Michelin Pub of the Year 2008

The Olive Branch & Beech House in Clipsham has been selected as the Michelin Pub of the Year 2008 in Michelin’s Eating Out in Pubs guide which is launched on 5 September, priced at £14.99.

Among the 564 entries in this year’s guide – all of which serve great food – what is it that singles one out and merits the title of Pub of the Year?

There’s the choice of beers and wines, the warmth of the welcome and the service. The location is important, as is the ambience; but the number one spot can only go to a pub with real star quality; that extra ingredient which you can’t quite put your finger on – but which you’d travel to experience, and which is recognisable almost as soon as you walk through the door.

The pub was converted from three farm-workers’ cottages and several distinct areas are still in evidence, each one cosy and characterful, with log fires and church pew seats. Champagnes and wines are available by the glass, as is refreshing homemade lemonade; and the choice of real ales includes the pub’s own label – Olive Oil.

A passion for good food means that high quality produce and seasonal ingredients are the foundation of every dish and a local map on the menu lets you know exactly where your food has come from. There’s flexibility too as dishes are not divided into starters and mains, so you can have as little or as much as you like. This is simply and carefully prepared food which is unfussy, fresh and full of flavour.

Across the road in Beech House are six bedrooms with names like Chocolate, Double Cream and Biscuit. Furnished with antiques and contemporary fabrics, every detail has been thought of, like homemade biscuits, magazines and flowers. Breakfast is served by the log fire in the barn and includes local farm eggs, fruit smoothies and homemade preserves.

The Olive Branch & Beech House
Main Street
Clipsham
LE15 7SH
Tel: 01780 410355
Email: info@theolivebranchpub.com
Website: www.theolivebranchpub.com