Set in the heart of Uppingham, Don Paddy’s is a bustling meeting place complete with excellent food, an extensive drinks menu and a charming coffee shop. Inside, the atmosphere is lively, bottles of Champagne line the ceiling, and chalkboards on the wall boast hearty, seasonal specials – on our late November visit these included whole roast partridge and chunky winter soup.
I started with the latter and it was lightly spiced and comforting, accompanied by generous hunks of nutty brown bread. My companion chose the gloriously gooey Camembert which came with tangy red onion chutney. My duck breast in blackberry sauce was an exquisite main. The rich meat was roasted to perfection and set alongside plump berries, tasty green beans and creamy, satisfying Dauphinoise potatoes. My partner opted for the Stilton-topped burger and was similarly impressed: the meat was high quality and came with thick-cut chips that were perfectly fluffy inside and so delicious I pinched a handful for myself.
All I could manage for dessert was sorbet, but I couldn’t have hoped for a better finish than the tart blackberry, sweet raspberry and sharp lemon scoops I was served. An altogether excellent meal.
