The Admiral Hornblower

The county of Rutland is steeped in history, with many a spire rising from the countryside and many a traditional British tavern hunkered down in the dells. In the town centre of Oakham, up on the High Street, The Admiral Hornblower is one such pub flying the flag for real British cuisine, and alehouse worthy of Horatio himself. Less than an hour’s drive from Nottingham, Oakham is a destination, especially on the Wednesday and Saturday market days, if you’re looking for some properly charming English scenery. When you visit, make sure you’ve reserved some elbow space at The Admiral Hornblower.

Historically, what is now The Admiral Hornblower was a 17th-century farmhouse. Even as Oakham, the market town and seat of England’s smallest county, Rutland, began to develop and encroach upon the surrounding countryside, the new owners of this High Street site have managed to preserve the original’s charm even as they open up the space to accommodate ten en suite rooms as well as a traditional British pub and restaurant. Whether you’re staying the night or simply booking a table for a meal, this central Oakham location is ideally suited for sightseers and locals alike.

Making the most of the spacious cellar, The Admiral Hornblower invariably has at least three hand-pulled, traditional English ales on tap in the bar area. Meanwhile, the restaurant makes the most of Rutland’s bucolic farmland to source fresh produce in order to create a menu studded with classic British pub dishes and a few modern flourishes. If you’re down in Oakham on a Sunday – it is after all a popular Sunday drive destination – you’ll also have the privilege of taking in the Admiral’s renowned Sunday roast and carvery – book a spot at the captain’s table now!