The Rural Capital of Food has a feast waiting for you.
Discover Melton’s Delicious Heritage – and Its Exciting New Future.
Melton has helped shape English food culture for generations. Known as the Rural Capital of Food, home to some of Britain’s most celebrated flavours, Melton proudly holds the title Rural Capital of Food. Its heritage runs centuries deep and – you can taste it everywhere you go.
Melton isn’t just a place to eat, it’s a place to experience food. Here, deep‑rooted traditions blend with fresh new flavours to create a destination unlike anywhere else in England. Explore historic markets, meet passionate producers, taste iconic local specialities and enjoy a thriving food culture that’s constantly evolving.
Want more? Watch these two drool-worthy videos that showcase the melting pot of flavours in the Rural Capital of Food.
Now discover why Melton’s food story is unlike anywhere else.
The Home of Iconic, Protected Traditional British Foods
Melton is the birthplace of two of the UK’s most famous regional foods.
- Melton Mowbray Pork Pies
- Stilton Cheese (both blue and white)
Both have European Protected Food Names (PFN) status, reflecting their historic authenticity and long-standing production in the area. There’s nowhere better to try them than right at the source.
Centuries-Old Markets and Agricultural Traditions
Step into living history with markets that have supported local farming and trade for generations, including one of the UK’s largest livestock markets, founded by an Act of Parliament in 1869. And the third-oldest recorded market in the country. They established Melton as a long-standing hub of rural trade, farming and food exchange.
In Melton, food heritage isn’t preserved behind glass, it’s happening all around you.
Birthplace of Famous Culinary Traditions
Melton has a proud and delicious baking heritage. As you explore the area, you’ll discover traditional treats like the Melton Hunt Cake and the Countess of Rutland Wedding Cake. Recipes that have been part of local life for centuries.
- Afternoon tea, invented in 1843 at nearby Belvoir Castle by Anna, Duchess of Bedford
- The earliest known wedding cake recipe in Britain was recorded here in Melton back in 1653. That early cake would have been more like a spiced, yeasted fruit bread – far from today’s iced tiers, but full of the flavours that shaped our baking traditions
A Modern Hub of Food Culture
Melton’s food story doesn’t stop at the past. A new wave of makers, producers, events and investment is shaping the next chapter in its food culture.
Home to major producers like Belvoir Fruit Farms and Samworth Brothers, Melton is a thriving centre with a strong network of local artisan producers and hosts some of the UK’s most loved food festivals, including:
- East Midlands Food & Drink Festival
- Artisan Cheese awards
- British Pie Awards
- PieFest
- Artisan Cheese Fair
- ChocFest
The New Stockyard Melton Mowbray: Melton’s Food, Culture & Events Destination.
A significant redevelopment is underway at the Stockyard, part of Melton’s historic Cattle Market. This flagship project is designed to strengthen Melton Mowbray’s reputation as the Rural Capital of Food, and create an exciting new visitor hub celebrating local produce, artisan makers, cultural house and year‑round events.
As you enjoy Melton’s historic markets, award‑winning festivals, country pubs and artisan producers, the new Stockyard development will add even more to discover – bringing together food, culture, learning and events in one vibrant destination.
It’s the perfect blend of Melton’s deep food heritage and its exciting future – another great reason to explore, taste and experience everything this unique region has to offer.
Ready to Indulge Your Taste Buds?
Why not embark on a one-of-a-kind culinary experience as you explore the flavours of Melton with Taste the Place.
A Taste of England
Savour traditional English flavours in the most authentic way possible – from castle‑side afternoon teas and cosy countryside pubs to great coffees, bakeries and hearty local classics. Watch how pork pies are crafted, join food tours, or wander bustling food markets. This is where classic English flavour comes to life.
Here’s what you can discover:
Food for Thought
Choose to buy, eat or drink the best local food, straight from farm to fork, and with the promise of the best seasonal tastes.
Taste food that puts local, seasonal ingredients centre stage. From the 12‑course tasting menus of Restaurant Jericho at Orchard Farm to historic pubs such as the Noels’ Arms, championing growers and producers. Melton’s restaurants take farm‑to‑fork seriously.
Here’s what you can explore:
World on a Plate
Melton brings global flavours to the countryside. Dine at the Grange, an Alpine‑inspired restaurant serving traditional dishes like Tartiflette and Berthoud (pronounced “Berto”) – one of only two places in the UK offering these French specialities.
Search here for global delights in Melton:
The Home of Veganism
Vegan or simply curious? Melton’s growing plant‑based scene offers wholesome cafés, creative restaurants and delicious alternatives made to delight every palate.
Go for wholesome and plant-based alternatives to embark upon or fully embrace veganism, or maybe just treat your taste buds to something different.
Check out Vegan & Vegetarian opportunities here:
Paws for Thought
If you’re visiting this historic market town with your four-legged friend, you’re in luck! There are plenty of places to eat and drink that welcome both you and your canine companion. Here’s a guide to some of the top spots in Melton where you and your dog can enjoy a meal or a drink together.
Taste The Place – All of it!
Here’s where you can discover all the all the food and drink waiting for you across Melton, and get ready to Taste The Place in style.
