Eating and Drinking

Inside Bella Vita — Inside the charming Bella Vita

There are many good places to eat and drink, and a few very good places. We have added our own favourites and will update this page regularly as establishments tend to change over time.

For a more comprehensive guide to eating and drinking in the area, see visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk and for a list of real ale pubs try North Notts CAMRA

Our current favourite is Bella Vita, an independent Italian restaurant set on the banks of the river Maun in Old Ollerton. In what used to be The Snooty Fox pub, there is now an outdoor bar and seating area overlooking the river, as well as an indoor bar and various dining areas. This family and dog friendly restaurant has personable staff and fabulous, authentic food created by its award winning chef and owner. The reasonable prices and outdoor space make it ideal for families, and the interior is great for more intimate gatherings and couples.

Edwinstowe boasts a number of excellent venues including Launay’s Restaurant, Forest Lodge and the Royal Oak. You can experience Launay’s fine cuisine at a reduced price if you dine early; you can watch your meal being prepared in the Royal Oak restaurant theatre, or enjoy a truly great Sunday roast at the Forest Lodge.

Other notable venues include Balsamico Bistro for tapas and cocktails (book in advance due to limited seating), and Smoke and Ice for their unique take on a Sunday roast and a variety of Asian influenced dishes cooked in a smoker.

The Dog and Duck in Clipstone is a local favourite, as is the Dovecote Inn in Luxton. The recently re-opened Rose Cottage (opposite the car park to Rufford abbey and within walking distance) has adopted a chic and contemporary Alice in Wonderland theme. It is family and dog friendly but can get busy due to its proximity to Center Parcs.

We have previously been impressed by the quality of food at the Maypole Inn at Wellow, which also has a comfortable bar area for a pre-meal drink or three; and notice that Forest Lodge in Edwinstowe has what looks to be an impressive new menu.

For snacks and light lunches we would recommend the tea room at Ollerton Watermill (seasonal), and The Cafe at Sherwood Forest Art and Crafts Centre .

At the Big Fish roundabout on the A614 you will find a McDonald’s, Costa drive-through and the Big Fish, Fish and Chips itself. If you venture a little further into New Ollerton you will pass three take-aways – Pizza Italia, Bengal Spice and China Town Chinese; and there is a Domino’s and our favourite Dolphin Bar fish and chip shop on the main road (A6075 Forest Road) amongst many others.