Fishmore Hall Hotel & Spa, Shropshire

Fishmore Hall Hotel & Spa, Shropshire

FIshmore Hall Hotel & Spa is nestled in an acre of land in the scenic village of Ludlow. It’s a Georgian country house with 15 comfortable, and neatly appointed rooms. Our room was minimalistic with quite daring red walls and satin sheets. The view from the room overlooked the picturesque Shropshire countryside. The room has a nifty coffee machine, and Elemis amenities that are great for use in the inviting tub.

img_0703img_0692It’s the brand spanking new spa and the exceptional 3 AAA rosette restaurant that are really what make Fishmore Hall worth a visit. The newly opened spa is a new concept, eco modular SpaShell. The spa arrived ready assembled and miraculously fitted in just a few days. It’s unbelievable, as although it’s quaint, the pristine spa is fully equipped and has rather stylish treatment rooms with showers and a state of the art sauna and steam room. With so many buttons to fiddle with is it’s easy to get distracted. You can’t even begin to imagine how many options there are, to change the ambience of a steam room. Change the colours according to your mood, and the music to relax to, whilst adding in the odd breeze and rain shower.

The outdoor area of the spa boasts unprecedented views of the rolling Shropshire hills, that can be enjoyed from the ambient thirty degree, cedar hot tub. The relaxation area has the most charming hammock, which on a fine, sunny day, would be truly serene. The treatments at the Elemis spa are heavenly. The beauty therapists are warm and welcoming. From the moment you sink into the heated treatment beds, it’s absolute bliss. The facials are rejuvenating and the massages invigorating. An afternoon at the Spa Shell is a perfect retreat, away from it all.

After a really delightful afternoon at Fishmore Hall’s gorgeous Spa, dinner was booked for the in house restaurant Forelles. With BBC’s Great British Menu star, Andrew Birch heading the kitchen, we were rather excited. The fine dining experience was phenomenal and actually far exceeded our high expectations. It was a full house, as clearly word has already got out about the famed chef. The menu is enticing, one really is hard pushed to pick just three courses.

img_0751They really pull out all the stops at Forelles, and the three course menu is more like seven courses, with  marvellous intermediary courses. The piping hot deep fried pig’s head croquette had a perfect crispness with a gentle heat running through the apple and mustard sauce. The Gruyere puff was light and airy and ideal for dipping.

img_0788The warm bread basket was followed by another delicious amuse bouche of Quinoa, aubergine, studded with flaked almonds and seeds, accompanied by a cooling yoghurt.

img_0789And yes that was all before the actual starters had even arrived. The starter of lobster and salmon ravioli topped with caviar on a bed of tomato, basil, spinach muddled in a lobster bisque was far more complex than expected. In every mouthful distinct layers of flavours were unravelled whilst cleverly combined with various textures.

img_0768The large scallops were perfectly cooked and served with fresh julienned apple.

img_0766The main course of duck with parsnip and prunes and was fruity and flavoursome.

img_0778The prequel to dessert was a mouthful of deliciousness. Lemon posset and jelly topped with melt in your mouth mini meringues, was such a treat.

img_0783The dessert of hot salted caramel fondant with and creme fraiche was a heartwarming wintery dessert uplifted by the summery, refreshing apple cider sorbet.

img_0784Andrew Birch is definitely leading the way in Restaurants in Ludlow. The celebrity chef’s experience of working at the Michelin star Montagu Arms, is clearly apparent, and one can see the direction this restaurant is taking. Expect the unexpected as each dish is so unique, truly inspired and creative.

Fishmore Hall’s restaurant and spa really are fantastic for a memorable celebratory birthday or anniversary. It’s licensed for civil ceremonies and would make for a lovely wedding venue too.

Would you like to experience Fishmore Hall? We have some exciting news. We are giving away an overnight stay for two at Fishmore Hall including breakfast, and dinner at Andrew Birch’s Forelles restaurant as well as 55minute spa treatments at the new Elemis Spa Shell. Terms and conditions apply. Enter now

Fishmore Hall Hotel & Spa, Fishmore Hall, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 3DP

*Disclaimer:  Concierge Angel were complimentary guests. However, all opinions and photos belong to Concierge Angel, unless otherwise stated and remain a trademark of Concierge Angel.