Fishmore Hall

On special occasions, we like to disappear to fairly upmarket 'get-away-from-it-all' place where we can completely unwind. Preference is for somewhere around an hour from home - worthwhile an overnight, but not too much travelling. The sort of place I mean is Portmeirion, the Harbourmaster at Aberaeron, the Griffin at Felinfach, or the Lake Vyrnwy Hotel (even if a bit close to home). The best place to look for such places in Wales in the excellent Welsh Rarebits brochure.

But last night, we ventured over Offa's Dyke to Fishmore Hall, a mile outside of Ludlow. Absolutely top notch. Lovely old building, beautifully renovated in a modern, almost 'simplistic' style. Think St David's Hotel in Cardiff. Just 15 bedrooms. Ours was superb, and all the stainless steel gadgetry in the bathroom worked perfectly. The service was as good as it gets, and the dining was very fine indeed, though Mrs D thought the puddings plates were a bit 'busy'. The our d'oeuvres were the best I've ever encountered. I had the haddock starter, the John Dory' main course, and strudel for pudding. And there were little extras as well. We were on a mid week offer, and so went for an 'executive' room, and a bottle of decent champagne. Set me back £250.00. Well, it was a special occasion and we don't do it often. So go on and treat yourself. Fishmore Hall comes with our unreserved recommendation. You can make your reservation on 01584 875148.