Northants, Leics &amp; Rutland


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="975" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-001.jpg" alt="Fern Uppingham small plates restaurant interior" class="wp-image-58200" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-001.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-001-300x293.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-001-768x749.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<p>Overlooking Uppingham&#8217;s pretty, well-heeled market square and set within the rather iconic Falcon Hotel, <a href="https://www.fernuppingham.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fern</a> is a swish new departure, bringing stylish and high end, yet delightfully informal dining to the space. The elegant Falcon Hotel has been part of the town&#8217;s DNA since the 16th century, with the current owners also counting several other bars and restaurants in town in their portfolio (Don Paddy&#8217;s, The Vaults), but we reckon this new venture is going to tempt a whole new foodie demographic through the doors. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="986" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-002.jpg" alt="Fern Uppingham banquette small plates cosy restaurant" class="wp-image-58202" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-002.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-002-300x296.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-002-768x757.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Whilst, serene and classic in terms of decor, there&#8217;s a contemporary vibe, with an energetic team led by Restaurant Manager Helena and Chef Ali, who bring a genuine sense of passion to the table. Think understated, welcoming luxury. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="978" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Fern-Uppingham-013.jpeg" alt="Place setting Fern Uppingham" class="wp-image-58230" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Fern-Uppingham-013.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Fern-Uppingham-013-300x293.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Fern-Uppingham-013-768x751.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Elegantly paneled walls, large sash windows, a fireplace with log burner and midcentury style wooden furniture, all carefully put together by interior designer Sally Longden, create a bright and harmonious space. You might be in a quaint market town in Rutland, but you could well be in Mayfair, which is great news for parents in town to drop off the kids at Uppingham School, of course, as well as locals looking for something chic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<p>The kitchen, headed up by Chef Ali Duncombe, who has worked for the family-run hospitality group for over 18 years, is meticulously focused on using produce that is fresh, in season and as local as is feasible. The ethos here is to platform food with a provenance to get excited about, so no sooner had we been seated at our table overlooking the sun-drenched market square, than we were ogling the cocktail menu, which is bursting with the likes of Rutland Dry Gin, made right here by <a href="https://www.multumginparvo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Multum Gin Parvo</a>, and Asterly Bros. vermouth. I got stuck right in to a Negroni and I can confidently say it was then best I&#8217;ve ever tasted. I know I always say that after a couple, but honestly. There&#8217;s plenty of choice for non-drinkers/designated drivers too, with a decent choice of zero percent cocktails, and the wine list is exceptional and pleasingly concise, platforming organic and English wines from the likes of <a href="https://mattgregorywines.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matt Gregory</a>, who cultivates three hectares of vines in the Leicestershire Wolds.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-011-768x1024.jpg" alt="Manhattan with Northumberland whisky Fern Uppingham" class="wp-image-58205" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-011-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-011-225x300.jpg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-011.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<p>Not one to enjoy being dictated to on the food front, I am a huge proponent of small plate dining, as it invites you to choose the flavour balances you love, as well as how much you actually want to put away. In the mood for a plate of scallops and some Stilton with your English sparkling? Be my guest. Fancy some bresaola whilst you sip on a martini? No judgement here. It&#8217;s such a sociable and relaxed way of dining and here, the menu changes each week to reflect what&#8217;s available and in season, which also means that you can keep coming back and there&#8217;ll always be something new to try (no pressure Ali). </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-004.jpg" alt="oysters granita negroni Fern restaurant Uppingham" class="wp-image-58204" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-004.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-004-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-004-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We kicked off our meal with Maldon Rock Oysters and rhubarb, champagne and orange granita &#8211; so incredibly fresh and zingy. I&#8217;ll take oysters any way, but this was such a delightful departure from the usual shallot vinaigrette/tabasco version and, if you&#8217;re someone who thinks they&#8217;re not a huge oyster lover, then you might be pleasantly surprised. Plates come out as they&#8217;re ready, so you can pace yourself and give each dish the attention it deserves. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-005.jpg" alt="Bouillabaise and pinsa Fern Uppingham" class="wp-image-58207" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-005.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-005-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-005-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Next up British bouillabaise packed with fresh mussels and cod, topped with addictively salty samphire and served with pinsa &#8211; a scrumptious Italian sourdough flatbread &#8211; which you can dip into the insanely good saucy stew. I was admittedly a bit surprised to see bouillabaise on a small plates menu as it seems as though it would be quite a substantial dish. Spoiler alert: it is pretty hearty, not gonna lie, but oh my word it is so flavoursome and a fun dish to share if you&#8217;re on a date too. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-007.jpg" alt="Flatbread wild garlic anchovy pecorino" class="wp-image-58209" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-007.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-007-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-007-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-006.jpg" alt="Carrot crumble" class="wp-image-58210" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-006.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-006-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-006-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We also tucked into grilled flatbread with wild garlic, anchovies and pecorino; a braised carrot crumble with whipped feta, kale and coriander, which was made with gorgeously pretty heirloom carrots and which I have since attempted to recreate at home because I enjoyed it so much; miso charred hispi cabbage with paprika and roasted hazelnuts (maybe my favourite dish of the evening); grilled Manton asparagus (from literally up the road) and white asparagus with cashel blue fonduta, mint and smoked almonds; and spiced graffiti aubergine with chimichurri feta, pomegranate molasses and coriander. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-010.jpg" alt="Hispi cabbage fern uppingham" class="wp-image-58216" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-010.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-010-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-010-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-013.jpg" alt="Grilled Manton Asparagus Fern Uppingham" class="wp-image-58222" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-013.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-013-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-013-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I&#8217;m not a meat-lover, but one of the fantastic things about Fern is the nose-to-tail approach, which means that you will often find several lamb dishes on the menu if there&#8217;s seasonal lamb available (or pork or beef etc.), as the kitchen will use the whole animal when curating the menu. It&#8217;s a really refreshing angle that shows that they&#8217;re not trying to be everything to everyone all at once, they are simply creating top tier food from the very best ingredients available. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-009.jpg" alt="Charred graffiti aubergine Fern Uppingham" class="wp-image-58215" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-009.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-009-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-009-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We finished off with a lemon posset, served in the lemon half with lashings of creamy meringue and garnished with violas, washed down with a mind-blowingly good Manhattan, which was made with  Ad Gefrin Whisky from Northumberland. Turns out small plates can easily become quite the banquet, but I am certainly not complaining. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-012.jpg" alt="Lemon posset Fern Uppingham" class="wp-image-58217" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-012.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-012-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/FERN-UPPINGHAM-REVIEW-012-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<p>If you&#8217;re coming from further afield (and you should), The Falcon is a fairly traditional but contemporary coaching inn, with individually designed rooms, hand-picked original furniture, plush fabrics and lovely views over the pretty town of Uppingham. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp;<strong> </strong>ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="894" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Fig-Store-894x1024.jpeg" alt="Fig Store Uppingham" class="wp-image-58224" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Fig-Store-894x1024.jpeg 894w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Fig-Store-262x300.jpeg 262w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Fig-Store-768x880.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2025/05/Fig-Store.jpeg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 894px) 100vw, 894px" /></figure>



<p>Rutland Water is on the doorstep for water sports, cycling and delightful walks, plus there&#8217;s a a lovely selection of boutique shops and galleries in town including <a href="https://www.thefigstore.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Fig Store</a> (above) and the newly opened <a href="https://www.violetrose.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Violet Rose</a>, with more shopping to be had in nearby Oakham and Stamford.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rutlandnursery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rutland Nursery</a> is a must-visit for garden enthusiasts and the sublime&nbsp;<a href="https://burghley.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Burghley House</a> has a fantastic kids’ adventure playground alongside the house, gardens and deer park.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly">KID FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>We reckon children of all ages will love tucking in to the amazing food here, though it&#8217;s currently only open in the evenings, so might not be great for younger kids.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly">DOG FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Sorry, Fido – no four-legged friends allowed in the restaurant, though there are dog-friendly rooms in the hotel.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<p>The restaurant is on ground level, though there is a small step up at the front entrance to the hotel, so please check first if you need assistance. There is a wheelchair accessible entrance at the rear of the hotel. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Date night, getting together with friends and family, the airy space here works perfectly for cosy <em>tête-a-têtes</em> or for larger groups. As long as you don&#8217;t mind sharing. Pop in for a cheeky aperitif or go for a full-on feast. </p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Fern has a really broad appeal and is so welcoming, it&#8217;s hard to imagine anyone not loving it here but, if you have hang-ups around sharing food you might want to give it a miss and, if you&#8217;re looking for a big old traditional roast kind of place, this ain&#8217;t it. </p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Aperitifs from £6, small plates from £3.50 for the oysters, up to £28 for a grilled whole lemon sole and everything in between, so it&#8217;s really up to you how much you want to spend. </p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.fernuppingham.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fern Restaurant</a>, The Falcon Hotel, 7 High St East, Uppingham,&nbsp;LE15 9PY</em></p>



<p></p>


Review: Fern, Uppingham

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