Rating: *** - I have always loved walking through the gateways of Ludlow Castle. I always imagine all the feet that have marched though its imposing structure over the centuries.
As a schoolgirl I remember visiting the castle on school trips and while at college, right next door to this magnificent building, I used the building as the basis of many projects.
Now, as an adult, I don’t get much cause to step through those gates. Perhaps once or twice a year maximum is the extent of my visits, during Ludlow’s many festivals.
How wonderful, I thought, then when the castle announced the opening of a tea room and restaurant inside the atmospheric walls. It would give me a good excuse to make full use of what is truly one of Shropshire’s tourist gems.
The restaurant is appropriately named 1086, the year the castle is first thought to have been developed, and is actually a part of Castle House, which adjoins the castle. However, you walk through the castle’s main gateway to reach it.
The building has been beautifully and lovingly converted so that the essence of what the castle is all about - its history - is carefully entwined with modern facilities such as automatic doors.
The revamp was part of a multi-million pound project by owners Powys Estates to breathe new life into the building and it has certainly achieved that.
The scheme was on the drawing board for several years and officials had to overcome a number of legal obstacles before securing approval. I for one am certainly glad they won this battle at the castle.
As you walk through the glass doors at the entrance of the restaurant complex you step into a corridor encased between the castle’s thick stone walls with a glass roof above. There is a row of about four tables on a small terrace on the left and I made a note to come back and enjoy a coffee there in the future.
It is an extremely atmospheric place and you start to wonder what this part of the building was used for hundreds of years ago. Who might have sat where you are now?
The restaurant itself is divided into two small rooms, which each hold around four or five tables. At the moment they still overlook some building work within the castle but once those are removed you have a spectacular view of the castle’s inner section.
We went on a winter’s evening, when the castle was beautifully lit up. The dining rooms were stunning, retaining much of the traditional character of the building. However, my only complaint would be that it was a little cold inside.
We sat at our table, next to the window overlooking the view of the castle, and were promptly served by a very polite young waiter, who was immaculately turned out. It felt very welcoming inside and even the menus were impressive, with wooden covers, carved with the name of the restaurant.
The menu was select with just three choices of starter, main course and dessert, so if you’re a fussy eater this is perhaps one to be careful of. However, the choices were traditional English meals, with vegetarian options, so it would suit most appetites.
Plus we were informed that the menu changes on a weekly basis, so there is always something new on offer. It was also very reasonably priced. Two courses would set you back just £16.50, while three courses are £18.50.
I opted for the locally smoked salmon with traditional accompaniments to start, while my friend chose the roasted vine tomato soup with orange scented creme fraiche.
We didn’t have to wait long before they were placed in front of us. In fact we had barely begun to tuck into our fresh bread rolls.
The starters were delicious and extremely well-presented. My salmon was succulent and there was plenty of it. And the soup was hot and bursting with flavours.
For main course, three of us opted for the braised Herefordshire beef with herb dumplings, while my other friend chose the turkey and ham pie with flaky pastry.
All the meals were served with a selection of seasonal vegetables and we each had a miniature jacket potato. And in a town that prides itself on the quality of its food, the 1086 Restaurant also boasts locally sourced, fresh produce.
The beef was very tender and the dumplings looked really tasty however, the meal was a touch flavourless for me. The turkey and ham pie was packed with meat and my friend soon devoured each mouthful, describing it as “delicious”.
The portions were more than adequate and none of us could even manage a pudding afterwards.
The drinks selection is somewhat limited, as the restaurant does not have a bar. But there is still ample to chose from with wines and spirits on the menu along with bottled beers and soft drinks.
The service was second to none. We were very well-looked after without being gushed over.
It was an altogether very pleasant evening and I shall certainly be returning to sample the ever-changing menu again.
The restaurant is also open during the day for teas, coffees and light lunches and I would say it is the perfect accompaniment to a trip around Ludlow’s fine castle or even just to the town itself.
ADDRESS
1086 Restaurant, Ludlow Castle, Ludlow
01584 878796
MENU SAMPLE
Starters
Warm winter salad, Parma ham with poached figs, Crispy whitebait with a sipcy chilli mayonnaise.
Main courses:
Partridge stuffed with cranberries and pistachio, Pan fried skate wing with a caper, parsley and lemon butter, Vegetable bread and butter pudding with blue cheese sauce.
Desserts
Prune cognac and bitter chocolate tart, Honey and ginger syllabub.
ATMOSPHERE
Intriguing, mystic and pleasant.
SERVICE
Some of the best I have experienced. Extremely polite and courteous.
DISABLED FACILITIES
Fully accessible and has a disabled toilet.
SMOKING POLICY
No smoking throughout.
By Sally Jones
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