The Noel at Whitwell — Restaurant in England

A Hidden Gem with Heart My Unforgettable Experience at The Noel at Whitwell By "A Hungry Traveling couple with a Knack for Serendipity"

📍 The Location Tucked away in the postcard-perfect village of Whitwell,The Noel at Whitwell is a thatched-roof sanctuary just a stone’s throw from the shimmering expanse of Rutland Water.

Imagine driving down winding country lanes, dodging sheep, and stumbling upon a hand-painted sign that whispers, “Turn here for magic, we're open.”

That’s exactly what happened to my partner and me after a sunny long, walking afternoon at Rutland Water—Europe’s largest man-made lake.

First Impressions: At first glance, we wondered if we’d stumbled into an exclusive restaurant . The ivy-clad façade and quirky entrance hinted at eccentricity. The interesting classic cars in the car park made us second-guess whether we were out of place, but no we weren't.

✨ The Vibe Stepping inside felt like crashing a cozy, slightly chaotic family reunion. The décor? Think “Great British Bake Off” meets “Alice in Wonderland” Our hostess, Sarah (name changed to protect the fabulous), greeted us with a welcome that could power a small village, 20-minute wait due to large group ahead of us, she said. So we ordered a jug of lemon-studded water after our orders

🍽️ The Food Let’s talk about the halloumi and rocket salad, crispy, salty, and paired with caramelized pears that sang like a choir. My partner’s crispy chicken were golden perfection, the chips triple-cooked to taste and served with love and care.

👩🍳 The Heroes Behind the Curtain Ten minutes in, Sarah floored us. “I’m an NHS nurse by day,” she confessed, “My husband’s in the army. We run this place nights and weekends, keeps us sane!” Their story, a tag-team of public service and hospitality, left us impressed.

Sarah sketched her vision: a refurb to honour Rutland’s heritage, with reclaimed wood and art from local farmers. “We want it to feel like a hug,” she said and offered us drinks on the house for the wait. As we sipped our shandy and wine, it really felt so welcoming and homely.

🌿 Why You’ll Love It Rustic Charm Meets Modern Flair: Thatched ceilings meet Instagrammable plates. Location, Location, Location: A 5-minute drive to Rutland Water’s cycling trails and birdwatching havens. Owners with Soul: Sarah and her husband are the human equivalent of a warm blanket. Coming Soon: A post-refurb summer comeback, think exposed beams and a menu starring Rutland lamb.

🔥 Final Verdict The Noel at Whitwell isn’t just a meal, it’s a love letter to community, grit, and damn good halloumi. We’ll be back in summer, ready to see the updates. If you’re within 50 miles, cancel your plans. Go. Eat. Feel the magic.

📍 Address: The Noel at Whitwell, Main Street, Whitwell, LE15 8BW,...

I recently had the pleasure of staying at The Noel at Withwell, and I can’t recommend it enough! Nestled in the picturesque countryside near a serene lake, this hidden gem is a perfect getaway for anyone seeking tranquility and beauty.

From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the stunning surroundings. The property itself is comfortable, with beautifully decorated and impeccably clean rooms that made us feel right at home. Food is very good and every detail has been thoughtfully curated to enhance the experience, making it a truly special retreat.

What truly sets The Noel apart is the warmth and hospitality of the staff and the owner. They went above and beyond to ensure our stay was exceptional, treating us like family and attending to our every need. Their genuine care and attention made our experience unforgettable, so much so that we found ourselves wishing we could stay an extra day!

As a dog-friendly establishment, The Noel welcomes furry friends, which made our stay even more enjoyable. We were delighted to meet their adorable puppy mascot, who added an extra touch of joy to our visit.

In summary, The Noel at Withwell is a beautiful escape that offers not just stunning accommodations, but also a heartfelt connection with its wonderful hosts. We can't wait to return for another peaceful retreat in this lovely...

• AVOID - FRAUD *

I booked a room to stay here in September. I paid £202 into their company account. When I arrived I was told this was a fraudulent booking (I booked through their official partner). Apparently a lady called Karen used to work there (you can see this on companies house). She was removed in August however they didn't lock her out of any emails or the accounts. Therefore she has been putting up rooms which don't exist and then accessing the company account to remove the money once you've paid.

The staff I've spoken to were lovely at the time, but a month on and I've still not recieved a refund despite them (Jeanette and Kevin) saying they would give me the money back. They are responsible, as they haven't taken adequate steps to prevent Karen from defrauding potential customers.

I've now had to issue them a Letter Before Action and will be pursuing them through small claims.

Appauling way to run a business. Feeling very let down and feel people ought to know about the fruad activity before booking to stay here as seems they are doing...