The Lincolnite tries: Fresh menu at The Rest Hotel on Lincoln’s Steep Hill

Enjoy food in a spacious, comfortable and relaxing environment

Paul and Steph Marcroft are the owners of The Rest Hotel on Lincoln's Steep Hill. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The Rest hotel has been serving the people of Lincoln for around a decade and the current owners have put their own stamp on the business with a menu of fresh, made to order food using the freshest ingredients.

After having spent 20 years in Atlantic Beach, Florida, Paul and Steph Marcroft made a decision to return home to Lincoln.

They took over the licensed hotel last year before opening the dog-friendly cafe, which has indoor and outdoor seating, just before the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022.

Thai Bagel – peanut butter, cucumber, red onion, chilli flakes, and honey on a sesame bagel. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Inside the cafe at The Rest hotel in Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Warm salted soft pretzels are another popular item on the menu. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The homemade soup is a big hit with the guests. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Paul Marcroft told The Lincolnite that they wanted to bring something new and different in terms of the food offering after the previous owner had upgraded the hotel rooms by configuring them for longer stays and to have their own self-catering kitchen facilities.

The menu includes warm salted soft pretzels, bagels, and toasts with homemade toppings and fillings. There are also homemade scones, soup, cheese and meat platters, and cakes such as the popular gluten-free St Clements.

Homemade scone with clotted cream and jam. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The gluten-free St Clements cake. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

There are vegetarian and vegan options and items on the menu can be made gluten-free. The homemade scones and soups have proved to be particularly popular with the guests, the owners said.

Guests can enjoy the food in the spacious, comfortable and relaxing environment inside, or enjoy the views of uphill Lincoln outside.

Avocado toast with feta cubes, tomato, red onion, coriander, lime juice, salt and pepper. | Photo: Steve Smiles for The Lincolnite

Hummus with pitta, greek salad, and feta. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Paul and Steph said: “With the menu we pride ourselves on providing fresh, made to order food with the freshest ingredients.

“It includes traditional scones and cakes, but we also offer something different like warm salted soft pretzels and Thai bagel.

“We are trying to differentiate from the average Steep Hill cafes and tea rooms with food that will go with good beers and wines. Our wine selection is varied with ones that you don’t typically find elsewhere.”

During this year’s Lincoln Christmas Market, The Rest will serve turkey rolls, mulled wine, and more. It will be open extra hours 5pm-11pm during this time, as well as on Thursdays and Fridays in December.

In 2023, the couple’s intention is to open seven days a week, and in the evenings with a new menu including charcuterie boards and platters. Currently the cafe is open Monday to Saturday between 9.30am and 5pm.

Inside one of the guest rooms at The Rest. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The rooms include self-catering kitchen facilities. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Guests staying in the rooms can also enjoy this outside space. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The hotel has eight rooms for guests, including a two-bedroom cottage and a one-bedroom suite ideal for longer-term stays, and six rooftop studio rooms.

Prices start from £79 per night and there are various packages available to suit your needs.

The Rest hotel and cafe is located on Steep Hill in Lincoln. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

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Paul and Steph Marcroft are the owners of The Rest Hotel on Lincoln’s Steep Hill. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite