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Tucked away in the charming village of Wymeswold, Leicestershire, Hammer & Pincers offers a compelling mix of thoughtful British cooking and relaxed countryside charm. Housed within a former village forge, this Michelin Guide-listed restaurant holds 3 AA Rosettes and has built a strong reputation for its seasonal menus and carefully executed dishes.
The Setting: A Classic English Village
Wymeswold is a picture-perfect English village, rich in history and surrounded by open countryside. Located within the Charnwood area, it is known for its elegant Georgian architecture, particularly along Far Street, which is considered one of the finest in Leicestershire. At the heart of the village stands the 14th-century St Mary’s Church, currently undergoing a significant restoration project, adding a renewed sense of heritage preservation to the area.
The Atmosphere: Warm and Inviting
Walking into Hammer & Pincers, the space feels intimate and quietly refined. The character of the original building has been carefully retained, with subtle contemporary touches that lift the overall feel. The result is a setting that is both relaxed and considered, where the service is natural and attentive without feeling overdone.
The Food: Thoughtful and Flavourful
The menu is built around seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with dishes that focus on clarity of flavour and careful balance. The set lunch offering provides a concise way to experience the kitchen’s approach, typically structured across multiple courses with a choice at each stage.
Guests can expect the meal to begin with house bread served alongside salted cultured butter, setting a simple but well-executed tone.
Starters highlight both seasonality and precision. Dishes such as heritage beetroot with cumin and thyme bring out natural sweetness with gentle spice, while combinations like bresaola with Poacher P50 cheese, rocket, and tapenade offer a more savoury, structured plate. A monkfish pakora with yoghurt, mint, and Indian pickle introduces a subtle layer of spice, balanced with freshness and acidity.
Main courses continue this measured approach. Stephen’s Hebridean hogget with wild garlic and Yorkshire peas reflects a strong connection to British produce, while a market fish fillet served with crab, parsley, and preserved lemon linguine brings a lighter, more citrus-led profile. The twice-baked Isle of Mull cheddar soufflé, paired with leek vinaigrette, remains a standout, combining richness with a clean finish.
Desserts draw on both classic and contemporary influences. A steamed spotted dick with parsnip and tonka bean custard offers warmth and depth, while a burnt Basque cheesecake provides a softer, more modern contrast. A British cheese selection is also available, presented with thoughtful accompaniments.
Coffee is available to finish, maintaining the same understated and considered approach seen throughout the menu.
More Dining Options
Beyond the lunch menu, Hammer & Pincers offers several formats across the week:
- Dinner Set Menu (Wednesday to Friday): A structured, seasonal menu reflecting the same ingredient-led philosophy.
- Dinner Grazing Menu (Wednesday to Friday): A more relaxed selection of smaller plates, allowing for variety across dishes.
- Saturday Evening Grazing Menu: A bespoke weekly menu that shifts depending on available produce, offering a more fluid dining experience.
- Beef Wellington Tuesdays: A permanent feature of the restaurant, centred around this classic dish and executed with the same level of precision as the wider menu.
Cosy Accommodations for Overnight Stay
For those looking to extend their visit, Hammer & Pincers offers two boutique rooms above the restaurant: the Forest Room and the Blossom Suite.
Both rooms are thoughtfully designed, featuring pashmina mattresses, Egyptian cotton bedding, en-suite bathrooms with power showers, Elemis toiletries, Nespresso machines, and large smart televisions. The Blossom Suite also includes a separate lounge area and a private roof terrace, offering a more spacious and private stay.
Guests can also enjoy breakfast in the morning, prepared with the same focus on quality and seasonal produce found in the restaurant.
A Must-Visit Spot in Leicestershire
Hammer & Pincers remains one of Leicestershire’s most considered dining destinations. With its Michelin Guide recognition, 3 AA Rosettes, and a clear focus on seasonal British cooking, it delivers a refined yet approachable experience.
Set within a village that continues to preserve and restore its heritage, it offers a setting that feels both grounded and quietly special. Whether for a long lunch, an evening meal, or an overnight stay, it is a place worth seeking out.
