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 close by 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.

To try: 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 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.

To try: 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.

To try: The seven-course tasting menu featuring dishes such as truffled custard on toast; cream of Porthilly oyster with horseradish and seaweed; and roast Gressingham duck with walnuts, savoy cabbage and hen of the woods.

For a truly wonderful vacation in the lush greenery and fragrant gardens of the English countryside, Belvoir Castle is truly unrivaled. Fourteen regal bedrooms present the pinnacle of old-world opulence, accommodating 28 discerning guests in unprecedented comfort and discretion. Just say the word and LVH will arrange it all for you in a heartbeat. We invite you to reach out to one of our client relations professionals who will begin planning a trip for you befitting royalty. During your stay you will have full services and around-the-clock support. LVH will also create an exclusive itinerary for you replete with moments designed to make you smile from ear-to-ear.