review - December 2010

“at the Red Lion, in Stathern, came another gastronomic highlight.....”

Beech House in Conde Nast Traveller... - 09/11/2010

'Country-pub accommodation has improved stratospherically, and I particularly like the unusual variation offered here, in England's smallest county....'

No 4. in The Times 'Great Gastros' - 08/10/2010

Relaxed country cottage atmosphere and a cosy log fire. Carefully chosen range of drinks includes 'Grainstore Olive Ale' and a guest beer on hamdpump, an enticing wine list. Bedrooms are in the Beech House opposite and the breakfasts are delicious....

Read the article online

No. 2 in The Independent's '50 Best Country Pubs' - 29/06/2010

The Olive Branch

'Mouth-watering food makes this Rutland pub a foodie haven,' says Jonathan. 'It's unstuffy, friendly, serves a fine pint of its own Olive Oil ale, and the food is never short of delicious. It's had a Michelin star since 2002.'

Where Main Street, Clipsham, Rutland, Leicestershire, LE15 7SH (01780 410355; www.theolivebranchpub.com)

Summer News - 28/06/2010

Our 2010 Summer Newsletter

Click here to Read our Summer Newsletter.

Click here to Register for the next Newsletter

Richard's Dish of the Month - 27/05/2010

Seared Scallops, Roast Pork Belly, Caramelised Apple

Seared scallops, roast pork belly, caramelised apple The combination of pork and scallop I feel is a real winner. The diver caught scallops which are delivered fresh daily to our door are simply roasted and served with slow cooked/grilled local pork belly. This I source from either Grasmere farm or other small local rare breed pork producers.

The breeds I prefer are predominantly middle whites, which are a good all-rounder and also the Gloucester old spot. Simply garnished with caramelised apples and a creamy cauliflower purée, which is spiked with a little caper and then finished with a light Madeira sauce.

10th Anniversary Newsletter - 17/10/2009

Beech House Winter Offers.........

Olive Branch 10th Anniversary Events.....

Red Lion Inn Christmas......

Sean Cooks on BBC2 - 09/09/2009

Sean cooks on BBC2', Tuesday the 15th of September, 5.15pm

'The Hairy Bikers Tour of Britian'

This brand new series follows the Hairy Bikers as they visit different counties across Britain, sampling the best of local ingredients and meeting the people keeping culinary traditions alive.

When Si and Dave explored Leicestershire, they met Sean at the Red Lion Inn to discover what inspired about the produce of Leicestershire and Rutland. Finally, they faced the challenge of a cook-off against our top chef Sean Hope with Sean creating a dish using some wonderful ingredients all sourced from within 10 miles of the pub. Red Lion diners decided who had created the best taste of Leicestershire in a blind tasting, and Sean won with a great dish of Pork Faggots, sage & onion rosti, caramelised apples and cider sauce.

Read about this series on the BBC's website.

Watch the show on BBC iplayer.

Get the recipe from the BBC recipe page.

Sean Films for BBC2 - 18/05/2009

Sean is set to appear on the BBC2 'Hairy Bikers' television show sometime this Autumn having been chosen by the shows producers to represent Leicestershire in a cook-off filmed at the Red Lion Inn last week.  The filming is part of a nationwide tour by the Hairies taking them from one end of the British Isles to the other.  In each county they visit, TV chefs and motorbike enthusiasts, Dave Myers and Si King - the Hairy Bikers - create their own dish from locally sourced ingredients and go head-to-head with a home-grown chef in a cook-off, in this case, Sean.

Sean cooked ‘Pork Faggots, Cider fondant potato, peas & broad bean fricaseé’  as his own ‘Taste of Leicestershire’ dish.  All of the ingredients used by Sean came from local suppliers (pork from Debbie Green’s Farm in Scalford, cider from the ‘Thirsty Farmer’ in Little Dalby, potatoes from a local farm and peas and broad beans from the Red Lion’s own kitchen garden) so that the freshest possible produce was used on the day.

The team at the Red Lion Inn, lead by recent ‘Olive Magazine British Pub Landlord of the Year’, Marcus Welford, also presented some superb local ales to accompany Sean’s dish. It was this passion of the team at the Red Lion Inn for using local produce that brought The Hairies to Stathern, in the glorious Vale of Belvoir for their new TV programme this Autumn.

Marcus is Olive Magazines 'Up and Coming Landlord' 2009 - 18/05/2009

The June edition of 'Olive' Magazine has tipped Marcus as the best up-and-coming pub landlord 2009. Marcus has been singled out as part of a feature highlighting the rising stars of Britain’s thriving food and drink scene – including the most exciting new chefs, winemakers and entrepreneurs.
Reviewers paid a visit to the Red Lion Inn recently and said Marcus was doing “something special” and that the Red Lion might just be “the perfect local.” 

The feature showcases 21 people olive magazine rates as rising stars in the world of British food and drink, ranging from the best British pub landlord, in this case, Marcus, to fishmongers and chocolate–makers.

Marcus was singled out as an example of what a pub landlord should strive to be. Marcus is delighted, not just for himself, but for the whole team: “We were thrilled to learn of this accolade, especially from such a prestigious title that is both highly-respected and very popular with food and drink enthusiasts all over the world.  We are delighted that our offering has been recognised in such a way, and it reflects the efforts made by the whole team to provide the very best hospitality and comfort combined with wonderful food and drink in the time-honoured fashion of British pubs. “

We're Going Green - 13/01/2009

Going Green
The Olive Branch and Beech House are going green(er). We have engaged the services of a local energy specialist, Energy Now, who help local businesses and homeowners to reduce their energy consumption and even advise on renewable energy systems such as solar, heat pumps and wind power. 

We are not going to become an eco-showpiece overnight but we have started doing our bit to reduce our carbon emissions and lower our energy consumption.

It is still early days; but so far we have identified how to significantly reduce the electricity consumption from our chillers, freezers and kitchen extraction fans. We are also considering heating solutions for the pub including recycling the heat generated from the kitchens.

The Sunday Times - January 2009 - 12/01/2009

The Sunday Times - 11th January 2009
10 cosy winter places to stay in Britian

'When Sean Hope and Ben Jones opened Beech House, adding a handful of rustic-cool rooms to their Michelin-starred inn the Olive Branch, regulars rejoiced — now there was never any need to leave. Polish off Sean’s sensational wood-pigeon tart or tandoori-baked halibut, down one last pint of Rutland-brewed Olive Oil ale beside the fire, and stagger across the lane to your crib for the night.

Awaiting you there: a duck-down duvet, Egyptian-linen sheets and a deep, double-ended bathtub. In other words, world-class wallowing'

Winter Breaks - Doubles from £100, B&B; 01780 410355

Sean's Food Articles - 16/06/2008

To read Sean's articles and download the recipe click on the link below...

Sean's recipe page...

Evening Standard Magazine - June 2008 - 13/06/2008

There's a reason The Olive Branch won Michelin Pub of the Year in 2008. besides the exhaustive list of real ales, seasonal homemade tipples include sloe gin, damson and strawberry vodkas and fresh lemonade in the summer.....

Read the full article...

Good Pub Guide - Inn of the Year 2008 - 16/10/2007

The Olive Branch is THE GOOD PUB GUIDE INN OF THE YEAR 2008

'A very special place for an exceptional meal in comfortable surroundings, fine choice of drinks and luxury bedrooms' are the first words you read about us in the 26th edition of this bestselling Guide Book.

Reading on it commends us on our food, staff and rooms saying ..'This is a lovely, civilised place for a special meal out with superb food served by friendly and attentive staff and our readers have also very much enjoyed the stylish and beautifully decorated bedrooms, too'.

The Olive Branch voted Best Gastro Pub of the Year 2007 - 12/10/2007

For the third year running The Olive Branch were named Best Gastro Pub of the Year 2007 by the Leicestershire and Rutland Restaurant Awards.

Red Lion Wins Best Local Produce Menu 2007 - 12/10/2007

The Red Lion Inn are delighted to be voted as having the 'Best Local Produce Menu' at the recent Leicestershire and Rutland Restaurant Awards 2007 held at Stapleford Park.

Edward and Sarah are passionate about using local produce and have developed strong relationships with noted specialist suppliers in the area to ensure the very best quality ingredients throughout the menu and behind the bar.

Michelin Pub of the Year 2008 - 05/09/2007