John's House — Restaurant in Charnwood

My wife and I chose John's House for our special Christmas celebration, and it was an experience filled with both remarkable highlights and a few disappointments.

The Michelin-starred journey through culinary excellence was undeniably the pinnacle of our visit. The chef's creations were nothing short of spectacular, each dish a testament to culinary mastery and artistry. The sommelier's selections perfectly complemented the flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.The waitstaff added a layer of warmth and attentiveness that elevated the evening. Their knowledge and enthusiasm were commendable, guiding us through the courses with grace and professionalism.

However, our experience hit a snag when the restaurant manager insisted on the fixed 7-course menu without offering any alternatives. Her approach felt rigid and lacking in understanding for guests' preferences, which was disappointing given the restaurant's reputation for hospitality.

Another aspect that detracted from the otherwise serene atmosphere was a large, boisterous table amidst mostly couples. Their exuberance disrupted the tranquility of the evening, dampening the intimate ambiance that many patrons likely sought.In essence, John's House is a culinary haven, a place where gastronomic dreams come true thanks to the chef's expertise and the sommelier's guidance.

However, there's a need for the management to be more accommodating and flexible in addressing guests' preferences regarding menu choices. Additionally, maintaining a harmonious atmosphere, especially on special occasions like Christmas, would greatly enhance the overall experience...

A few years ago, my wife and I had the pleasure of dining at John’s House, the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Leicestershire at the time—and our first-ever Michelin-star experience. We weren’t sure what to expect, but from the moment we arrived, we knew we were in for something special.

We were greeted warmly and invited to relax downstairs while our table was prepared. The setting struck a perfect balance between country house charm and rustic farm elegance, instantly making us feel at home.

We both went for the tasting menu, and what followed was an evening of incredible food and thoughtful service.

Can you remember the best dish you’ve ever eaten? The one that sticks with you no matter how many meals you’ve had since? For me, it was the salt cod at John’s House. It wasn’t flashy or overcomplicated—just perfectly balanced and full of flavor. Then came a wild mushroom risotto, a dish that wasn’t even on the menu but was made specially for us after we mentioned we weren’t big on venison. That little touch made all the difference.

The service was faultless. The Maître d’ led the team with quiet confidence, keeping everything running smoothly while making sure we felt looked after. The younger waitstaff were great too—attentive without being intrusive.

When the bill arrived, £175 felt like an absolute steal for what we’d just experienced. The food, the service, the atmosphere—everything set a standard that, to this day, no other restaurant has quite matched.

I can’t wait to go back and hope it’s just as good as I remember. John’s House isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience that stays with you long after...

Having booked the table for lunch, as a surprise for my husband, I eagerly anticipated the visit. We were not disappointed one bit. The setting was as if we were walking into John's home, lovely decor and ambiance, stepping back in time. A myriad of rooms encompassing a comfortable lounge area for pre-meal drinks, and dining rooms set on the first floor; small intimate rooms with a handful of dining tables. On arrival we were greeted by the reception staff, very friendly and made us feel welcome. We had pre-lunch drinks in the lounge area where we perused the A la Carte & Taster menus. The staff member was very attentive and able to explain each course and make note of any dislikes within the menu chosen. My husband & I chose the Taster Menu with the fine wines option. Seven courses of 'taster' size portions, small but beautifully formed! Each course was of ample size and the flavours were an explosion in the mouth..... faultless enjoyed each and every mouthful. Each course was well paced and we were able to take our time and enjoy .The table waiting staff were well presented, friendly and professional. As we had the fine wines with our taster menu, Sommelier, Pedro was our server; a very interesting man and very knowledgeable about the wines, we enjoyed conversing with him as we tasted, and he showed real interest in our thoughts on the wines. All in all an extremely pleasant way to spend a lunchtime... and our next visit is already booked. If you are looking for something very special, exception food, both the produce and the cooking and presentation then...