Member Info

Somerset born Jon Howe has trained under some of the finest Chefs in the country, most notably John Campbell, Heston Blumenthal & Stuart McCleod.

After studying at Bath College, Jon worked for a number of Michelin starred & other highly acclaimed restaurants, gastropubs and hotels and was also selected for the British Culinary Team, with whom he competed at several international competitions with great success.

Jon took his first Head Chefs job at the age of 25 and since then he has acquired the skills and experience to make him one of the most competent and exciting chef patrons in the country.

Jon, alongside his beautiful, amazing wife and Restaurant Manager Helen, opened Lumière Restaurant in 2009, located just steps from Cheltenham’s famous tree lined Promenade, as the restaurant which they would love to go to. The irony that Lumiere is now the one restaurant that they will never be able to eat in is not lost on them, for as long as the restaurant is open they will be working.

Lumière has gone from strength to strength under Jon’s nearly 10 year tenure. Being awarded AA’s Restaurant of the Year for England 2016-2017 was one of the highlights alongside the 3AA Rosette Award and twice being named in TripAdvisors Top 10 Fine Dining Restaurants in Britain. Lumiere Restaurant, almost hidden behind a discreet and understated façade, has an elegant and welcoming dining room, offering a 5-Course Dinner Menu and 9 Course Tasting Menu Wednesday to Saturday evening and a 3-Course Lunch Menu and 6-Course Tasting Menu Friday & Saturday lunchtime. The menus are constantly evolving as the produce changes through the seasons and are complemented by Lumiere’s award-winning wine list, and served in a sophisticated yet relaxed setting. With only 8 tables, the restaurant is personal and intimate, offering unique dishes, signature tasting menus and matching wine flights with warm, knowledgeable service & a distinct lack of pretension.

When time permits Jon likes to visit his suppliers, other restaurants and vineyards to further his knowledge and inspire new ideas. Jon devours all the latest cookbooks, especially those on the science of food. These modern and ancient cooking techniques are combined with strong classic roots to keep the ever changing menus both interesting and delicious.

“It is very difficult to do something truly original, but I add my own touches and own twists”. Jon’s current project is producing unique ingredients that can really set his dishes apart, whether this is catching his own fish to serve, having rare breed meats specially aged for him or experimenting with fermenting his own vegetables & kombucha, all of which make a dining experience at Lumière a refreshing break from the norm.

Lumière’s Latest Awards:

  • Cheltenham BID Restaurant of the Year 2018
  • 5-5-4 Hardens Guide 2018
  • AA Restaurant of the Year 2017
  • 3 AA Rosettes Since 2016
  • Western Daily Press Restaurant of the Year 2016
  • TripAdvisor 2013, 2014 & 2015 Travellers Choice Top 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurant in Britain
  • 8 Times Cotswold Life Food & Drink Award Winners
  • Also listed in all Major Food Guides including Michelin & Good Food Guide