Hitchen's Barn in Oakham has earned a top honour in the Great Food Club Awards.

The popular venue in Burley Road, which is also in the Michelin Guide and rates 5-stars on TripAdvisor, impressed judges "with its good-quality seasonal cooking, local sourcing, and convivial service and atmosphere.

Announcing the venue as the winner, the Great Food Club commented: "Our judges' meal included an excellent smoked haddock scotch egg; loin of local hare with black pudding, fondant potato, red cabbage & game sauce; and a delicious rice pudding served with crab apple jelly from Wymondham."

"Hitchen's Barn is a unique and stylish restaurant inspired by the owners' love of the British countryside and brought to life by the team's passion for doing things well.

"All of the Finalists greatly impressed the judges, with each striving successfully to create a special and individual dining experience. Moreover, the food cooked by all four venues was of excellent quality. But it's Hitchen's Barn that takes the title of Great Food Club Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year 2020/21."

Rutland also saw Hambleton Hall, near Oakham, as a finalist in the Fine Dining Restaurant category.

The Blue Ball in Braunston was a finalist in the Dining Pub of the Year category.

Orbis in Oakham was a finalist in the World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year Category.

Gates Farm Shop at Cold Overton was also a finalist in the Food Shop of the Year Category.

Northfield Farm at Cold Overton was also a finalist in the Farm Shop category.

In the Bakery of the Year category, Rutland produced two finalists: Bisbrooke Artisans of Bisbrooke and Lily & Honey of Oakham.

Knife, Fork & Spooner of Ketton was a finalist in the Private Chef of the Year category.

More details of the awards, including all the winners and finalists, can be found here.