BEAUTIFUL INDIAN FOOD & ROOMS: THE MARQUESS OF EXETER, RUTLAND

Last Updated on 8th April 2024 by Bejal

Nestled in the utterly charming village of Lyddington in England’s smallest county, Rutland, discover a country pub with a difference featuring beautiful Indian food and rooms: The Marquess of Exeter. 

In spring 2022, Executive Chef Krishnapal Negi, left his 22-year culinary career in London’s modern Indian dining scene and initiated his rural adventures in Lyddington with business partners. They became the owners of The Marquess of Exeter. Right in the heart of Rutland, hailed as one of the most foodiest counties in England, Chef Krishna started to work his creative magic in executing and delivering a classic pub menu, alongside ‘Krishan’s at The Marquess, celebrating authentic Indian dishes

The Marquess of Exeter is an affordable, yet special staycation option, that offers classic pub grub as well as a contemporary stance on classic Indian dishes by Chef Krishnapal Negi. Accommodation comes in the form of 17 cosy, comfortable rooms complete with all the amenities one would need for a relaxing and food-focussed weekend or mid-week getaway. Call it a foodie getaway, an exploration of the surrounding county of Rutland, walking breaks for the more energetic or simply a relaxing summer or winter staycation, The Marquess of Exeter is a delight.

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Indian Food & Rooms: The Marquess of Exeter

Taking prime position, in Lyddington’s Main Street, The Marquess of Exeter  is a Grade II listed building, dating back to the seventeenth century, The Marquess’s facade is very much in keeping with the deep brown limestone of the village with the interior stonework denotes a history and character that suggests a former tavern past recorded as far back as 1563.

Today this cosy contemporary inn retains all it’s bygone character with its official Main Street exterior, displaying a typical cottage feel with a thatched roof, duck egg blue windowsills as well as picnic benches with umbrellas adorned in the same coordinating colours. Green foliage grows up and around the stonework which adds aesthetic appeal in the summer with small blooms, in the winter with little buds or first earthy tones.

The Marquess’ location lends itself to an adjoining nature filled meadow at the rear of the property, which serves the perfect spot for al fresco drinks and dining. Sip on a cool glass of wine or elderflower spritz, or whatever your poison and gaze at the emblematic rolling hills of Rutland surrounded by wild flowers, hedgerows and the odd wooly visitor in the form of the neighbourhood inquisitive grazing sheep. Cooler nights are made more comfortable with the waft of flickering flames of the fire pit. 

Chef’s Profile

Chef Krishnapal Negi, became widely renowned when he launched Tangawizi in 2004 in Richmond Upon Thames. At the time his culinary skills and ideas were recognised as being innovative, with a little twist. Tangwazi became quite the dining establishment for a number of high profile Hollywood celebrities. It was here that Negi was awarded with a Michelin Bib-Gourmand after which he proceeded to work under Michelin-starred Vineet Bhatia.

Right up until early 2022, Chef Negi was executive chef at 1947 London in Fitzrovia and was noted by  the culinary industry across the UK.

Chef Negi’s Indian menu, at an affordable price point using quality ingredients, are inspired by the recipes and foods that he enjoyed growing up in the Himalayas of India.

Chef Negi and his accomplished team have been welcoming guests at The Marquess since the summer of 2022 with a great welcoming and laid back style. 

The Marquess Of Exeter Dining: The Menus

Diners can expect two menus serving very different yet distinct dining options. 

The Bar at The Marquess

The cosy bar area towards the front of the building has a roaring fire in cooler months and is classically decorated, with period features being untouched. Perch on a bar stool, one of the high backed upholstered chairs or sip on a drink whilst snuggling into one of the arm chairs. 

The bar area is bursting with history from the minute you walk in with the ancient flagstone flooring to the aforementioned inglehook fireplaces. Note the beamed ceilings throughout, and the cushioned nooks, great spots to enjoy slow evening conversations with pre or post dinner drinks.  

The Bar at The Marquess serves a wonderfully crafted classic pub fare, ales and wines. Think, chef’s freshly made soup of day (can totally recommend, the cream of asparagus), caprese or even classic prawn cocktail to hearty fish and chips, burgers, great vegetarian options too, such as halloumi and traditional veggie burger patty’s, to sea bass and steaks. Or for something lighter, try one of their pub lunch sandwiches.

End with a hearty British favourite, like sticky toffee pudding or a chocolate  fudge brownie.

Krishna’s at The Marquess

The second menu is a homage to Chef Negi’s childhood, consisting of a finely curated collection of modern, Indian food carefully curated by award-winning, Chef Negi. We’re talking, Mango Paneer Shashlik or Fish Amritsari to start,  succulent Butter chicken, melt-in the mouth Lam Rogan Josh, an elevated yellow daal Tadka and a selection of sides to accompany like Baby Corn & Palak Masala or Pomegranate Raita and do not miss the Golab jamun for dessert!

Krishna’s menu is not overwhelming and pretty easy to skim through. A fine proportion of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes as well as the necessary attention to detail paid in terms of dietary requirements. The menu’s focus is very much on delivering light, vibrant, flavoursome dishes which are not necessarily concentrated on heat levels but more on aromatic, intricately balanced spices and herbs. Food portions are generous, so you won’t go hungry, providing authentic Indian cuisine to write home about!

Krishna’s at The Marquess (Specials)

A special mention has to be given to Krishna’s Monthly Specials Menu, which as the name suggest changes every month and consists of dishes which are from the Indian subcontinent as opposed to Krishna’s main menu which focusses more on North Indian plates.  For a glimpse of the specials, the January 2024, offerings  included, items such as Samosa Chat, Lamb Gulafi Handi,  Alleppey Fish Curry, Peshwari Naan and traditional Kulfi to end.

The Food & Drinks: Krishna’s At The Marquess

The restaurant space is inviting, pleasantly decorated in neutral tones and has several nooks to enjoy food in groups of differing sizes as well as more intimate tables for two.

Note the little colourful artefacts that adorn the walls, sideboards and shelving which display a nod to Chef Negi’s roots in Northern India.

Indian Food & Rooms: The Marquess of Exeter – A Review

Drinks

The marquess serves a fantastic wine list, liqueurs, spirits and ales as well as non-alcoholic drinks  selections. The bar staff are well versed in recommending wine options based on your usual preferences and what you have ordered.

A great full bodied yet light red wine recommendation is the Alta Vista Vive Wine Malbes from Mendoza, Argentina. Aromas include ripe plums and notes of sweet spices.

Starter – Indian Food & Rooms: The Marquess of Exeter

To start, two delightful vegetarian options include Samosa Chat (featured in the January 2024 Specials) and Mango Paneer Shashlik from Krishna’s main menu.

The Samosa chat was built up on crispy flour Pattie filled with light spiced hash green peas and potatoes topped with a yoghurt and tamarind chutney, sprinkled with thin gram flour deep fried vermicelli and adorned with a scattering of jewel like pomegranate.

Each mouthful comes with a comforting warm pastry, followed by a sweet and tangy aftertaste of the yoghurt and tamarind chutneys. Light yet substantial to start the meal.

The Mango Paneer Shashlik is plated as large pieces of Indian cheese, bell peppers marinated and grilled in a tandoor and served accompanied with a hint of sweet mango chutney and side garnish. 

The soft melt in the mouth inside was moist and the outer marinate provided a wonderful subtle flavour with balanced spice and sweetness from the mango. 

Main Courses – Indian Food & Rooms: The Marquess of Exeter

A selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian plates with sides for a real immersion into the spices and creative design of the main chunk of the menu.

Non -Vegetarian

Lamb Gilafi Handi, taken from the specials menu, this is a show-stopper of a dish for meat lovers. Pieces of lamb braised with onion and aromatics spices which is then sealed and cooked in a dum-style. This dish is commonly made in the Northern parts of India and is quite the regional speciality.

Tender chunks of lamb cooked to perfection sit in a thick dark brown gravy packed full of lingering flavour. This is most definitely a dish to remember and savour.

Vegetarian

The Vegetarian options including the yellow Tadka Dal and a side of the Jeera Potatoes. 

This is where Krishna’s menu is exemplified. It takes simple Indian dishes like daal and Aloo Jeera and elevates them with a slight twist. There is definitely something to be said about vegetarian food that can be made extra special to the way it is traditionally cooled in the home of those of Indian heritage 

The Yellow Dal Tadka is served as. a bowl of yellow split lentils cooked with onions, tomatoes and tempered with cumin and garlic. It is lightly spiced and toped with a small garnish. The creamy yet non heavy consistency of the dal layers its subtle favour on the palette beautifully.

Aloo Jeera, is made with baby potatoes halves, tempered with a cumin seeds in an onion and tomato masala. It is a perfect side dish to eat along side the dal as it has a slightly stronger spice level and is much drier without a gravy.

Accompaniments

The garlic naan topped with garlic, butter and coriander is soft yet crispy and perfect to mop up the gravy of the dishes and rice lovers will enjoy every spoonful of the pilau rice topped with crispy onions. 

Desserts – Indian Food & Rooms: The Marquess of Exeter

It’s an absolute no brainer to finish with Krishna’s Gulab Jamun and Mango Kulfi to round of the third course.

The Gulab Jamun are small, round, dumplings made from milk powder, dipped in a sweet sauce flavoured with saffron and cardamom and served with vanilla ice cream. These are comforting, melt in the mouth and the ultimate hug in a bowl with the cool ice cream as a contrast.

The Mango Kulfi was a special and is the most prettiest way to serve traditional ice cream. Slices of frozen kulfi are spread like dominoes on a plate with a mango coulis and sprinkling of pistachio and cardamom. A light and cooling end to a delicious meal.

And of course, there is only one way to end an Indian meal and thats with a hot cup of lightly spiced masala chai.

The Rooms

To extend your experience at The Marquess of Exeter or even book a staycation, why not book a room? To the rear of the property, beside the meadow, there are 17 cosy and comfortable rooms to choose from. Options include, standard doubles, standard twin rooms, Superior Double Rooms as well as a family room or Luxury suite.

All room options come with Free WIFI and a hearty breakfast.

The Superior Double Room

Decorated in neutral hues, a chaise-longue, mirrored desk and wardrobe, the room feels special as it has two distinct spaces. Walk through the tied back drapes into the calming bedroom space featuring a high buttoned headboard and a bed dressed with luxury white linens. There’s also a TV, chest of drawers to match the desk and well stocked complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, biscuits as well as bottled water. The room feels spacious and perfect to grab a great nights sleep.

The bathroom is equipped with both a bath and shower with soaps and toiletries for guests convenience. A special mention to the soft and fluffy white towels!

Breakfast is complimentary when you book your room and is served in the restaurant. Help yourself to tea, coffee, juices and cereals after which made to order items are offered. Choose from a full-English, two egg omelette, bacon sandwich, oatmeal porridge or poached eggs on toast.

A great start to send you onto your onward destination or journey back home.

// Book a room at The Marquess of Exeter

Lyddington 

Whilst staying at the Marquess, take a walk in the quintessential Rutland village with its thatched cottages, narrow lanes. Red telephone box, village hall and the historical Bede House. It is located right by St. Andrew Church. The house was originally a medieval wing of a palace, with ownership allotted to the Bishops of Lincoln and in it’s latter years became an alm house.

The house is managed by English Heritage and entry is included in the membership Tariff.

// Explore English Heritage Membership

Indian Food & Rooms: The Marquess Of Exeter Roundup 

The Marquess elevates traditional pub cuisine by incorporating two menus to accommodate food that reflects traditional dishes of the country as well as those from the Indian sub continent. Its location makes it the perfect destination to visit in the centrally positioned county of Rutland for both pleasure and business, The option of the rooms is also a wonderful option to enjoy a staycation and explore the surroundings. 

It’s perfect for families, romantic couples getaways, special occasions and friends who love foodie experiences and stay overs, so no one has to be the designated driver!

Chef Krishapal Negi’s menu is certainly one that excite the senses as well as excels in showcasing the talent of this award winning chef. Rutland has gained a fine dining establishment in the form of Krishna’s at The Marquess.

The last word not only goes to the quality of the food but also to the welcoming, professional. attentive friendly, laid back service which comes with a smile. The staff here truly make The Marquess the whole destination package, add this place to your UK must visit list, The Marquess of Exeter is waiting to be discovered. This is a country pub with a heart that encompasses two continents harmoniously.

The Details

• Location: 52 Mian Street, Lyddington, Oakham Rutland. LE15 9LT  I  Tel: 01572 822477 I Map Location I Website 
• Opening Hours: Daily 12:00-23:00  I Lunch: Mon-Sat 12:00-14:30, Sun 12:00-20:00 I Dinner : Mon-Sat: 18:00-21:00, Sun: 12:00-18:00
• Amenities: Car park at rear of property and Dog-friendly

How To Get To Lyddington

• Plane: The closest Airport to Lyddington is East Midlands // Search for flights with Skyscanner
• Car: Follow the A47 to Uppingham (approximate time from London – 2hrs, 20 mins, from Leicester – 35. mins.)
• Rail: The closest-station is Oakham, you can get a taxi from here or a bus. Look for train tickets with Trainline

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Full Disclosure: This is a collaborative post with The Marquess of Exeter, however all views and opinions are our own. Photography unless otherwise stated remains a copyright of Be-lavie. There may be the inclusion of some affiliate links in this post, if you click through, we may make a commission at no extra cost to you. Full details i our Disclosure Policy.

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