Regional: Rutland restaurant named one of best in Britain

16th-century boutique hotel, The Falcon Hotel, has proven the country’s oldest establishments can innovate to stay at the tip of the spear, as its seasonal small plates restaurant features in the Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Local Restaurants 2026 list.

The Falcon Hotel’s Fern restaurant, in the heart of Rutland, has been recognised as one of the best local eateries in Great Britain.

Despite having only been open just over a year, the restaurant, which overlooks the town of Uppingham’s historic Market Square, featured at Number 63 in the Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Local Restaurants 2026 list, released earlier this month.

The Falcon is also undergoing a refresh of its rooms, and will be opening a new cocktail bar this autumn.

The Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Local Restaurants 2026 list is rooted in reader nominations and “rigorous inspections” by the Good Food Guide team, and celebrates the independent restaurants that define their neighbourhoods, shining a light on “the most exciting, accessibly priced places to eat across Great Britain”.

Fern opened in April 2025 under Head Chef Ali Duncombe, specialising in seasonal food. It serves small plates, organic wines and British aperitifs. Restaurant Manager Rory McGarrigle has since joined the team.

Commenting on the Good Food Guide recognition, James Torbell, managing director of the locally-run Wills Inns, said: “We feel immensely proud of this recognition from a national awards, and to further help bolster Rutland as a gastronomy destination.

“It’s especially gratifying to know we’ve achieved this with a team that we’ve always had together – Ali will celebrate 20 years with us this year.

“It just goes to show that good people in the trade are able to adapt and develop to stay ahead of the curve.”

Fern also featured in The Great Food Club in June 2025, and was awarded an AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence six months after opening.