Michelin recognition for Melton village pub

Dom Clarke outside The Stag and Hounds pub at Burrough on the Hill

The Stag & Hounds, at Burrough on the Hill, was last night awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand in the 2021 Guide (only 16 were awarded this year) revealed at a virtual ceremony last night where the coveted Stars were also handed out.

It is a tremendous reward for the hard work put in by Dom Clarke, who only took charge of the venue six months before the first pandemic lockdown.

The Guide writes: “This traditional village pub – a new entry to the guide – is located next door to the Parish Brewery, which supplies their house ale.

“The concise weekly menu offers fresh, seasonal and very tasty dishes which show that there’s an experienced hand in the kitchen; choices could include smoked haddock fritters with heritage potato and chive or fillet of plaice with courgette, basil and tomato. Lunch is great value and Wednesday is steak night.”

Today a delighted Dom, whose culinary skills have found favour with Michelin in the past, said: “We are over the moon to be awarded this.

“It’s been a tough time to launch our business. Moving to a new area, trying to establish relationships with guests, learning where to source the right ingredients and covid playing its part disrupting our plans.

“Tonight’s (Monday) award is fantastic. It celebrates great quality food at great prices. Which is exactly what we want the pub to be all about. Nothing pretentious, just quality.”

Dom took over the 16th century Grants Free House and relaunched it under its original name, the Stag & Hounds, in September 2019. Prior to that he had been head chef at The Barn at Moor Hall, in Lancashire, which was voted the UK’s number one restaurant. He ran it for nearly two years where he collected a Bib Gourmand, two AA Rosettes, a Good Food Guide score of four and the accolade of Lancashire Life best newcomer. Despite the restrictions and enforced closures brought about by the pandemic since March last year, The Stag & Hounds was recently voted Dining Pub of the Year by the Great Food Club.

Currently closed during lockdown, there is a takeaway menu available on Friday and Saturday evenings.