The prestigious Harden's Guide, in its 33rd edition this year, has named Lumière, a restaurant in Cheltenham, among the top 100 places to dine in the UK. The Harden's Guide, a respected culinary compendium, ranks establishments based on feedback from everyday diners rather than professional inspectors, making this recognition particularly significant.

Lumière, an award-winning Michelin Star restaurant located on Clarence Parade, Cheltenham, secured the 46th spot on the list. The restaurant is renowned for its use of seasonal produce, some of which comes directly from the owners' family-run farm. The elegant establishment, run by chef Jon Howe and his wife Helen who manages front-of-house operations, has been described as a "gastronomic delight" by its patrons.

This year's Harden's Guide was compiled based on 30,000 reports submitted by a survey of 2,500 diners. It features an array of dining options, ranging from affordable street food vendors to upscale dining rooms. Topping the 2023 list is Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume in Cartmel, Cumbria, lauded as the best in the UK by its customers for providing a "completely faultless experience".

However, it was Lumière that made waves closer to home. One diner even set Lumière as the "benchmark" against which other fine dining restaurants should be measured. Patrons of Lumière commended the establishment for emerging from the lockdown even stronger than before, a feat that many restaurants struggled to achieve.

According to the Harden's Guide, an average dinner at Lumière, consisting of a three-course meal, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service, and VAT, would cost around £96. Despite the premium pricing, the restaurant continues to receive rave reviews, with one customer describing their experience as a 'gastronomic delight'.

Lumière's recognition in the Harden's Guide underscores the restaurant's commitment to offering a high-quality dining experience. The accolade also highlights Cheltenham's growing reputation as a culinary destination, with Lumière leading the way.

Lumière's success story is particularly noteworthy given the challenges faced by the hospitality industry over the past couple of years due to the pandemic. The restaurant's ability to weather the storm and come out stronger is a testament to its resilience and dedication to providing exceptional service to its patrons.

As the Harden's Guide continues to celebrate the UK's top 100 restaurants, the recognition of Lumière serves as an inspiration for other dining establishments across the country. It showcases that quality service, exceptional cuisine, and a commitment to customer satisfaction remain key to achieving success in the highly competitive restaurant industry.

In conclusion, Lumière's inclusion in the Harden's Guide's top 100 UK restaurants list is a significant achievement that reflects the establishment's dedication to culinary excellence. It serves as a beacon of inspiration for other restaurants in Cheltenham and beyond, demonstrating that quality, resilience, and a commitment to customer satisfaction can lead to national recognition.

(Source: Gloucestershire Live)

Summary:

The respected Harden's Guide, in their 33rd edition, has ranked Lumière, a Michelin Star restaurant in Cheltenham, as the 46th best place to dine in the UK. This ranking is significant as it is based on feedback from everyday diners rather than professional inspectors. Lumière, known for its use of seasonal produce and excellent customer service, received exceptional reviews from patrons, with one setting Lumière as the benchmark for other fine dining establishments. The restaurant was also praised for its resilience during the pandemic and for emerging even stronger post-lockdown. Lumière's recognition boosts Cheltenham's reputation as a culinary destination and serves as an inspiration to other restaurants nationwide.