This gabled, red brick Edwardian ex-parsonage, now a hotel/restaurant, was liked by a regular Guide correspondent in 2003 for 'its food and friendliness'. The owners, since 2001, David and Sarah Blakstad, are continuing their renovations. Simon Wallis is the manager. The bedrooms (some have views of Shropshire countryside) are named after local hamlets: Claverley, Shipton, Chesterton, etc. The best rooms, in the coach house, are 'really something: spacious, comfortable, and containing everything you could possibly need'. Another visitor liked the 'French windows opening on to our own tiny garden - so peaceful'. But a dissenter complained of a 'poky and expensive' standard room, and wrote: 'Not everyone fits easily into a corner bath.' The chef serves modern dishes, eg, salad of marinated artichokes, blush tomatoes and Parmesan; steamed turbot with fresh herb pasta, creamed crab, leeks and shellfish sauce; iced marzipan parfait with prunes in amaretto. Other comments: 'Delightful. We arrived at 3.30, having had no lunch, and were warmly welcomed. Delicious sandwiches and tea were served in the garden under a shady tree, though they were busy with a wedding.' The Blakstads, who have a young family, write: 'While we have limited facilities for children, we actively encourage them to stay.' Local attractions include Ludlow with all its charms, Ironbridge, and the Severn Valley railway. (Gordon Hands, ZE, and others)
Open: All year. Restaurant closed midday on 25 Dec.
Rooms: 2 suites, 12 double. 4 in coach house, 2 on ground floor, 2 suitable for disabled.
Facilities: Ramps. Lounge, conservatory, 3 dining rooms; small conference facilities. 1-acre grounds: patio, croquet. Civil wedding license.
Restrictions: Smoking in conservatory only. No dogs in public rooms.
Credit Cards: All major cards accepted.
Terms: B&B: single £90, double £130, suite £175; D,B&B: single £120, double £160, suite £205. English breakfast £10. Set lunch £19.50, dinner £25.50; full alc £41.50. 2-day breaks. Sunday Night Saver: D,B&B £99 per person. New Year package. |
