The Bustard Inn & Restaurant
+44 1529 488250+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
12:00 - 16:00
Wed
12:00 - 14:3017:30 - 22:30
Thu
12:00 - 14:3017:30 - 22:30
Fri
12:00 - 14:3017:30 - 22:30
Sat
12:00 - 22:30
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Bar, British, Pub, Gastropub, Vegetarian friendly
“The Roast Beef was perfectly cooked and the Cauliflower Cheese was very cheesy.”
“... both had the pulled pork and burger all flavoursome and filling,great ser...”
“I had the beef ( cooked to perfection) and my wife had the pork.”
“we opted for two starters - Ham hock and the soup (both spot on tasty and fil...”
Is this a British restaurant?
Details
About
Set in the peaceful Lincolnshire village of South Rauceby, just a couple of miles from Sleaford, The Bustard Inn is a beautiful Grade II listed Victorian building offering a warm, safe, friendly environment in which to enjoy fine dining in the spacious, well-ventilated restaurant or simply relaxing with a beer & sandwich in the bar or garden. A family-run business, we boast exceptional chefs who creatively offer up standout dishes across lunch, evening and Sunday services, as well as bespoke menus for our weddings & events. We cater for all appetites and dietary restrictions and source our food from local suppliers and flavours from our very own herb garden. Award-winning, we hold two AA Rosettes and won Lincolnshire Restaurant of the Year 2021, voted for by the readers of Lincolnshire Pride. However you choose to spend your time with us – individually, with family, friends or as a party – our approachable front-of-house team will make you feel relaxed and very welcome.
PRICE RANGE
£9.00 – £40.00
CUISINES
Bar, British, Pub, Gastropub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
Top 3 reasons to eat here
Sponsored by: The Bustard Inn & Restaurant
1. Delicious food
"Absolutely delicious food! Attentive service and relaxing atmosphere."
jjp2000uk
2. Service with a smile
"Excellent service and a really nice atmosphere throughout."
Buntin1
3. Safe & secure
"Excellent meal tonight with lovely staff in a very safe environment."
TheWildCats
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4.5
494 reviews
Excellent
361
Very good
81
Average
36
Poor
11
Terrible
6
Maqsib
Boston17 contributions
Favourite Review
Aug 2023 • solo
Wow
After my previous disappointment elsewhere this was a lovely experience. It's no wonder they have recently won their second rosette and they should win Best Lincolnshire Restaurant.... you will vote for them once you enjoy their excellent cuisine. The wine list is brilliant with suggestions to match food choices which work.
As for the food I enjoyed a beautifully balanced pan fried garlic and chilli prawn dish pico de gallop with favacado puree and homemade cornbread - perfect - followed by poached halibut, ratte potatoes, sauted spinach and samphire, pickled cucumber, capers and nut brown butter. The cheese board was excellent and the deconstructed pana cotta with sorbet was unexpected but lovely.
Not cheap but fine dining in smart tastefully designed surroundings. A gastro village pub supreme. The staff are great and the manager is friendly and fully committed to the special product she is rightly proud to present. Can't wait to return - it's a real gem!
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
food4thought
67 contributions
Sept 2020 • couples
Came here last night for dinner, nice friendly staff and good greeting.
Followed the covid-19 guidelines well!
Sat down at a lovely table of two overlooking the whole restaurant, wine list was well set out and very reasonably priced, catering for most people.
We ordered the panacotta and pigs cheek terrine, both were ok!
My only gripe is that the panacotta could have had the ingredients incorporated more, served in a glass, sprinkled with canned sweetcorn and some hot slices of chilli.
We then had the Hake Fish of the Day with crab rissotto, lovely fresh fish, crispy skin and velvety crab..... beautiful!
The chicken was ok, served with basil gnocchi, chicken was nicely cooked, however the hake was that good I wish we ordered two portions.
The dessert choice was crumble served with a ginger custard, nice way to finish the meal.
Overall a nice restaurant, friendly staff, good wine list and decent choices,
Written 10 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine T
Lincoln80 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
We had dinner here in a lovely dining room on 4th February, a quiet Tuesday evening. We chose three courses from the menu but could have had a special of one course and a drink for £10. The food was hot, delicious and nicely presented. The host and staff were friendly and welcoming.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen
4 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Dissapointing after reading the good reviews. Very over priced sunday lunch, roast pork was bland servred without any stuffing or yourkshire pudding, gravy was like water.
Dessert pear tart was also overcooked cake like middle and almost burnt, couldnt see or taste pear. We paid £80 for lunch for 2 people inculding a glass of wine and a beer.
I wouldnt have minded if the food was good, think we are paying for the Molton Brown hand wash in the loos. Sorry to say other people I have spoken too since have all agreed their meals there wasnt good. So many other places in the area for half the price and serving much better food.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
602LJL
We appreciate all feedback but it’s more effective if provided on the day. One of our Managers checked on you multiple times and the only issue you raised was the Yorkshire pudding, which you were provided with despite it not being on the menu for the pork dish. Regarding your comments on pricing, Sunday dinner is £22 for two courses but more expensive if, like you, the scallop starter is chosen. We pride ourselves on the cleanliness and presentation of our toilets, and make no apologies on that score. Please reach out to us directly if you wish to discuss your experience further.
Written 31 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AM2510
20 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
The building is lovely and the staff were relatively friendly, however despite looking forward to dining here for a little while, we were unfortunately disappointed.
We we seated without menus and asked what we wanted to drink without having a chance to look at the drinks menu,
After a while we asked for our menus, when they arrived they read well and our order was taken promptly.
Unfortunately the food was slow and missed the mark, the chicken starter was cold which although nice and prepared well I feel should have been stated on the menu as this puts off some people (such as my partner) my stater of pigeon we nice and cooked well although there was a little too much going on which meant some of the ingredients got lost, never the less it was a nice dish.
My lamb main had some delicious elements however again this was overshadowed by too many ingredients.
I am not sure what place sausage chunks and tender-stem broccoli have on this dish. There was too much sauce and the fat on the lamb was not rendered down nearly enough making it difficult to cut and a little chewy. My partners pork main was nice although he did also comment that some ingredients were not necessary.
I fed back the cooking of the lamb, the chef was told... and that was all.
We were also disappointed that the restaurant were informed that this was a special birthday meal and this was not acknowledged in any way.
We are more than happy to pay for a nice meal, executed well and enjoy trying places like this and supporting local businesses however if charging these prices in the local area the food really needs to hit the mark and sadly it didn’t.
We hope that these small things improve as it really does have a lot of potential.
Written 30 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan S
Boston13 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
I have eaten at the Bustard Inn over the past 25 years but today I was very pleasantly surprised. The current owners are very friendly yet professional and the chef has produced some of the best food I have ever eaten in a Lincolnshire restaurant.
We went for lunch and found the atmosphere very relaxing, we ate 3 courses and thoroughly enjoyed every bite.
Written 19 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rochester Rick
Rochester15 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
This was our first visit to a restaurant since lockdown eased, but we needn’t have worried. Restaurant was laid out brilliantly to accommodate social distancing and all staff followed guidelines religiously, making us feel very comfortable. Food was excellent, all three courses, staff attentive and friendly. Myself and four other members of my family all agreed it was the best meal we’d had out in ages and we all felt safe. Cannot recommend this restaurant enough. Please if you’re ever in the area give this place a visit you won’t regret it. Many thanks to all the staff for a fantastic meal and for all the hard work you are putting in.
Written 16 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cathedralcity
23 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
A great visit during the current restrictions. The management and staff are really on top of everything, and a downsized menu at present actually provides a great choice. Far more so than most places at the moment and really cooked well. A delightful time and really well looked after. Many thanks, and see you again soon!
Written 12 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalie Warner
1 contribution
Sept 2020 • couples
We have been to The Bustard for many post Dog walk drinks in the past and often commented on how delicious the Sunday lunches look. After seeing a full beer garden last weekend we decided to book in and have a post Dog walk lunch Instead of just a drink, and were in no way disappointed. The food was delicious- perfect sized portions and cooked beautifully. The Eton mess cheesecake is glorious and I’d have given this restaurant 5* purely for that. Even though it was very busy the staff were attentive, polite and very mindful of the social distancing etiquette without making it clinical. All in all, we had a wonderful lunch in lovely surroundings and will return many more times in the future.
Written 20 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah M
London23 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
We ate here for Sunday lunch last week. The food was absolutely delicious, With two vegetarians in the family and a limited menu for lunch, we felt we had a good choice and both enjoyed the miso aubergine dish and the ravioli, and we have never eaten such a lovely crumble!! We were made to feel welcome as soon as we arrived and the staff went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable and followed stringent covid guidance, making us feel safe. Overall a super meal, we will definitely be back.
Written 29 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan Clifford
Ruskington382 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Firstly, the service is First Class & the adjustments made for SD are not intrusive. However, unlike some other places we have tried, there was no atmosphere at all. Only our friend made it at all jovial. Unfortunately, the food is WAY overpriced for what it is. £22 for a thin greasy steak, a greasy mushroom & tomato & a handful of not very savoury fries. My steak was salty as was my wife's duck. And she had no veg...just a few squirts of puree. And I thought that Nouvelle Cuisine was past its sell by date. The Bustard is just a country pub and should not try to set itself up as a trendy epicurean delight. Quite frankly, the food was not up to scratch...at any price. I would have complained but the evening would have been spoiled for my friends. We wont be going back. The staff are trying hard to make a go of it post Covid but the food must improve. I'll always pay for well cooked & presented food but this wasn't.
Written 21 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jubar69
Sleaford22 contributions
Oct 2020 • couples
What a wonderful idea to serve simple and classic dishes every Thursday. The ‘One pot wonder’ idea at The Bustard is a triumph. We have been taken to North Africa with a wonderful Moroccan Tagine and to France with a delicious sausage cassoulet the following week. Accompanied on each occasion with a glass of red wine included in the price. The service, attention to detail, settling, and cleanliness cannot be faulted. This is a ‘Thursday night must’ from now. Well done team Bustard.
Written 13 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandsled
United Kingdom150 contributions
Sept 2021 • friends
We found this restaurant by chance whilst travelling through Lincolnshire on holiday.
The gardens were lovely as we walked through from the car park and the restaurant was spacious, airy and beautifully presented.
From the moment we walked through the door the staff made us feel incredibly welcome and nothing was too much trouble.
We ordered the Sunday roast and I can safely say it was probably the best roast I have ever eaten in any pub or restaurant.
I would like to thank the owner/front of house who was extremely courteous, friendly and quick to address anything we needed.
I would highly recommend a visit here if you should be nearby.
Written 29 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graham
2 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
We have been going to The Bustard for four years now and in that time both the ownership and the head chef have changed but the quality of the meals has remained high. The first meal I had here was simple fish and chips which was cook perfectly. My wife confirmed today that it is still perfect.
I had the slow cook beef cheek. Which was cooked so long that you could just pull it apart. It sat on kale and a potato rosti. I've never been convinced about kale and I might have preferred something else like thinly cut carrots(?). My petty dislikes were set aside by the originally of the celeriac, apple, onion and cream fresh blend topped smoked bacon.
Written 23 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Morganman
2 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
Restaurant ambiance pleasant. Staff also smiley However, the food was in my opinion AWFUL. I had a"Jacob,s Ladder" concoction starter- a strange mix of crispy meat bits with olives and tartar sauce. Tasted horrible. My ribeye steak was requested as medium to well done. Unfortunately it was small, very chewy and cremated. Chips described as hand cut , were the size of small canoes stored vertically in a container or mug.Perhaps the size of the chips was to compensate for the mini size of the steak. ? The Tomatoes were overcooked (microwaved? ) and mushy. Above all the food tasted very salty with a strange fatty aftertaste. My wife had fish ,chips and mushy peas which were ok but nothing special .I was asked if everything was ok with the food. I replied "yes" as I go out for a meal for enjoyment and not confrontation in front of other customers. This restaurant is overpriced and serves poorly cooked , pretentious food. Needless to state we did not hang around for desserts
Written 2 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julian Lonsdale
We attempt to extract constructive feedback from all reviews but in your case this diatribe is valueless. We checked: our team was engaged with you throughout your meal but you categorically only raised the ‘hand-cut chips’ query. You asked if your wife could have soup, which wasn’t on the menu, and our “smiley staff” happily obliged. The same “smiley staff” that you, by your own admission, misled by saying everything was fine because they may be confrontational! Undeterred, we put in a polite call in an honest attempt to get to the bottom of what had transpired – you put the phone down on us! Your tawdry behaviour says a lot more about you than it ever does about our professional, courteous, well-mannered team. AVOID? – you absolutely should, because YOU will not be welcome.
Written 4 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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