The Lamb Inn is now in the careful hands of husband-and-wife team Elliot and Kathleen CreeThe Lamb Inn is the kind of place that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left. Tucked away in the Cotswolds countryside, it feels as though it has always been here. In many ways, it has – dating back to the 1600s, this historic inn has long been a cornerstone of Great Rissington: a sanctuary for villagers, wayfarers, and the occasional lost rambler in search of a pint. Today, in the careful hands of husband-and-wife team Elliot and Kathleen Cree, it has been quietly re-imagined and its heritage gently polished, rather than overhauled. The result is something rare. A place that oozes history, yet feels entirely of the moment.
Food is at the heart of this Cotswolds concept, with chef patrons Elliot and Kathleen at the helm. Their experience is impressive – stints in some of the world’s most revered kitchens, from London’s Kitchen Table to the three-Michelin-starred Maaemo in Norway – yet their approach here is refreshingly unpretentious. The Lamb Inn is an elevated take on the great British pub: ambitious yet familiar, a place where classic flavours meet global innovation. Each dish is a careful collaboration with local farmers, gamekeepers and artisans, ensuring that what arrives at the table is not just delicious but deeply rooted in its surroundings.
The restaurant here pays its own homage to the Cotswolds, as botanical motifs weave their way through the space. The flicker of candlelight catches on pink pinstriped curtains; rattan pendants overhead sway ever so slightly in the warmth of the cosy room, casting soft pools of light; fairy lights twinkle in the windows. It is charming but never contrived. There’s a calming tempo to the room – the clink of cutlery, the quiet noise of conversation, and a playlist that gently drifts along. It’s the kind of place that invites you to settle in for an evening and one that promises something special. With an atmosphere that feels distinctly homely, guests also have the option to dine wherever the mood takes them – whether that’s nestled by the roaring fire or indulging in a more formal restaurant setting.
Sunday Roast at The Lamb InnOn our visit, a cold winter’s night knocks at the door and we find ourselves drawn to a tucked away table in the restaurant area, hankering after dishes that promise comfort and warmth. The menu is curated yet fluid, shaped by what’s fresh and available, and we start with the spiced tempura broccoli. It is the perfect little nibble and the kind of thing you could order three times over and not regret. Its crisp, golden shell gives way to something tender, balanced by a green chilli sauce that offers just the right amount of heat – it has me wondering whether I should ask chef Elliot for the secret recipe. Arancini are next: small, burnished orbs resting in a rich tomato sauce. The first bite is all crunch, the second a slow unravel of a creamy and molten centre. It is deeply satisfying, the sort of dish that should be eaten slowly and savoured.
For my main, I choose skate. Cooked with precision, it gently falls apart under the fork, its buttery texture lifted by the bright acidity of pickled fennel. A butter chicken sauce – certainly unexpected, yet utterly right – coats the plate, a handful of cashews adding a final, delicate crunch. It’s a dish that surprises in the best way. And then there is a guinness tart that is so deliciously chocolatey and smooth that I don’t think I’ll ever be done talking about it. We sip the last of our wine feeling gloriously satisfied, the glow of candlelight prettily reflecting off our glasses.
Accommodation at The Lamb InnThe Lamb Inn is not just a restaurant, more a gathering place: popping out to see us, chefs Elliot and Kathleen reveal details of a secret supper club coming soon. A 15-course seasonal menu curated for a handful of guests in their private dining room, once a month. It perfectly illustrates their talent and creative flair, and the ambition behind it all, and we will definitely be back for it.
This is very much the kind of place that makes you want to linger, and we are fortunate to be doing just that. After dinner, we order a quick night cap at the bar, and then slink up the winding stairs to find our room for the night. The bedrooms here echo the charm of the restaurant below. Each is decorated in a unique way, but all feature calming hues, comfortable armchairs, vintage touches, and bathrooms stocked with luxurious products. It’s an aesthetic that instantly makes one feel at home.
Morning light pours in the next day as we watch the sun rise over Great Rissington’s picturesque rooftops. One thing is abundantly clear, London’s loss is the Cotswolds’ gain.
