Between Nottingham And Peterborough Is The 'Rural Capital Of Food' With Quaint Shops, Festivals, And Tasty Eats

There's no shortage of reasons to visit Leicestershire, England. From exciting events and vibrant cities to peaceful rural attractions and nature retreats, it offers a myriad of choices for first-time visitors. If you're looking for someplace quaint yet lively that offers one of the region's most impressive culinary scenes, the choice might be easier than you'd think. Melton Mowbray is home to fewer than 30,000 residents, but it promises travelers a full itinerary, complete with historic markets, mom-and-pop shops, vibrant festivals, and the type of dishes that have earned it the title "Rural Capital of Food."

Here, you won't only get to try the PGI-protected pork pie and famous Stilton cheese, but you'll also be able to explore dozens of highly reviewed restaurants. In addition, foodies can also attend one of the several culinary events hosted throughout the year, including the East Midlands Food Festival. Whatever your reason for visiting centuries-old market town, be sure to make time to browse around the hundreds of booths manned by local vendors and try to pop in the occasional shop, as well. There are plenty of unique, locally-owned stores where you can search for the perfect souvenir.

You'll find Melton Mowbray between Nottingham and Peterborough, less than an hour away from each. For fliers, the nearest major airport is East Midlands (EMA), though Birmingham's (BHX) is a great second option if you can't find any convenient flights to the former. For transfers and day trips, public transportation options are almost always available, so it may be worth taking the time to figure out how it works rather than renting a car.

You'll often find Melton Mowbray referred to as the "Rural Capital of Food" thanks to its deep-rooted culinary heritage and agricultural origins. And while Rick Steves has said tourists should order a "fry-up" when visiting Great Britain, those coming to Melton Mowbray, specifically, have another dish on their must-try list: the iconic Melton Mowbray Pork Pie. It has been a town staple since the 1700s, comprised of a hot water crust pastry, uncured fresh pork, and natural bone stock jelly. Because of its significance, the dish is protected both by the European Union through its Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) designation and the UK under the Protected Food Names scheme (UKGI). 

The pie's roots are also closely related to the local cheese-making industry, which provided excess whey to fatten the pigs. And no food experience in Melton Mowbray would be complete without a tasting of its famous Stilton cheese. Believed to have been created by a Frances Pawlett in the 18th century, Stilton is a blue cheese characterized by a streaked interior, crumbly texture, and rich, nutty flavor.

The town's culinary reputation is cemented by its selection of highly reviewed eateries and shops, including Ye Olde Pork Pie Shoppe. Open since 1851, this is the place to enjoy traditional pork pies plus a selection of English cheeses (including Stilton). Ingredients are locally sourced, while pie-making techniques are passed down through generations. For a more modern array of flavors, stop by the local Montero Lounge. Known for its exposed brick and wooden floors, the restaurant offers a varied menu that includes vegan and gluten-free options, Christmas festivities, and weekly deals. Visitors also compliment the roof terrace.

Melton Mowbray is a historic market town whose vendors have been operating since the 11th century. Today, it's the site of one of the region's largest and most varied markets, held every Tuesday and Saturday. Here, you can browse everything from fresh produce, meats, and cheeses to gifts and accessories. The Melton Cheeseboard is a must-visit. It's a traditional cheesemonger selling over 160 varieties plus other locally-sourced foods, with visitors complimenting the personable owner and charming atmosphere. Whitehouse Emporium, on the other hand, is a home and gift shop carrying candles, diffusers, and charming decor. Patrons rave about the cozy setup and friendly staff.

And while England is home to one of the 10 truly bizarre festivals around the world we can't believe exist, those you'll find in Melton Mowbray are classics, starting with the East Midlands Food Festival. It's one of the largest events of its kind in the UK, offering artisanal pies, cheeses, and chocolate, along with a ready-to-eat food area featuring global cuisines. The festival has been running for over 20 years, with attendees also enjoying beers, spirits, workshops, and a kids zone. Music lovers might appreciate Melton SKA Festival, featuring Reggae, Ska, Mod, and Northern Soul. The event promises live music, food, and drinks. If you visit Melton Mowbray, be sure to consider traveling only 20 miles to Leicester, the "birthplace of tourism" and one of England's oldest cities.