This week saw the launch of the 2021 Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland, which celebrates the best of gastronomic achievement.
In the 2021 edition of the prestigious guide, there are 11 venues in Leicestershire and Rutland, including two restaurants which have retained one Michelin star each – denoting ‘high quality cooking, worth a stop’ according to the Michelin Guide.
Two eateries have been awarded a Bib Gourmand (including one for the first time) which highlights restaurants offering good food at competitive prices.
There are also seven places across our area which have been awarded a Michelin Plate, which recognises restaurants that ‘simply serve good food’.
Due to current coronavirus restrictions, some are currently closed, while some remain open to offer a takeaway service.
All are worth adding to your list of places to visit once restrictions are lifted.
Here are the local restaurants that are included in the 2021 Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland:
One Michelin Star
John’s House, Mountsorrel
What the Michelin Guide says: “The 4,000 acre Duffin family farm plays host to a 16th Century farmhouse – where the eponymous John was born and now cooks – along with a shop, a café, a petting farm and a motor museum.
“It’s a real family affair, with his parents, brother and sister all involved.
“Cooking doesn’t get more ‘farm to plate’ than this, with the surrounding fields supplying most of the ingredients, from herbs, vegetables and fruits to sheep, pigs and cattle.
“Butchery takes place on-site and they use every part of the animal. Rare breeds are a feature and include Leicester Longwool sheep and Gloucester Old Spot and Tamworth pigs.
“The talented chef has a great appreciation for his ingredients and knows what it takes to get the best out of them.
“His accomplished, interesting dishes show a real understanding of both flavours and textures and feature some original combinations.
“Lunch sees a concise, great value menu and there’s a 7-course tasting menu for those who want to experience the full extent of the kitchen’s talents.”
- John’s House is currently open for ‘Staff Dinners’ takeaways. Click here to visit the Facebook page for further details.
Hambleton Hall, Hambleton
What the Michelin Guide says: “There aren’t many independently owned country house hotels left but this truly beautiful Victorian manor house with grounds sloping down to Rutland Water is one of them.
“Antique furnishings and heavy fabrics feature throughout, welcoming open fires burn in the grates and bedrooms come with a host of thoughtful extras.
“Enjoy drinks in the bar or on the terrace before taking in superb views over Rutland Water from the traditional dining room.
“Head Chef Aaron Patterson has headed the kitchen since 1992 and his passion and commitment remain palpable.
“Accomplished cooking marries together top quality seasonal ingredients in a ‘less is more’ approach and flavours are fresh and clearly defined, and while for the most part the dishes are classically based, they also display the occasional modern touch.
“The delicious bread is from their artisan bakery.”
- Hambleton Hall – which has retained a one Michelin star longer than any other restaurant in the UK – is currently closed. Click here to visit the website for further details about the venue.
Bib Gourmand
The Stag and Hounds, Burrough on the Hill
What the Michelin Guide says: “Beside the Parish Brewery is this traditional village pub.
“Find yourself a cosy corner and settle in amongst the locals and their dogs.
“The concise weekly menu has plenty of appeal and offers fresh, recognisable dishes that show an experienced hand is in the kitchen; lunch is great value.”
- New entry The Stag and Hounds is currently open for takeaways. Click here to visit the Facebook page for further details.
Hitchen’s Barn, Oakham
What the Michelin Guide says: “When their lease came to an end, the owners of the Berkeley Arms in Wymondham upped and moved to this pretty little stone barn.
“It has a shabby chic bar and a rustic dining room and is run by a bubbly young team.
“The appealing menu of modern British dishes is fiercely seasonal and can change up to twice a day.”
- Hitchen’s Barn is currently closed. Click here to visit the website for further details about the venue.
Michelin Plate
The White Swan, Shawell
What the Michelin Guide says: “This welcoming village pub really is a place of two halves, with a bar and two cosy rooms at the front and a contrastingly smart restaurant extension to the rear.
“Dishes are modern and sophisticated, and they even offer a vegan tasting menu.”
- The White Swan is currently closed. Click here to visit the website for further details about the pub.
The Lighthouse, Kibworth Beauchamp
(Image: The Lighthouse)
What the Michelin Guide says: “With its array of nautical knick-knacks, the Lighthouse is a fitting name. The flexible menu has a seafood emphasis and offers many dishes in two different sizes; the ‘Nibbles’ are a popular choice.”
- The Lighthouse is currently open for takeaways. Click here to visit the website for further details.
The Joiners Arms, Bruntingthorpe
(Image: The Joiners Arms)
What the Michelin Guide says: “Beams and a tiled floor bring 17th Century character to this dining pub, but designer wallpaper and fresh flower displays give it a chic overall feel.
“There’s plenty of choice on the menus, with the likes of pork rillettes or pot-roast pheasant.”
- The Joiners Arms is currently closed. Click here to visit the website for further details about the pub.
Sapori, Anstey
(Image: Leicester Mercury)
What the Michelin Guide says: “This former Victorian Working Men’s Club is proudly run by a passionate Italian family.
“Sapori means ‘flavour’ and there’s certainly plenty of it in the refined, authentic dishes which centre around their home city of Naples.
“Service – from the chef’s brother-in-law – is charming.”
- Sapori is currently open for takeaways. Click here to visit the website for further details.
The Hammer and Pincers, Wymeswold
What the Michelin Guide says: “The old water pump out the back hints at its days as the village forge, but this is now a brightly decorated, intimate restaurant run with natural warmth by its experienced owners.
“The extensive selection of menus offers creative modern dishes overflowing with different textures and tastes.”
- The Hammer and Pincers is currently open for takeaways. Click here to visit the website for further details.
The Wheatsheaf Inn, Greetham
(Image: Google)
What the Michelin Guide says: “The aroma of fresh bread greets you at this simple, family-friendly country pub.
“Cooking is unfussy and traditional. Cheaper cuts keep prices sensible and desserts are a must. It’s run by a charming couple.”
- The Wheatsheaf is currently open for takeaways. Click here to visit the website for further details.
The Olive Branch and Beech House, Clipsham
What the Michelin Guide says: “Characterful village pub made up of a series of small rooms which feature open fires and exposed beams.
“The selection of rustic British dishes changes daily, reflecting the seasons and keeping things fiercely local.
“These are accompanied by real ales, homemade lemonade and vodka made from hedgerow berries. Bedrooms are cosy and thoughtfully finished.”
- The Olive Branch is currently offering a ‘Gourmet Valentines at Home’ package and an order and collect ‘Village Pub Shop’ service. Click here to visit the website for further details.
