160 | Cycling World
The Olive Branch , Rutland
The Olive Branch in Clipsham in rural Rutland is a past British Pub of the Year ( according to The Good Pub Guide 2014 edition ) and is the current Leicestershire & Rutland Dining Pub of the Year ( a title it ’ s held for many years ). Basically it ’ s good . Very good . The beer list is awesome , it has its own allotment and pub shop , a beautiful beer garden , and it serves outstanding pub classics alongside delicious snacks , sandwiches , tapas and seafood .
The other great thing about The Olive Branch is its superb location near to some cracking bike routes , combined with the fact that co-owner Ben Jones is a passionate cyclist . As such , Ben and team can offer some excellent route planning advice and will even be happy to accompany you on a guided ride . For example , one of The Olive Branch ’ s favourite routes is a 65-mile food tour of Rutland that takes in Hambleton Bakery , The Grainstore Brewpub , Rutland Charcuterie , Northfield Farm , Whissendine Windmill , Launde Farm Lamb , Bottle Kicking Cider Co , Bisbrooke Ostrich Farm , Jimmy ’ s Smokehouse and , when in season , Rutland Water Strawberries .
Ben and team have uploaded their favourite routes to both ‘ Ride With GPS ’ and Strava . You can access them all by visiting www . theolivebranchpub . com , scrolling down and looking for the logos .
The Olive Branch can also offer secure bike garaging and has its own award-winning ( pretty luxurious ) accommodation located across the road from the pub in Beech House . The breakfast is one of the best you ’ ll eat anywhere !
This pub with rooms is a must-visit for any cyclist who takes their food and drink seriously .