Nestled attractively in the heart of the High Street in Uppingham is The Lake Isle, an esteemed restaurant with rooms, housed in a fine 17th-century Grade II-listed building. For over 22 years it has been run by its present owners, under whom it has earned an extremely well-deserved 2AA Rosettes, delivering high in terms of quality of food, service and value for money. 

With its discretely dressed windows, the restaurant front looked wonderfully inviting on the late spring day we visited. To reach the entrance, just turn into the alleyway a few steps east of the restaurant frontage – this leads to the side entrance and the bijou bar; there are also outdoor tables here for alfresco dining. We were warmly welcomed by restaurant manager Victoria, who is hugely adapt at making diners feel at ease. If you fancy, enjoy an appetiser here before going into the dining room to eat. 

We settled in with complimentary olives and deliciously light homemade mini bread rolls, whilst perusing the popular Lunch for Less menu, offering 2 courses with choices for an amazing £22 and a third course for an extra £5. (A la Carte dining is also available at all sittings.) 

For starters, I just had to try the black cheddar samosas, with pickled cauliflower, onions, watercress, tomato and stout relish. Served on a smart charcoal plate, the dish had a really stylish look and was amazingly delicious – the tastily pungent flavour of the black cheddar samosas cleverly offset by my favourite, a layer of pickles, giving that perfect punchiness to the dish. Mum’s starter of broad bean falafels with spring vegetables and a herb and pine nut salad was wonderfully inviting too, like a seasonal garden – a stunning plate of daintily presented vegetables and herbs, garnished with edible flowers. They were both winners. 

Mum couldn’t resist the slow-cooked brisket with sweet potato, which she declared was absolutely succulent with deliciously rich gravy. I went for the vegetarian option of griddled English asparagus and courgettes, preserved lemon and mascarpone risotto with wild mushroom dressing. A great choice, as English asparagus time is so short but so special. The risotto was creamy, comforting and perfectly seasoned. 

When the value is so outstanding, you don’t have to sacrifice pudding – if you have room for it, that is! We elected to share the chocolate and beetroot brownie and we were not disappointed! It was light as a feather, so delicious, and perfectly complemented by the most incredible cassis ripple ice cream, with finely milled nut brittle for crunch. 

At The Lake Isle, quality wines match the standard and care delivered in the food. There is fabulous choice on the 200-strong wine list, but for lunch don’t underestimate the house wines for good taste and value for money – mum, who was being chauffeur-driven on the day, enjoyed a glass of house red, an excellent Merlot.

At the end of the meal, we saluted the chef and the house philosophy of focusing on local, seasonal ingredients that are used to their absolute potential here. Lunch at The Lake Isle is a delight, and the Lunch for Less menu offers truly exceptional value. Treat yourself – and your mum!

FIND OUT MORE & BOOK NOW: The Lake Isle, 16 High Street East, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9PZ, 01572  822951, www.lakeisle.co.uk