JÖRO: Triumph as restaurant that started life in shipping container receives Sheffield's only Michelin star

JÖRO’s name was in lights at The Michelin Guide Ceremony in Dublin last night (February 9) where it was certified for serving some of the finest food in the South Yorkshire.

It comes after the Japanese and Scandinavian inspired experience, founded by husband-and-wide duo Luke French and Stacey Sherwood-French, moved from its home in Kelham Island to a historic Oughtibridge paper mill in 2024 to launch a tasting menu and barbecue kitchen, all alongside its House of JÖRO hotel and Konjo street food kitchen.

Their official entry on the Michelin Guide website reads: “JÖRO’s relocation to this 300-year-old former mill on the edge of Sheffield has certainly been a labour of love.

“The cooking is pure and occasionally playful, with the quality ingredients treated with respect and understanding.

“The excellent service is a real team effort, with every person brimming with enthusiasm.”

Congratulations have poured in from across Sheffield’s food scene as JÖRO becomes the proud owner of the city’s only current Michelin star.

JÖRO is yet to release a statement over the win, but Luke and Stacey penned a poignant thank you to its supporters in January 2026 on the 10th anniversary of the restaurant.

“Back in 2016 we never dreamed that we would create what JÖRO has become now,” the pair wrote in a blog.

“We created JÖRO following many years of travelling around the world, returning hungry to create and bring something new to Sheffield, off the back of the experiences we had found.

“It wasn't easy to open a unique concept like this in the Steel City back in 2016 and we lost count of the amount of times people would tell us it wasn't going to work.

“There was nothing like this for miles and there never had been, but we felt sure it was time for change-after all... never try, never know!

“We are incredibly proud of our achievements and we look forward to seeing what the next 10 years has in store.

“We wouldn't be able to do what we do without the support of our families, friends, team, industry peers and of course our guests - So thank you for joining us on our journey. The best is yet to come!”

The Star’s Robert Cumber reviewed JÖRO January 2025 shortly after its arrival in Oughtibridge, and wrote: “Nestled in the shadow of a dramatic rock face, overlooking the River Don and with views into the woods beyond, it's a far cry from the shipping container complex beside a busy dual carriageway where it began life.

“JÖRO achieves the rare feat of producing food that's at once comforting, yet sophisticated, playful but never pretentious.

“Everything's there for a reason and each dish comes with its own little surprises, every forkful revealing hidden depths.”