Set in the pretty Vale of Belvoir village of Colston Bassett, The Martin's Arms is a 17th-century Grade II-listed pub and restaurant with some of the best group dining in Nottinghamshire. After MasterChef: The Professionals champion Laurence Henry took the reins with his wife Sera, this beloved inn has earned a spot in the Michelin Guide and a reputation for cooking that punches well above its rural postcode.
For smaller gatherings, The Snug is the jewel in The Martin's Arms' crown: a semi-private room seating up to 12 around in a cosy space with a real fire. It's the kind of room that makes birthdays, anniversaries, and long celebratory lunches feel genuinely special. Other group dinners can be accommodated in the main restaurant, where antique mahogany furniture and a carved Jacobean fireplace set a mood that's smart and cosy. Come summer, the sunny garden terrace opens up another option entirely, ideal for al fresco group meals, pizzas and rosé with a countryside backdrop.
Whichever space you choose, private dining menus at The Martin's Arms are sure to give your group plenty to talk about. Henry's seasonal menus draw on serious technique and brilliant local sourcing. The Colston Bassett Stilton soufflé is something of a signature, a nod to the world-famous dairy that sits practically on the doorstep, and starters like cured salmon with oscietra caviar or Cornish mussels in cider and smoked bacon sauce set the tone nicely.
Mains take in everything from spring lamb with confit belly and wild garlic to a theatrical côte de boeuf for the table at 700g. Set menus make group bookings straightforward and represent strong value for the quality on offer. With a bespoke house ale and a well-chosen wine list to match, alongside excellent heartfelt service, The Martin's Arms delivers a group dining experience that's hard to better in the region.