A Visit to: Fern, Uppingham, Rutland | Uppingham’s New Restaurant

The new home of local ingredients, organic wine, and small plates galore. A place where the most humble seasonal ingredients are celebrated and allowed to shine in dishes full of flavour, texture and creativity.

Fern is like a little pocket of magic. Step inside and you feel like you’ve left Uppingham and popped into an intimate dining room far away from home — it’s a TARDIS of flavour and imagination… Then you glance out the window and remember you’re still right here, in the heart of Uppingham’s historic marketplace.

The menu is an exciting array of small plates ranging from £3.50 to £35, with an incredible drinks list inspired by local and organic producers — aperitivos, no and low options, sparkling wines, reds, cocktails and even orange wine too.

We started with an aperitif each — a Rhubarb Sip for me, made with elderflower and rhubarb and served with the most delicious pepper crumb rim and a Negroni for Mum, made with British vermouths and Rutland gin. The perfect way to begin the meal.

Then came the food. The kind of menu where you want to order absolutely everything. There’s seafood, locally sourced meats and fresh vegetables — all prepared in a way that feels thoughtful and bold. After much deliberation, we chose the humble and delicious house ferments — kohlrabi and beetroot with a rich miso sesame aioli — and the fresh and moreish grilled English pea pods with mint-smoked salt and wild garlic aioli.

Next came the local favourite, Manton asparagus, paired with white asparagus, Cashel blue cream, mint and smoked almonds. But the surprise favourite? The miso-charred hispi cabbage with paprika and roasted hazelnuts, don’t underestimate how beautiful a hispi cabbage can be when it’s in the right chef’s hands.

Plates arrived as they were ready, which we loved — it kept the energy relaxed and spontaneous. We found ourselves mixing and matching the sauces and dressings across dishes, creating new flavour combinations with each bite.

For drinks, we kept things interesting. A glass of Balfour English Sparkling for me and a Balfour Pinot Noir for Mum to start. Later, a chilled glass of rosé Cava and a full-bodied Etna Rosso red. All are served in vintage glassware from Uppingham Antiques Centre, how fabulous is that?

And then came dessert. For Mum, Rutland Red served with artisan crackers, pear conserve and celery. I had the honey parfait with candied pecans and beeswax gelato — which turned out to be one of the best desserts I’ve ever had.

Neither of us wanted the meal to end. We’re already planning our return — I’ve got my eye on the braised carrot crumble, a Fern-style Bloody Mary and a glass of Matt Gregory’s Fizzy White 2023 (which I already know I’ll love just because it’s two of my favourite things, local and an English fizz!).

Fern is a gem, just waiting for you to discover. With Chef Ali at the helm and the menu and dishes bursting with his talent and creativity, Fern really is something rather special.

Amazing food, interesting wines, stunning decor and a luxuriously stylish yet welcoming and relaxing atmosphere…

It’s rare to find a restaurant that puts humble vegetables at the heart of the plate—and makes them truly unforgettable.

At Fern, you can enjoy a fully vegetarian meal (like we did!) and be blown away by the bold flavours and unique textures. Or, if you prefer to mix and match, their locally and thoughtfully sourced meats and seafoods pair are still on the menu waiting for you to discover them. Either way, it’s the kind of food you’ll be raving about to everyone you know.

Honestly? A 10/10 from me. Go hungry and prepare to find a new favourite go-to.

📍Fern, The Falcon Hotel, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9PY