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OLD DOWNTON
LODGE
Nick Bennett
Nr Ludlow
Pensons has become renowned not only
for its delectable dishes but also for its Only 6 miles from Ludlow, on the far north
commitment to sustainability and ethical Herefordshire border, Old Downton Lodge
practices. By sourcing ingredients from is a lovingly restored mixture of buildings –
nearby farms and suppliers who share medieval, half timbered and Georgian with
their values, Pensons ensures that each views for days.
plate is a celebration of both flavour Far away from light pollution, see velvety
and responsibility. night skies sprinkled with a myriad of stars
and enter Old Downton’s secret world; the
For an extended gastronomic experience,
book a stay in a courtyard room, complete remains of an ancient Motte, the cottage
with breakfast, exclusively available to garden, the old milking parlour sitting room,
diners Wednesdays to Saturdays. You and converted stables bedrooms.
might even catch a chat with Countess The Dining Room has the feel of a grand
Peta Darnley as she weeds amongst the medieval hall. In fact, it was built around the
flower beds or vegetable cloches – she time of the Norman conquest, providing
still likes to remain very hands on with a regal atmosphere to your experience.
her creation. Originally from Leamington Spa, Nick
Bennett is Head Chef and became known to
pensons.co.uk
millions when he reached the finals of BBC2’s
MasterChef: The Professionals screened on
Christmas Eve 2015.
Bennett joined the Mallory Court Brasserie,
was part of the team that maintained the
hotel’s kitchen garden. Passionate about Michelin Star and 3 AA rosettes for 4 years,
British produce Gavin works with suppliers and uncovered a real passion for pastry.
ideally no more than 20 miles away, such Moving on to The Curlew Restaurant in
as Huntsham Farm beef, Trealy Farm cured Bodiam, East Sussex he won Sussex Young
meats and Severn & Wye smoked fish. Chef of the Year 2013.
“It’s fair to say I’m obsessed with food and Nick and his growing family moved to
working on the constant evolution of my Downton on the Rock to join Old Downton
dishes bringing simple fresh ingredients Lodge in October 2019, where he has
together to deliver complex flavour.” He achieved and maintained 3 AA Rosette status
enthused. “The Tudor Farmhouse already and continues to grow and develop the food
had a first class reputation for food and offering at Downton.
I’m enjoying injecting new energy as On working in Herefordshire he says
Head Chef and putting my own mark on “I am extremely lucky to have such amazing
the menus. We are truly blessed by our produce on my doorstep. The seasons write
location in the heart of the Forest of Dean our menus for us and using such wonderful
and on the edge of the Wye Valley with ingredients such as Hereford Beef is a must
so many incredible local suppliers.” for me”.
tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk olddowntonlodge.com

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