April 27th, 2010
Paul Pry was our second self catering property and, as can be seen by its interior, has gone through many changes and adaptations over its long history, some 800 years. As can be seen from our Paul Pry page there are the remains of the side of a timbered frame house and remains of a medieval stone wall inside. When we bought it all these features had been covered up over the years and it looked a very ordinary property inside. But, I was curious what was behind the false wall in the bedroom and was delighted when the timber frame was revealed and this in turn, lead to the discovery of the medieval stone wall. And , just as the interior has changed so has the outside. The present exterior was very much as it appeared in the 1800s when it was a pub, first called Paul Pry and later, The Coach and Horses. Since we have owned PP, as we refer to it, I have been a regular on ebay looking for old pictures and prints of Lower Broad Street and PP. From some postcards, it was evident that the main bedroom bay window had once had a roof on it and this was confirmedwhen I bought an old print from the antiques market about six months ago. (Previous to the bay windows there appears to have been a Georgian brick front, not uncommon for Ludlow.) I had always thought the flat leaded roof to that bay window looked odd and not in keeping. So, armed with the photos and the print we applied for permission to restore the roof. As PP is in the Ludlow Conservation Area there are very strict rules over what can and cannot be done and what materials can be used. However, after some time, we got permission to put the roof back on and this was done at the beginning of this year. We are very pleased with the result which can be seen below.
The restored roof over the main bedroom.
To return to our holiday cottages click on the link below:
www.ludlow-selfcatering.co.uk
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Tags: paul pry, restoration
Posted in Changes to our houses. | Comments Off
April 23rd, 2010
Updated 10 July
I visited The Bell for lunch today (July 10) having heard that, after a few disastorous months, The Bell was once again in safe, professional hands and good food was coming out of the kitchen. And, they were right
From the moment I walked through the door I knew things had changed for the good; a warm welcome and a spotlessly clean, cared for pub. (So different from my last visit on Maundy Thursday.) I savoured an excellent pint of HPA while I decided what to eat. Although a very warm day, I decided on the parsnip and apple soup followed by the haddock and chips. I ordered the soup because I was curious about how the combination of flavours would work. They worked extremely well, the soup was delicious. The haddock and chips did not disappoint either. crisp batter encased a succulent piece of fish. The chips had a lovely crisp outside and were slightly soft inside. Perfection. The mushy peas had changed though, no longer a bright green as a result of colouring, but a nice mellow yellow. They were good. You wont be surprised to learn that an empty plate was returned to the kitchen. I was full but felt I must see if the sweets were up to standard again. I had the lemon posset. It had just the right degree of sharpness, not too much but just enough to make it interesting and not over sweet. I finished off with coffee. My previous visit seemed just a bad dream. I am so pleased The Bell is in good hands again. Go and try it, you wont be disappointed.
To return to our holiday cottages page click on the link below:
www.ludlow-selfcatering.co.uk
We welcome genuine comments, but spammers just looking for a free back link won’t get published. Every comment is checked before being published.
Tags: Bell, must visit, new owners, pub food, recommended
Posted in Eating outside Ludlow | 6 Comments »
March 30th, 2010
Whilst staying in Ludlow this weekend, we visited our favourite restaurant Underhill’s on the Saturday, 23 March. We have been there numerous times. have never been disappointed and always look forward to our next visit, The restaurant is situated near to Dinham weir and there are fine views from the garden and dining room across the River Teme and the weir. We love sitting out in the garden enjoying pre and post dinner drinks in the summer. The dining room only has about 30 covers and you have to book up well in advance, particularly at wekends. The menu, apart from the dessert is set though you are phoned up the day you are due to dine to be told what the fish and main course are going to be and are asked if there is anything you cant eat. There is only one sitting. Our menu on Saturday was:
1.Trio of olives – marinated, gourgeres and flat bread. 2.Cone of marinatedsmoked salmon. 3. Almond veloute with crispy horizo. 4. Duck liver custard with carrot and lemon grass glaze. 5. Organic Shetland salmon and smoked haddock cream and apple. 6.Slow roasted fillet of Marches beef, horseradish and shallot jus and mini braised beef pie and creamy spinach. 7.Rhubarb “sponge” with custard icecream ( a sophisticated sorbet). 8.Choice of desserts or cheese. 9.Coffee and petit fours.
The cost was £56, not cheap but excellent value and a great eating experience. The service is discreet but efficient. The wine list is extensive and if it is too much for you to steer your way through, Judy will suugest wines by the glass or bottle to go with your meal. She does not attempt to push the most expensive bottles. When you leave you are given a small packet of biscuits or sponge to enjoy next morning; all cooked at Underhill’s.
Many of our guests staying in our self catering accommodation like to book up to eat at Underhills which is only a short walk from our cottages. Eveyone reports having a great time there. This year, Underhill’s was named as the Best All Round UK Restaurant by Harden’s Restaurant Guide. And why the name, Mr. Underhill’s? Well that was the name of a cat they owned.
Mr Underhill's Ludlow
To return to our holiday self catering cottages click on the link below:
www.ludlow-selfcatering.co.uk
We welcome genuine comments but spammers just looking for a free back link, do not waste your time. You won’t be published.
Tags: Eating in Ludlow, excellent food, food, must visit, recommended, restaurant, Underhills
Posted in Eating in Ludlow | Comments Off
March 17th, 2010
When we were in Ludlow last weekend staying in Paul Pry spring was well on its way. The sun (and hormones) were encouraging the resident swans to start nesting. The original pair have taken up residence on their favourite spot, one of the gardens along Teme Side, whilst the young pair were showing a great deal of attention to a site on the island opposite side of Waterside. Going along the Bread Walk by the River Teme some of the trees were starting to show hints of green whilst blackbirds were looking for nesting materials. We never grow tired of walking the Bread Walk as it changes day by day. My favourite times are the early mornings in summer, usually about 6.30 am. At this time a mist sill lingers over the river and the sun shining through the arches of Dinham Bridge and reflecting in the river is a sight not to be missed. But whatever time of year you take this popular Ludlow walk there is always something intersting to see. I look forward to seeing my first Kingfisher of 2010.
View up Lower Broad Street from Paul Pry
Whitcliffe from Paul Pry bedroom
Tags: paul pry, spring, swans
Posted in General | Comments Off
