Fascinating. Intriguing. Mesmeric. Pure escapism just seven miles from Ludlow.
Old Downton Lodge is a restaurant with rooms where the bedrooms are unforgettable: Quirky, luxurious, packed with history and designed to make you smile. The hospitality is relaxed and genuine it really gives the feel of a home from home. The food is exceptional and the wine list inspired.
Due to our size and location we offer Dinner on Tuesday to Saturday nights only. We serve either a delicious 5 or 7 course tasting menu using only the best fresh and local ingredients, where possible. Dinner is served between 6pm and 9pm.
THE LODGE
Parts of Old Downton are so ancient that history merges with legend: its renovation so sympathetic and creative that you may confuse fact with fiction.
A mixture of buildings – medieval, half timbered and Georgian surround a herb and flower bedecked courtyard that looks out towards the Hereford hills. This is pure escapism – a chance to immerse yourself in history and enjoy an experience that will live long in the memory.
The sitting room is redolent of its previous incarnation – there is no hiding the fact that this was once an impressive stable. Mighty timbers that once fronted stalls now provide seating from which to watch the roaring log burner, socialise and enjoy a drink from the bar – or in summer to contemplate the spectacular sunsets over the Shropshire hills.
The museum is the most mysterious room of all – for a start no one knows the origins of its name. Its huge cider press can still trundle powerfully around its stone trough (with no drain to let the cider out!) and provides a dramatic focal point to a room which is ideal for small conferences and receptions.
BEDROOMS
It may be a cliché, but in the case of Old Downton Lodge we can rightly claim that each of our bedrooms is unique.
Fashioned out of ancient stables and barns, you certainly won’t encounter uniformity here: A mixture of exposed beams, high ceilings, alcoves, malt shoots and hidey holes have all been incorporated in varying combinations in one room or another.
Nor is there anything uniform about the furnishings (apart from the fact that all the beds are wonderfully comfortable). Antique dressers, modern solid oak four posters and contemporary cool have all found their place.
Stick with your favourite – or let serendipity guide you to a totally different experience on your next visit.
DINING
Head Chef Karl Martin has joined the team. He has created a tasting menu that changes every day and is served Tuesday to Saturday nights. Please contact us for this week’s menu.
The dining room is in its pomp when set out for a party of eighteen, but it is equally atmospheric when laid out with tables of two or four. It has the feel of a grand medieval hall. In fact, it was built around the time of the Norman Conquest, but do those small triangular windows suggest a more prosaic history? What you probably won’t see is the kitchen where Head Chef Karl Martin is paring down the choice of stunning fresh local produce – there’s so much to choose from.
Karl produces a daily changing tasting menu for which he draws inspiration from local produce when he visits the Market and goes on his foraging expeditions in the Herefordshire countryside. Dinner is available on Tuesday to Saturday night only between 6pm and 9pm. We will send you the menu in the week before your stay.
If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know at least 24 hours before you dine so that we can ensure it doesn’t impact on your dining experience. The restaurant is also open to non-residents so we suggest you make your reservation as soon as possible to avoid disappointment (At least 24 hours before you dine).
THE GROUNDS
The map shows Old Downton Lodge is just 6 miles from Ludlow – yet those six miles seem to transport you through time to a bygone age.
As the lanes narrow, even the most jaundiced traveller will be mesmerised by the abundance of wild life and the feeling that you have rediscovered the lost England of Housman and Shakespeare.
Although modern roads will lead you to its doorstep, Old Downton Lodge is well off the beaten track – and far away from light pollution: This is the place to see velvety night skies sprinkled with a myriad of stars.
Walk through it’s cartway and enter Old Downton’s secret world. Even the grounds seem timeless – there’s the remains of an ancient Motte and the cottage garden just invites you to take a seat, relax and enjoy a glass of wine.
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Double en suite £95.00 – £175.00 (Per Room per night, breakfast included) 7
Twin en suite £95.00 – £175.00 (Per Room per night, breakfast included) 2
From Ludlow take A49 towards Shrewsbury. At Bromfield, about 3 miles, turn left on A4113 to Knighton. After 2 miles turn left to Downton. Follow the single track road for 2.7 miles. We are on the right; follow the road to the car park.