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Old Downton Lodge

Shropshire, Ludlow - Modern British - Restaurant with rooms - £££

Tranquil getaway with ambitious modern cooking

Overall Rating: Good

Uniqueness:Does the establishment stand out in the context of the local area? Very Good

Deliciousness:How delicious is the food? Good

Warmth:How warm is the service and the hospitality in general? Very Good

Strength of recommendation:How enthusiastically and widely would you recommend the establishment? Good

Yes, it’s in the middle of nowhere but ‘there are lovely quiet walks to be had and all sorts of secret places to visit’ if you’re taking a break at this utterly idyllic spot in the Shropshire hinterland. The sense of peace and tranquillity when you arrive is worth the journey. First stop is the bar, housed in an ancient timbered milking barn, where there’s a strong emphasis on local ingredients and suppliers – Ludlow and Herefordshire gins feature on the drinks list and there’s Hereford wine by the glass. Lunch is for pre-booked parties of eight or more, while dinner is built around a short carte and a six-course taster featuring similar dishes, all served in the grand old dining hall (formerly a grain store). The kitchen sets out its ambitious stall with beguiling canapés of, say, beetroot mini meringues with goat's curd, ahead of the likes of Herefordshire beef tartare with cep curd and a beef-fat cracker or nori-cured mackerel with a...

Yes, it’s in the middle of nowhere but ‘there are lovely quiet walks to be had and all sorts of secret places to visit’ if you’re taking a break at this utterly idyllic spot in the Shropshire hinterland. The sense of peace and tranquillity when you arrive is worth the journey. First stop is the bar, housed in an ancient timbered milking barn, where there’s a strong emphasis on local ingredients and suppliers – Ludlow and Herefordshire gins feature on the drinks list and there’s Hereford wine by the glass.

Lunch is for pre-booked parties of eight or more, while dinner is built around a short carte and a six-course taster featuring similar dishes, all served in the grand old dining hall (formerly a grain store). The kitchen sets out its ambitious stall with beguiling canapés of, say, beetroot mini meringues with goat's curd, ahead of the likes of Herefordshire beef tartare with cep curd and a beef-fat cracker or nori-cured mackerel with ajo blanco, lovage, grape and almond. Mains might feature local venison in season (perhaps served with chocolate, celeriac, pickled pear and a ragoût) or gilthead bream accompanied by Jerusalem artichoke, cannellini beans and sea fennel.

To conclude, there might be a new take on an old classic in the shape of a vanilla custard parfait with Yorkshire rhubarb and stem-ginger ice cream. Faultless presentation matches the impressive grandeur of the surroundings, while properly professional staff are eager to please. The drinks list includes plenty of keenly priced wines (from Tanners of Shrewsbury), and the place also serves afternoon tea seven days a week.

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VENUE DETAILS

Downton on the Rock
Ludlow
Shropshire
SY8 2HU GB

01568 771826

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OTHER INFORMATION

Accommodation, Separate bar, Parking, Electric car charging

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