‘Tis the season to be merry and one such place that is delighting diners is not too far from Derby.
Based around 25 miles away from Derby city centre is Leicestershire foodie haven John’s House Restaurant.
The eatery’s unique location on a working farm, is as much a talking point, as it is part of its ethos.
Stonehurst Farm is terrifically unique, I am not sure I have ever dined at a place like this before.
The site also boasts a farm shop, tearoom, motor museum and on-site bakery.
You know when you visit a restaurant, you dine there for a few hours and leave?
This is really, really not the case with John’s House.
There is so much going on at this site, you would need a full day.
Go for the fine dining experience, stay for farmyard cuddles, have a pootle at the motor museum and hunker down for a coffee and cake to round off the day.
We had the set lunch menu of three courses for £49. Considering this is a Michelin starred restaurant, I consider this an absolute steal.
The food is what drew me there in the first place.
Entering the restaurant, the crackling log fire and friendly staff made sure to provide a quite literally warm welcome.
We were seated on the ground floor with cocktails and amuse-bouche, which I thought was a nice touch. I am a big fan of the sausage medallions, I could have easily scarfed a few more.
It is very quiet in there, perhaps people were awed by the expectation of a fine dining experience, but I loved the calming atmosphere.
Upstairs the first thing we saw was a cheese board trolley.
As a giant cheese fan, this made my soul do cartwheels.
Warm bread rolls, whipped chicken fat butter, a quince pudding that was tart yet comforting. Every single course I had quietly boasted accomplished, inventive cooking.
It is important to note that the farm has been home to the Duffin Family since 1951. Over the years a farm shop, tearoom and motor museum has been added to make this a go-to destination for families, foodies and more.
If you haven’t visited the restaurant yet, I can heartily recommend the lunch option. There are also tasting menus on offer too.
9. The central island in the dining room is a feature I have not seen while dining at restaurants around the country. It enables Front Of House staff to help provide discreet and stellar customer service.
John’s House Restaurant, 139-141 Loughborough Road, Mountsorrel, Loughborough LE12 7AR | Ria Ghei
10. Soft bread warm from the oven came served with a flourish
John’s House Restaurant, 139-141 Loughborough Road, Mountsorrel, Loughborough LE12 7AR | Ria Ghei
11. Cocktail at John's House Restaurant
John’s House Restaurant, 139-141 Loughborough Road, Mountsorrel, Loughborough LE12 7AR | Ria Ghei
12. Pudding of Quince, sherry, brown sugar cream and old English spice was a joyous melee
John’s House Restaurant, 139-141 Loughborough Road, Mountsorrel, Loughborough LE12 7AR | Ria Ghei