Lumière
Cheltenham, United Kingdom
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
In the centre of this charming spa town you’ll find an unassuming exterior concealing an elegantly stylish restaurant. Helen runs the service and she’s a natural host, so you’ll be warmly welcomed and well looked after. Her experienced husband Jon runs things in the kitchen and his overtly seasonal cooking demonstrates impressive classical technique and attention to detail, exemplified by the expertly cooked venison with a rich red wine sauce. His more playful side comes out in the crowd-pleasing signature 'Tequila Slammer' sorbet.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
- Only Tasting Menu Restaurant in Cheltenham: Lumière is Cheltenham’s sole restaurant offering exclusively tasting menus—either a 6 or 8 course option—with no à la carte choices.
- Chef’s Personal Food Allergies Shape Menu: After a wasp sting left chef Jon Howe with new food allergies, Lumière developed a specialty in producing gluten-free and nut-free dishes, directly influenced by the chef’s own dietary requirements.
- Chef-Owner with Biomedical Science Background: Co-owner and general manager Helen Howe has a background as a biomedical scientist for the NHS, a rare professional crossover in the hospitality industry.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Lumière in Cheltenham are:
- Wye Valley asparagus: A prized British seasonal vegetable known for its delicate flavor and tender texture, used simply to highlight its natural quality in elegant dishes.
- Cornish day boat fish: Fresh, sustainably caught fish from Cornwall, featured prominently to showcase the best of British seafood with refined, classical plating.
- Vale of Evesham strawberries: Renowned British strawberries used to add a fresh, sweet element to dishes, often featured in desserts or lighter courses.
These ingredients reflect Lumière's dedication to sourcing the finest British produce and using them with sensitivity and imagination to create beautifully plated, ingredient-led dishes. The restaurant’s approach emphasizes seasonality and simplicity to let these key ingredients shine.