THE HEART OF ENGLAND - England 2012 and the Best of Wales - page 485

food is based on solid, time-tested recipes made with fresh ingredients and loads of
European savoir-faire. Dishes range from a satisfying Shropshire steak burger on
ciabatta with fat chips to a more complex risotto of slow roasted tomatoes, spinach,
sage, and melted goat's cheese.
21 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury. & 01743/355055. www.thepeachtree.co.uk. Reservations recom-
mended Sat-Sun. Main courses £9.95-£20. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 8am-10pm (last order).
Where to Stay
Castle House This fine Georgian hotel occupies an ideal location in central
Hereford. Each room features a unique style, but all with a classical English theme,
elegant furniture, and a raft of extras and amenities. The bowl of fruit and decanter
of sherry is a thoughtful touch. Rates include a gut-busting English breakfast, and
there's a fabulous afternoon tea for £10.
Castle St., Hereford, Herefordshire HR1 2NW. www.castlehse.co.uk. & 01432/356321. Fax 01432/
365909. 16 units. £190 double. AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking. Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar; babysitting;
room service. In room: TV, Wi-Fi (free).
The Catherine of Aragon Suite Always wanted to spend the night in a
romantic 500-year-old house, but crave five-star luxury at the same time? This
enchanting timber-framed B&B seamlessly blends the two, set in the oldest residen-
tial property in the heart of Shrewsbury (dating from the 1490s). The only catch
is that for now, at least, there's literally just one suite, set in its own lavishly decorated
wing of the house with living room, bathroom, and wood-paneled bedroom with
two double beds. The breakfast is outstanding and Tony and Mary Walters are
superb hosts.
The Old House, 20 Dogpole, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 1ES. www.aragonsuite.co.uk. & 01743/271092.
Fax [phone] unit. £125-£135 double. Rates include breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. In room: TV, hair
dryer, Internet (free).
De Grey's Townhouse Ludlow is blessed with an abundance of attractive
accommodation options, but it's hard to beat this “tea shop with rooms” for atmo-
sphere, comfort, and historic charm. Framed with oak beams and white-washed
walls, the cozy rooms are enhanced with elegant period furniture and wonderfully
spacious, modern bathrooms. Breakfast is served in the celebrated tearooms down-
stairs, accompanied by fresh bread and warm pastries cooked in the on-site bakery—
you'll be hypnotized by the aromas long before you see them. Note that Internet
should be available by the end of 2011.
Broad St., Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 1NG. www.degreys.co.uk. & 01584/872764. 9 units. £110-£145
double. Rates include English breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking. Amenities: Tearoom. In room:
TV, hair dryer.
Grove Farm House Shrewsbury's best B&B is a ravishing Georgian farmhouse
just 6 miles south of the town, ideally located for touring by car. Rooms are furnished
in a bright, contemporary style, with thoughtful extras such as bathrobes and a hos-
pitality tray loaded with homemade biscuits. In the morning, you'll have a veritable
feast, beginning with a cold buffet and including a cooked full English breakfast.
Afternoon tea with homemade cake is available by arrangement.
Condover, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY5 7BH (drive south on the A49 and look for the left turn to Con-
dover). www.grovefarmhouse.com. & 01743/718544. 4 units. £75-£85 double. Rates include English
breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking. In room: TV/DVD/CD, hair dryer, Wi-Fi (free

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