Best Restaurants Near Market Harborough for a Romantic Meal

When you’re unwinding in the peace of The Cottage at Clipston, or exploring the beautiful Northamptonshire and Leicestershire countryside, discovering the best restaurants near The Cottage at Clipston is part of the experience. Surrounded by rolling fields, charming villages, and winding walking trails, the area has a food scene that’s as lively as it is diverse. Expect classic English comfort food paired with modern flair , the perfect combination after a day spent enjoying the countryside or enjoying some of the top things to do in Market Harborough, a charming nearby town packed with independent shops, cafés, and attractions.

Tucked away on a serene 14-acre estate, The Cottage makes the ideal base for discovering all the fantastic food on offer. Whether you’re after a hearty pub lunch, a romantic dinner by candlelight, or a laid-back Sunday roast, the region has something to suit every taste and occasion. Imagine sipping a glass of wine in a warm and welcoming bistro, or enjoying a leisurely brunch in the sunshine – your taste buds will thank you.

In this local foodie guide, we’ve rounded up some of the top restaurants near The Cottage. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite after a country walk, celebrating a special occasion, or just in the mood for something new – you’ll find all the inspiration you need.

Why The Cottage Is the Best Place to Stay in the East Midlands

The Cottage is a true gem of the East Midlands, set within a stunning 14-acre private estate near Market Harborough. This beautifully restored Victorian stable has all the charm of the countryside, combined with all the mod-cons you’d expect from a luxury getaway. From plush bed linen, to smart technology and high-speed Wi-Fi – every detail has been carefully thought through to make your stay the perfect escape.

The open-plan living space and those beautiful views of the surrounding countryside create the ultimate feel-good vibe. Whether you’re looking to unwind, or want to get out and explore – The Cottage is the perfect haven. For a holiday cottage in Market Harborough that keeps the town’s restaurants ten minutes away, it is hard to beat.

Here’s why The Cottage is the perfect place to stay:

Private & Peaceful Location – You’ve Earned Your Blissful Getaway!
Set within a spacious 14-acre estate, The Cottage offers total seclusion – the perfect antidote to the stresses of everyday life.

Luxurious Comfort – Time to Get Cozy!
Sink into plush interiors featuring premium linens, soft bedding, and inviting spaces designed for rest.

Modern Amenities – Every Convenience at Your Fingertips
Enjoy a Smart TV with Netflix and Disney+, Xbox, Amazon Echo, filtered well water – and all the mod-cons for both leisure and remote work.

Charming, Thoughtful Interiors – You’ll Feel Right at Home
Filled with bespoke touches, soft textures, and curated decor, The Cottage is the perfect blend of cosy and elegant.

Secure & Convenient – All Your Needs Taken Care Of
Smart lock entry, on-site parking, eco-friendly heating, and energy-conscious systems ensure a smooth and stress-free stay.

Exceptional Guest Experience – Your Comfort is Our Top Priority
From warm personal greetings to thoughtful extras – including family-friendly essentials, board games, and flexible check-in – we’ve thought of everything.

Book The Best Place to stay in Market Harbour.

Where to Eat in Market Harborough and the Villages Around It

Dining near The Cottage is more than just a meal – it’s a proper countryside experience. Local restaurants serve up fresh, seasonal ingredients – often sourced from nearby farms and artisan producers. The result is delicious, thoughtful menus that perfectly capture the spirit of rural Northamptonshire and the surrounding Leicestershire borders.

Whether you’re sipping a craft cocktail, enjoying a pint of local ale, or indulging in homemade desserts, each venue has its own special charm and character.

From gastropubs and independent cafes to modern twists on classic British cuisine, the area has something to suit every taste and occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special evening, grabbing a quick lunch, or just exploring on a whim, you’ll find plenty of memorable dining choices – many of which you’ll want to revisit.

And if you’re hoping to stretch your legs after a hearty meal, Welland Park,a peaceful green space near The Cottage,offers the perfect spot for a scenic, refreshing stroll.

Best Restaurants in Market Harborough for a Romantic Meal

Market Harborough is ten minutes from Clipston and has a better restaurant scene than a town of twenty thousand people has any right to. For a couples’ dinner it is the obvious move: park once, eat well, and be back at The Cottage inside a quarter of an hour. If you are pairing dinner with a walk, our guide to country walks near Market Harborough covers the routes that end near a pub. These four are the ones we point guests at when the evening is meant to be the point of the day.

Travelling with a dog? The Cottage is not dog-friendly, but The Loft on the same 14 Acres estate is. Same estate, same owners, same walks from the door, and dogs are welcome.

1. Tailored by WB Yeats

A restaurant with rooms in a 450-year-old townhouse in the old part of town, named after a Yeats poem. Chef Stuart Mead has run the kitchen for more than twenty years, which in restaurant terms is close to geological. Harden’s describes it as fine dining without the Michelin-style fussiness, and that is about right: the cooking is serious, the room is not.

This is the one to book if the meal is the occasion rather than a refuelling stop. Vegetables get unusually careful treatment here, so it is a safer bet than most for a vegetarian or vegan half of a couple. Book well ahead for a Saturday.

2. Nossa, Abbey Street

Nossa sits on Abbey Street, just off the High Street, and does modern cooking with a global reach: steaks, seafood and a genuinely considered vegetarian side of the menu rather than one token dish. The room is smarter than the average market-town restaurant without tipping into stiff.

Worth knowing before you plan around it: Nossa is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, which catches people out on a midweek break. If you are staying Sunday to Wednesday, eat here on the Sunday.

3. The Angel Hotel, High Street

A former coaching inn on the High Street dating back to the sixteenth century, with an evening restaurant open to non-residents serving European dishes. The building does a lot of the work: low ceilings, old timber, and the sense that people have been eating dinner in this room for a very long time.

It is the most central of the four, so it suits an evening built around a wander through town beforehand. Less of a destination kitchen than Tailored or Ascough’s, more a reliable and atmospheric place to sit.

4. The Three Swans, High Street

Another former coaching inn, Grade II* listed and dating to the early sixteenth century, with a public bar at the front, a second bar behind it and a conservatory restaurant at the back. The cooking is modern and international, and the kitchen runs long hours, which matters if you have lost an afternoon to a walk and want feeding at an odd time.

The conservatory is the room to ask for. It is the most flexible of the four for a couple who have not decided how formal the evening is going to be.

Restaurants Near Market Harborough Compared

Where	From The Cottage	Best for
The Bulls Head, Clipston	Walkable	Friday night, dogs, no driver needed
Tailored by WB Yeats	10 min	The one proper dinner of the trip
Ascough’s Bistro	10 min	Tasting menu, monthly changing card
Nossa	10 min	Modern cooking, strong vegetarian menu
The Angel Hotel	10 min	Atmosphere and a central spot in town
The Three Swans	10 min	Flexible hours and an informal room
The George, Great Oxendon	10 min	Country pub dining with rooms
Farndon Fields	10 min	Daytime, farm shop and kitchen

Village Pubs and Country Restaurants Near The Cottage

Let’s dive into the top eateries located just a short drive from The Cottage:

1. The Bulls Head, Clipston

Bulls Head in Clipston is a real gem of a village pub. The kind of place that makes a countryside dinner just the best. With its low beams, crackling fire, and friendly bar, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring. This local favourite has got the perfect balance of old-school charm and lively vibe – especially on quiz nights and live music evenings.

The menu has all the classic pub grub you’re looking for – think perfect fish and chips, indulgent burgers, and lovely locally-sourced steaks. As well as all that tasty food, they’ve got an impressive selection of real ales and wine to wash it all down. Whether you’re meeting mates for a quiet night in, settling in for a Sunday roast, or using it as a stop-off point for some beautiful country walking, the Bulls Head is a great choice.

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Contact

10 Harborough Rd, Clipston, Market Harborough LE16 9RT
01858 455437

bullsheadclipston.co.uk

2. The George at Great Oxendon

Just a short trip from The Cottage, The George is a cracking place – it’s all about modern style meets good old-fashioned country charm. set in a beautifully restored stone building, this gastropub’s got plush seating, soft lighting and a real fire that’ll make you feel all snug. Perfect for a romantic dinner, a night out with the lads or just a relaxing evening with friends.

The menu’s a real treat – seasonal British dishes with a bit of a twist, think seared sea bass, lovely venison, and some great veggie options. They’re all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and presented beautifully. The wine list is equally impressive so it’s a great choice for anyone who likes a bit of fine dining. Booking in advance is a good idea, especially at weekends.

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Contact

Harborough Rd, Great Oxendon, Northampton LE16 8NA
01858 452286

 thegeorgegreatoxendon.co.uk

3. Farndon Fields Farmers’ Kitchen

A short drive from The Cottage, The Farmers Kitchen is a lovely little café tucked away inside the award-winning Farndon Fields Farm Shop. This place is a must for breakfast, brunch, and lunch – families, walkers, and country explorers all love it. The menu’s all about seasonal fare, wholesome dishes that make the most of fresh, local ingredients.

You’ll find classic full English brekkie, colourful salads, hearty homemade soups and indulgent cakes – and loads of options for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free diners too, so it’s a great spot for groups of all kinds. After your meal, pop into the farm shop and browse the artisan cheeses, freshly baked goodies, and lovely local produce.

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Highlights

• Seasonal, farm-fresh dishes prepared with local ingredients
• Bright and airy café with a cosy fireplace and countryside views
• Delicious breakfast, coffee, and homemade cakes
• Located inside a highly regarded, award-winning farm shop
• Plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options

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Contact

Farndon Rd, Market Harborough LE16 9TU
01858 464838

 farndonfields.co.uk

4. Mortons of Gilmorton

Only a short drive from The Cottage, Mortons of Gilmorton offers a beautifully upscale dining experience that feels right at home in its quaint 17th-century setting – a beautifully restored cottage that’s full of charm and character. The exposed stone walls, soft lighting, and stylish décor all combine to create an inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxed evening out, or maybe even a special occasion.

The menu’s a real treat, with creative dishes like steaks, seafood, and imaginative vegetarian options all getting the treatment from top chefs. Each dish that comes out of the kitchen is a work of art, beautifully presented and cooked with real attention to flavour and detail. And don’t even get us started on the wine list – carefully curated to complement the menu, it’s got something for everyone, including a dedicated children’s selection that makes Mortons a great choice for families too.

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Contact

Main St, Gilmorton, Lutterworth LE17 5LT
01455 558772

5. Ascough’s Bistro, Market Harborough

Ascough’s Bistro is one of those places that’s a real favourite among locals and food lovers alike – and it’s easy to see why. It’s a place that’s got a refined, relaxed feel to it – perfect for a date night, an anniversary, or just a special occasion. With its minimalist décor, soft candlelight, and beautifully presented dishes, it’s an intimate atmosphere that’ll make you feel right at home.

Ascough’s is also known for its exceptional value – especially For its set lunch and evening menus. Expect dishes like pan-seared duck breast, perfectly roasted cod, and imaginative vegetarian creations that’ll blow your mind. And with attentive, knowledgeable service to boot, it’s no wonder this bistro is considered one of Market Harborough’s top dining spots.

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Contact

24–26 St Mary’s Rd, Market Harborough LE16 7DU
01858 466966

6. Rocksalt Bistro, Market Harborough

Just a short distance from The Cottage, Rocksalt offers a stylish and contemporary dining experience that brings a hint of coastal sophistication to Market Harborough. With its sleek interior design and thoughtfully curated seasonal menu, this modern bistro is a favourite among diners who appreciate fresh flavours and creative cooking.

Seafood enthusiasts will find plenty to love here,think grilled king prawns, mussels in delicate white wine sauce, and beautifully cooked fish dishes. For those who prefer alternatives, the menu also includes excellent meat and vegetarian options, each prepared with the same attention to quality and presentation. The well-crafted wine list and inventive cocktails round out the experience, making Rocksalt an ideal choice for a relaxed yet refined lunch or dinner.

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Contact

35 High St, Market Harborough LE16 7NL
01858 462963

 rocksaltbistro.co.uk
7. Bowden Stores, Market Harborough

Bowden Stores is a much-loved café known for its artisan brunches, exceptional coffee, and homemade cakes,all served in a beautifully designed, laid-back setting. Spread across two floors and decorated with designer wallpaper, eclectic accents, and warm lighting, it’s an ideal place to ease into a slow weekend morning or enjoy a relaxed catch-up after exploring the countryside around The Cottage.

The menu features creative brunch favourites such as smashed avocado, homemade granola, loaded toasts, and ever-changing seasonal specials. With a strong emphasis on local, high-quality ingredients, every dish feels fresh, thoughtful, and full of flavour. Vegan and gluten-free diners are well catered for, and takeaway options are available if you’re planning a walk or picnic in the nearby scenic trails.

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Contact

24–26 St Mary’s Rd, Market Harborough LE16 7DU
01858 466966

Frequently Asked Questions