Rutland lives up to its county motto, Multum in Parvo, meaning Much in Little. England's smallest county packs an extraordinary density of independent food and drink producers into its compact borders, and the quality consistently punches above what the county's modest size might suggest.
The drinks scene alone is remarkable. The Grainstore Brewery in Oakham, housed in a converted railway grain warehouse since 1995, is the largest brewery in the smallest county and has won the Good Pub Guide Own Brew Pub of the Year on four occasions. Its Rutland Bitter is one of only three ales in the country to hold a Protected Geographical Indication. The county has two vineyards: Mallard Point in Essendine, a family-run single estate vineyard and distillery producing award-winning gin alongside still and sparkling wines, and The Rutland Vineyard near Ketton, planted on Jurassic limestone soil. Blue Aurora makes wine from 100% English blueberries grown on a local farm. Multum Gin Parvo crafts gin flavours inspired by the county itself. Manton Hollow makes small-batch cider from local apples. Two Chimps Coffee roasts specialist single-origin beans near Oakham.
Hambleton Bakery is one of the most celebrated artisan bakeries in the East Midlands. Founded in Exton in 2008, it produces honest slow bread using organic flours free of additives, preservatives, enzymes, and enhancers. It sources flour from Whissendine Mill and Maud Foster Mill, eggs from Windy Ridge Farm, and milk from Vine Farm Dairy. The bakery has since expanded to shops in Oakham, Stamford, Market Harborough, Oundle, and West Bridgford, but its home and heart remain in Rutland.
The meat producers are equally distinctive. Northfield Farm near Cold Overton specialises in rare and traditional British breeds reared to the highest welfare standards. Farmer Lou at Tower House Farm near Exton sells farm-reared meats alongside farmhouse pies and craft sausages. Castle Chase Beef produces award-winning beef and dry-cured salt beef. Rutland Rapeseed Oil is grown, pressed, and bottled on the shores of Rutland Water. Ganders Goat Farm makes ice cream from their own goat milk and offers goat walking experiences.
For a county that covers just 150 square miles, Rutland has more food and drink character per acre than almost anywhere in England. Enter your postcode and discover what is near you.
