
The Old Bakery Restaurant
A not-for-profit fine dining gem in a Victorian bakery, offering creative modern European cuisine and supporting student talent.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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The Old Bakery Restaurant

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A not-for-profit fine dining gem in a Victorian bakery, offering creative modern European cuisine and supporting student talent.
"The best restaurant in Lincoln at the moment - first-class food and service at reasonable prices!"
Try the Tasting Menu
Consider the tasting menu or Sunday lunch for inventive dishes at an affordable price.
Book for Special Occasions
Ideal for delightful meals on special occasions like Mother's Day. Celebrations are made special here.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Modern European
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 1522 244646
Address
26/28 Burton Rd, Lincoln, LN1 3LB, United Kingdom
Website
theold-bakery.co.uk/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tasting Menu Experience
Savor seasonal produce with an imaginative tasting menu, praised for its quality and affordability. A true culinary adventure.

Inviting Conservatory Ambiance
Dine in a sunlit conservatory-style room, offering a comfortable and inviting atmosphere perfect for any occasion.

Exceptional Value
Experience fine dining at remarkably affordable prices, especially for the quality of food and service offered.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try the Tasting Menu
Consider the tasting menu or Sunday lunch for inventive dishes at an affordable price.
Book for Special Occasions
Ideal for delightful meals on special occasions like Mother's Day. Celebrations are made special here.
Dress Code
Smart-casual attire is recommended for a comfortable dining experience.
Manage Cold
Bring layers if sensitive to cold; heaters can be requested if needed.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try the Tasting Menu
Consider the tasting menu or Sunday lunch for inventive dishes at an affordable price.
Book for Special Occasions
Ideal for delightful meals on special occasions like Mother's Day. Celebrations are made special here.
Dress Code
Smart-casual attire is recommended for a comfortable dining experience.
Manage Cold
Bring layers if sensitive to cold; heaters can be requested if needed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Old Bakery Restaurant is highly praised for its imaginative and well-presented dishes, particularly the tasting menu and Sunday lunch options. Diners consistently highlight the attentive and charismatic service, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere. While most experiences are excellent, some larger groups have found the booking process and bill payment slightly complex. The value for money is considered exceptional for fine dining in Lincoln.
"Me and my partner came here yesterday for Sunday lunch and its safe to say it lived up to the somewhat high expectations. The food was cooked well, tasted good, and was presented with a bit of pizzazz, but not in a pretentious way. Our server - I didn't catch his name, but he had grey hair - was really inviting and charismatic and just made the whole experience feel that bit more special. The dining hall was also lovely, with a nice atmosphere and a comfortable temperature, and the conservatory style roof also allowed lots of sunlight to come through which overall made for a really pleasant dining experience overall.
Lastly, the value - whilst there are other restaurants in Lincoln with a similar standard of food, none do it for £30 for three courses. I'll happily have my meal cooked by students in training if its going to make it more affordable!
Cons were: The green beans were a little under for my liking, the yorkshire pudding was a little crispier than I'd usually go for, and although the glazed carrots were nice, they were a little too acidic for me. The gravy, although still tasty, was also a touch too red wine heavy, which meant it was a little too tart. Overall the food was still very tasty though.
We will absolutely be returning for another lunch service at some point
Solid 85/100"
Charlie Tedder
"My husband and I had a lovely stay at The Old bakery. We decided to do the taster menu with wine pairing and stay offer. We also booked for breakfast the next morning.
All the food we had tasted amazing and was presented very well. The staff were great and the room we stayed in was lovely. Would definitely recommend."
Sue Swann
"We enjoyed the lunch menu and impressed with the experience. Apologies for leaving in a hurry, but we want to extend our sincere thanks to the waiter who was friendly, attentive and welcoming. Every dish from starter to dessert was not only delicious but also beautifully presented. We’ll definitely come back! Thanks very much!"
Josh Quilantang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
It's known for its imaginative tasting menu, fine dining experience, and its role as a not-for-profit catering school.
While the food is excellent, some reviews suggest it might be less ideal for very large groups due to booking complexity.
Considered very affordable for fine dining, with lunch menus around £30 for three courses.
While not explicitly listed, the menu often features vegetarian dishes, and they can likely accommodate dietary needs.
The restaurant offers an inviting atmosphere with a comfortable dining hall, including a conservatory-style roof.
Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service and weekend lunches.
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Where to buy The Lincoln Cliff splits the city into Uphill and, you guessed it, Downhill. The historic city is mostly in Uphill, with Victorian and older on and off Bailgate, Eastgate and Westgate; off Steep Hill (bring thighs) plus the West End. The old roads out of town for period property.
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Appropriately, the menu at the Old Bakery includes home-baked bread, alongside unlikely flavour combinations, such as broccoli soup with cherry gel and…
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Savour seasonal produce with an imaginative tasting menu at Lincoln’s only two-AA Rosette restaurant, The Old Bakery, housed inside a converted Victorian bakery. For more food served with a side of history opt for seasonal small places at The Jew’s House, set inside one of the oldest stone houses in Britain. Live out your fromage fantasies at the 12-seater Cheese Society, where you can try local favourites like Lincolnshire Poacher alongside English and European classics, or if you’re looking for vegan food, tuck into plant-based dishes like dhal, chickpea and spinach kadala curry and fries with banana ketchup at Shanti Vegan.
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Although it is a favourite amongst locals, The Old Bakery is still a bit of a hidden gem in Lincoln. Owned and managed by Lincoln College, The Old Bakery is a not-for-profit restaurant that helps give college students the vital experience they need before heading into the workplace, under the guidance of passionate chef Phil Cooke. A dinner here is more than just a delicious meal, it is also an investment into young talent and the local community.
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The independently owned and family run restaurant is located in the Uphill area of Lincoln, close to the Cathedral Quarter and Castle Area, and has huge amounts of rustic charm. The restaurant is open for dinner service between 7 and 8:30pm and offers a five course tasting menu and an exquisite wine list to match. To make a reservation you can call The Old Bakery on 01522 576057 or email: enquiries@theold-bakery.co.uk.
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The Old Bakery Restaurant: Located within the historical Bailgate area, The Old Bakery Restaurant offers a delightful breakfast with a touch of rustic charm. Set in a historic building, this restaurant serves up traditional British breakfast fare with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Indulge in their homemade bread and preserves for an authentic Lincolnshire breakfast experience.
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The Old Bakery Restaurant with Rooms is ideally located in the Uphill area of Lincoln, close to Lincoln Cathedral, Castle and many other points of historic interest in the Cathedral Quarter with it's popular mix of original shops, cafes and public houses which are to be found on the Bailgate and Steep Hill. The surroundings at The Old Bakery are rustic, relaxed and informal.
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My favourite is The Old Bakery – go to uphill Lincoln and beyond (best to Google map it first as it can be slightly difficult to find). Run by a real Italian character – Ivano de Serio – but food is mainly British and all of it is made from fresh ingredients, often local. My first choice in Lincoln.
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A smart-casual restaurant by Lincoln Castle, The Old Bakery blends Victorian features and contemporary decor to create a charming setting for precise modern European menus. Plus, it’s a not-for-profit; every penny goes to The Old Bakery catering school.
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A stay at The Old Bakery places you in the heart of Lincoln, steps from Museum of Lincolnshire Life and 3 minutes by foot from Ellis Mill. This hotel is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from The Lawn and 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Lincoln Castle.
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Ivano and Tracey de Serio’s restaurant on Burton Road in Lincoln is described as “homely with the feel of a farmhouse kitchen” in the guide, which boasts about The Old Bakery’s “comprehensive” five-course taster meals.
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Wig and Mitre – traditional British food, located just by the cathedral on Steep Hill. I’ve had the twice-baked soufflé here a couple of times and it’s very good
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A 2-minute walk from centre this 4-star bed and breakfast in Lincoln is one of the good quality places to stay at people lodging at The Old Bakery will find...
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Situated close to the Cathedral Quarter, this converted Victorian bakery with a glass ceiling garden room boasts two AA Rosette awards.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit