Fishmore Hall - Shropshire

 Fishmore Hall
Fishmore Road, Ludlow
Shropshire, SY8 3DP

Telephone: 01584 875148
Fax: 01584 877907
www.fishmorehall.co.uk

We pulled up to Fishmore Hall after a drive through rains of biblical proportions, we were thankfully greeted by the light, fresh and airy foyer, a tastefully restored Georgian House with a modern neutral interior. In stark contrast to the weather outside the welcome provided at Fishmore was warm. The two-year-old boutique hotel boasts 15 modern rooms, ours had a huge luxury bathroom which contained a sumptuous bath which would rival most gym swimming pools.

Our bedroom was large, elegantly decorated and contained all the modern amenities one needs and more. The mini bar, taking advantage of the abundance of local produce available, was full of speciality drinks including cider, wine and ales, allowing us to explore what the area had to offer from the comfort of our room.

The view from the large window was one of green pastures and decidedly wet sheep giving it a very rural feel, although it is only a pleasant 15 minute walk into town. We visited Ludlow town centre, which is filled with charming little pubs that have been providing refreshment for hundreds of years, interesting antique and gift shops and an impressive castle. There is a market that is open most days and local produce shops (the same ones that sources Fishmore Hall's restaurant) to sate your desires.

Ludlow itself is a renown foodie destination and eating at Fishmore Hall certainly lives up to this reputation. The restaurant has a quality locally sourced menu that tasted great. Struggling to choose our dishes a la carte, we decided to go for the 7 course taster menu, which upon addition of an amuse bouche, canapés and freshly baked speciality bread totalled 10 courses. We particularly enjoyed the scallops and bacon served with a delicious cauliflower puree, smoked salmon with four different types of apple and a divine apple crumble soufflé. Thankfully rather than relying on our non-existant self-control, the portions were sized so that upon finishing we felt pleasantly full. Fishmore Hall also boasted a large selection of wines to accompany any menu choices perfectly. The waiting staff were friendly, attentive and knowledgable.

Dragging ourselves out of the extremely comfortable and well proportioned bed we headed down for breakfast at a leisurely 10 am. We were met by a large choice of hot and cold local breakfast fayre. We sampled smoked salmon with eggs and the full English breakfast, both were excellent.

Although we did not get a chance to sample Sunday lunch at Fishmore, I am sure it would be of a high standard, especially given that the chefs at Fishmore deservedly claimed an impressive runners up spot in the Observer Food Award 2009 Best Sunday Lunch.

Fishmore Hall and Ludlow offers relaxed luxury in a beautiful Shropshire location and is well worth the drive from London for a weekend break. We plan to make our next trip to coincide with the 2010 Ludlow Food Festival held annually in September.

Sophie Johnson, Trainee barrister.