
The traditional image of Lincolnshire is of vast stretches of re-claimed flat Fenland now used for producing enormous quantities of vegetables for freezing and canning. The fresh stuff is there, too, and restaurants make the most of it. Like Norfolk, Lincolnshire benefits from the pollution-free waters of the Wash, which are particularly good for cockles and mussels. The county also has an enviable reputation for its pork and pork products: look out for stuffed chine - a famous delicacy still produced and sold in the area.
Elio'sThe recently expanded Elios Restaurant now has a 100 cover capacity which is good news for those who have had difficulty reserving a table at this award-winning venue.
11 Market Place, Barton Upon Humber, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Italian
Blue Bell InnA hanging blue bell serves as the inn sign for this delightful whitewashed village pub in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds.
1 Main Road, Belchford, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Branston Hall HotelBuilt as a private stately home in 1885, Branston Hall was impressively restored and converted into a country house hotel in 1990.
Branston Park, Branston, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Modern British
Kingsway HotelA classic seaside hotel in the holiday resort of Cleethorpes, the Kingsway Hotel has been in the Harris family for four generations and is notable for its ever-helpful personable service and loyal staff.
Kingsway, Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: International
Riverside Bar & RestaurantThe setting is a big plus point at this lively bar/restaurant: the Riverside stands opposite the Point and enjoys stupendous views of the River Humber from the pier to the Bull Fort out to sea.
2 Alexandra Road, Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Modern European
Epworth TapOver the years, this converted private residence in a village a few miles from Doncaster and the M180 has established itself as one of the premier wine bars in the land.
9-11 Market Place, Epworth, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Bistro
The ChequersIn a pretty Fenland village surrounded by marshes, wildfowl and vast expanses of sky, this charming eighteenth-century village pub still oozes character with its beamed bars, real fires and fine crop of well-kept real ales from the region.
Main Street, Gedney Dyke, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Angel & Royal Hotel, Kings RoomThis fine old building lays claim to being one of the most venerable coaching inns in Britain. The site dates back to 1203, although much of the present building started life around the fourteenth century, when it was a hostel for the chivalrous Brotherhood of the Knights of the Garter.
High Street, Grantham, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Modern British
Belton Woods Hotel, Stanton's BrasserieOverlooking a tranquil lake in 475 acres of gorgeous Lincolnshire countryside, this modern luxury hotel comes with all manner of facilities and comforts, from golf courses to beauty treatment suites.
Belton, Grantham, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: International
Everest InnA highly popular addition to the Grantham scene, the Everest Inn is a likeable family-run neighbourhood restaurant specialising in Nepalese cuisine – with a supporting cast of well-known dishes from the traditional Indian curry house repertoire.
7 Westgate, Grantham, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Nepalese
Harry's PlacePrepare yourself for a treat, because Harry's is a remarkable, one-off set up. The location is a Georgian house in a village a few miles from Grantham, and the restaurant consists of a single room furnished with just three sturdy pine tables and seating for a maximum of ten people.
17 High Street, Grantham, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Modern French
Lavanda @ The AvenueOwners Martin and Tracy Dalton have transformed the old breakfast room of the Avenue Hotel into a stylish contemporary restaurant done out in shades of pink and lavender (lavande) with polished pine floors and upholstered pine chairs.
The Avenue Hotel, Grantham, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: European
The Brownlow ArmsFrom the outside the handsome Brownlow Arms looks rather like a bijou country house hotel, although it still plays the part of an old-fashioned inn with rooms.
High Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: European
The Chequers InnSituated some six miles west of Grantham, within striking distance of Belvoir Castle and the Grantham Canal, this homely seventeenth-century village pub makes an impact with its blackened beams, roaring fires and serious line-up of real ales.
Main Street, Grantham, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Beeches HotelOccupying a revamped Victorian building a short distance from Grimsby town centre, the Beeches Hotel has been given a cool contemporary look, and is now a favoured destination for business travellers and locals alike.
42 Waltham Road, Grimsby, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Modern European
The GregoryThe fortunes of this Lincolnshire roadside pub have changed a great deal since the nineteenth century, when it was a watering hole for workers on the nearby Gregory family's estate.
The Drift, Harlaxton, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
Magpies RestaurantOne of Lincolnshire's gems, this Magpie nests in a 200-year-old building which has recently undergone a stylish refurbishment, leaving it decorated in warm yellows and reds to create a comfortable and mellow ambience.
71-75 East Street, Horncastle, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Old Bakery Restaurant with RoomsSince opening its doors in December 2004, the Old Bakery has become one of Lincoln's hot spots with a fistful of accolades to its credit (including 2 AA Rosettes, a 'Profit through Passion' award from Lincolnshire Tourism in 2007 and Gold Award winners in the East Midlands Tourism 'Enjoy England Excellence Awards 2007' in the Taste of England category.
26 - 28 Burton Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: International
FourteenIn the heart of Lincoln's historic cathedral quarter, Fourteen brings a touch of ultra-modern brasserie glitz to the local restaurant scene.
14 Bailgate, Lincoln, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Modern European
The Castle Hotel, Knights RestaurantDating back more than 150 years (with some rooms even older than that), this Grade-II listed building is perfectly placed within view of Lincoln's magnificent Castle and Cathedral - making it a prime destination for tourists and visitors to the historic city.
Westgate, Lincoln, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: International
The Farmers ArmsWelton Hill isn't much more than a few houses and a pub surrounded by open farmland some eight miles north of Lincoln, but this enterprising brick-built hostelry (formerly a transport café) brings in the crowds because of its food and its wine.
Market Rasen Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Gastro pub
The White Hart Hotel, The Lincoln GrilleThe White Hart Hotel is an intimate boutique hotel located in the heart of Lincoln's historical quarter and is home to The Lincoln Grille.
Bailgate, Lincoln, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: International
Wig and MitreSince 1977, the Hope family has been pleasing the crowds in their fourteenth-century building between Lincoln castle and the cathedral.
30-32 Steep Hill, Lincoln, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Modern British
Kenwick Park HotelSet amid a beautiful Georgian estate with 320 acres of glorious grounds and leisure facilities, Kenwick Park Hotel has been stylishly converted to maintain its original splendour whilst incorporating modern day comforts and quality.
Kenwick Park, Louth, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: International
The BrackenboroughIdyllically situated just outside the historic town of Louth, the Brackenborough hotel and restaurant remains a popular local destination with a warm, personal style and a flexible attitude towards food - not to mention splendid views of the surrounding Lincolnshire Wolds.
Cordeaux Corner, Louth, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Modern British
Cley Hall Hotel'The food was fantastic and staff made it a memorable stay,' enthused one couple after visiting Cley Hall Hotel. Originally a Georgian manor and private residence, it was sold in 1813 and now does duty as a delightful hotel set in landscaped grounds by the banks of the River Welland.
22 High Street, Spalding, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Modern British
Jim's Yard'Jim' is actually James Trevor, who moved here with his wife Sharon after putting the Jackson Stops Inn at Stretton on the foodie map.
3 Ironmonger Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Modern European
The George of StamfordOne of England's most venerable hostelries that has been welcoming tourists, travellers and even royalty for literally hundreds of years.
71 St Martins, Stamford, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: British
The VoujonYounger sister to the original in Oakham, this branch of Voujon opened early in 2007 and brings a touch of upmarket Indian cuisine to Stamford.
26 Broad Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Indian
Grange & Links HotelSituated in five acres of grounds close to Sandilands beach, this pleasing family-run hotel boasts all manner of facilities from an 18-hole links golf course, gymnasium and two full-sized snooker tables to an attractive lounge and a lavish ballroom for private functions.
Sea Lane, Sutton on Sea, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: International
Winteringham FieldsA remarkable sixteenth-century manor in an out-of-the-way village not far from the Humber Bridge, Winteringham Fields has won just about every accolade in the book, and it's about to enter its second golden age.
Silver Street, Winteringham, Lincolnshire - Cuisine: Modern French