Leicestershire in the United Kingdom is off most travelers’ radar and that is incredibly unfortunate since there is much to do and see in the county. It might be to your advantage, however, that it isn’t inundated with tourists, especially if you value your privacy. It’s also home to one of England’s most historic properties, Belvoir Castle, featured in the popular television series, The Crown.
Should you decide to stay at this magnificent, stately castle, here are three restaurants closeby Michelin deemed worthy of mention in its famous dining guide:
The Stag & Hounds
It’s an easy 25-minute drive from Leicester to Burrough Hill in Melton Mowbray where you will find the award-winning Stag & Hounds. The 16th century pub has been a staple of the community for generations and owners Dom (a Michelin Bib Gourmand) and Antonia continue to provide a warm welcome and lovely food on menus that change weekly. Some beers featured at the pub are brewed right next door at the award-winning Parish Brewery. They also have guest beers from around the area. The Stag & Hounds features main courses like feather blade of beef with carrot king oyster mushrooms and smoked bone marrow sauce; garden gnocchi with roasted root vegetables, house pickles and caper butter sauce. You might choose to end your meal with vanilla panna cotta accompanied by pink grapefruit and blood orange or a hazelnut choux bun with clotted cream ice cream.
The Joiners
Tiled floors and beamed ceilings are giveaways that this charming village inn has been in existence for a while; in fact, since the 17th century. Owners have brought it into the 21st century with designer wallpaper and fresh florals everywhere giving the space a chic ambiance. Owned and run by Stephen and Tracy Fitzpatrick since 2002, The Joiners has been recognized in the Michelin Guide as an Inspired Pub – known for its good food and hospitality. The Joiners’ menu reflects its commitment to quality with an emphasis on local and well-sourced ingredients, cooked with care, creativity and full of flavor. For starters, the grilled goat’s cheese, beetroot and orange salad is a favorite. For the entrée, you might try the roasted salmon with leeks, peas, and asparagus in a mustard grain sauce or if you’re pretty famished, the 35-day-aged sirloin with peppercorn sauce and chips might hit the spot!
John’s House
It’s only about a 10-minute drive from Leicestershire to Mountsorrel, home of the Michelin-starred John’s House. The restaurant sits on the 4,000-acre Duffin family farm. The 16th century farmhouse is where all the cooking magic happens – cuisine that is literally “farm-to-plate.” Dishes are fashioned from herbs, vegetables, fruits, and meat sourced from the farm. Chef John Duffin returned to open the restaurant after having worked at the country’s top Michelin-starred establishments. Now, John’s House is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Leicestershire. There is a seven course tasting menu if you want to experience the full depth of John’s culinary talents.
Leave it to LVH to arrange your stay at magnificent Belvoir Castle. We can also help you fashion your itinerary while in Leicestershire. If you let us know what kinds of things you would like to experience on your holiday, we’ll take it from there and start planning!
