A Very British Weekend Away at Fishmore Hall
The reasons to holiday at home are widely appreciated and include reducing one’s carbon footprint, avoiding possible strikes, as well as lengthy waits in airport queues, and most recently, disruption and chaos caused by the Icelandic ash cloud. However, there are so many better reasons to take a staycation this year. Britain boasts some fantastic boutique hotels, incredible restaurants and wonderful sights. Moreover, the British countryside is arguably unrivalled when it comes to natural beauty. It is for these reasons one should visit Fishmore Hall, near Ludlow in Shropshire.
Located a fifteen-minute walk from the centre of Ludlow, this boutique hotel is a charming example of British elegance and gastronomic delight. The privately-owned Georgian country house overlooks the stunning Shropshire countryside and if seeking a truly relaxing, lazy, countryside break, it is here one should head.
The hotel has just 15 luxurious and modern bedrooms, each with an en suite adorned with miniature Molton Brown shower gel, shampoo and bath salts. This is a luxury getaway at its best. The rooms are of a generous size, have comfortable beds, a small table and chairs, desk and mini bar with complimentary water. The bathrooms are large, with bath, shower, and bountiful marble furnishings. Each guest is also treated to a lavish bathrobe and slippers. These rooms are simply a haven away from the world of work, stress and daily toll. It is here guests can relax and sleep soundly in what can only be described as particularly inviting beds.
On venturing out of the bedroom, guests can sit on the terrace or in the hotel gardens, sip on their beverage of choice and slip into a state of pure nirvana. The backdrop of green rolling hills, contrasted against the deep blue sky, is further complemented by the pure, fresh air. There could be no better place in the world to enjoy a pre-dinner glass of champagne.
Inside the hotel there is also a well-stocked bar, comfortable lounge and chic restaurant. Sourcing all ingredients from local producers, chef, David Jaram, has turned the hotel’s restaurant into a gastronomic adventure playground. The dining room itself is visually stunning, but it is the presentation of the food which is exceptionally impressive. The waiting staff, well-versed in the menu and wine list, are endlessly helpful without being over-bearing. Begin the day with succulent, smoky kippers - a testament to this kitchen’s culinary ability. For those who prefer a meaty breakfast, opt for the Full English. Alternatively, eggs cooked in all manner of ways are available if desired. Whatever one chooses, the breakfast available at Fishmore Hall is guaranteed to prepare guests for their countryside adventure.
After the delights of historic Ludlow, including Ludlow Castle, St Laurence’s Church, The Feathers and River Teme and Whitcliffe, are exhausted head deeper into the countryside to explore further. Berrington Hall and Croft Castle, located nearby in Herefordshire, are just two examples of historic houses with dark pasts and Capability Brown-inspired gardens, interesting for adults and children alike. Being just a short drive apart, the National Trust offers visitors a reduce-priced joint ticket for both properties.
The only way to conclude a busy day of sightseeing is with a three-course meal in Fishmore Hall’s dining room. The a la carte menu offers guests a small number of superb starters, main courses and desserts. Each dish is a testament to the head chef’s skill and enthusiasm for food. Moreover, the extensive wine list is impressive and the availability of bin ends offers guests something that they may not have previously considered ordering.
While awaiting the starter, diners are treated to a selection of canapés including mini cottage pie, parmesan stick, fried goat’s cheese ball and a dense chunk of smoked salmon. Subsequently, waiting staff serve an amuse bouche such as cauliflower veloute, topped with caviar, and a selection of warm bread including a rustic but spectacular rosemary focaccia.
An ideal three-course meal at Fishmore Hall would have to include Jaram’s seared scallops with smoked bacon, caramel and cauliflower to start. The scallops are cooked to perfection, while the bacon is wonderfully crispy, yet juicy.
Preferably this would be followed by saddle of lamb with anchovies and cherry tomatoes, rolled in wild garlic and served with sweet potato puree and a courgette salsa verde. Although this complex dish holds many contrasting flavours, somehow it expertly comes together as an explosion of taste excitement. This dish is simply a culinary triumph.
A meal at Fishmore Hall can only be finished with one of Jaram’s delicious desserts. To please your sweet tooth, try the chocolate fondant with blood orange sorbet. It does exactly what it says on the tin; it is rich, dense, dark, with an injection of sharpness from the sorbet. However, after eating this dessert, be warned, an after-dinner stroll around the hotel gardens may be necessary!
With Ludlow Festival beginning on the 26th of CJune and running until the 11th of July and the Ludlow Food Festival taking place in September, there is an abundance of reasons why a visit to Shropshire is essential this year. For a relaxing, chic and gastronomically exciting place to stay, Fishmore Hall proves to be ideal.
Fishmore Hall, Fishmore Road, Ludlow Shropshire SY8 3DP
Tel 01584 875148
