What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Old Downton Lodge
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
Traditional British Food. Offer a la Carte and a 6 course tasting menu. Restaurant Open Monday to Sunday 6:00pm till 8:30pm and Afternoon Tea Monday to Sunday 15:00pm till 16:30pm. Booking Only.
Features
CUISINES
British
Meal types
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
American Express
Discover
Free off-street parking
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Mastercard
Non-smoking restaurants
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Private Dining
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Visa
Location
Free off-street parking, Parking Available
Menu
Does this place accept credit cards?
Reserve a table
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Monday
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Tuesday
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Wednesday
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Thursday
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Friday
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Saturday
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Contribute
4.9
182 reviews
Excellent
161
Very good
16
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Jabberwocky J
1 contribution
May 2024 • family
Dinner at the Old Downton Lodge, a converted barn with a medieval theme, was very good. The various amuse bouche that was provided in between courses were memorable, delicious and a surprise combination. Main course of beef was a little tough but tasty nonetheless! There was a tasting menu on offer, but it looked, like all tasting menus, to be a tad too much food to consume. Our selection of three courses, is encompassed within the tasting menu and it more than sufficed. All-in-all a very pleasant meal and service was professional and as expected.
Written 20 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather B
17 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
Our 50th Wedding Anniversary and we couldn't have chosen a better place for a celebration dinner. Everything about it was perfect. Delicious, delectable dishes served by the most welcoming and attentive staff, soft tasteful background music and ambient candlelight. It was pure joy from start to finish.
We would definitely return when we visit this beautiful part of the country again.
Written 1 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Connector18865146781
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • couples
Booked overnight stay with Dinner and Breakfast, extremely exceptional quality of both accomodation, Dinner and Breakfast. We had pre Dinner dronks in the lovely bar area and sampled the local Gin and beer served by very helpful and knowlegable staff. The Dining room is a lovely setting where we had a selection of breads, liver parfait followed by pork, pre desert and desert all finished off with a generous cheesboard to share. There is an extensive range of wines from all over the globe and whisky collection in the bar area.
Breakfast on the Sunday morning was the same high standard both in food and service.
Would recommend highly.
Written 19 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John W
8 contributions
Feb 2025 • couples
Fantastic I cannot find any faults. The room was clean and quirky then go to the bar which is set in an old cow shed which is done up which shows beautiful stone and age where the staff were incredibly courteous and helpful then changed for dinner and came down to a waitress who could not do enough for us And food to die for I would recommend this place to anyone. I’m not saying I’m a food critic by any stretch of the imagination but I do find it hard to believe that you could get much better than this food we will return a fantastic treat for anyone. Thank you to everyone there it is appreciated right down to your own personal menu, which I thought was a fantastic touch once again many many thanks to all the staff and a big tick in the box for the chef. Simply superb. !
Written 2 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark
Bloxwich50 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
I'm writing this sitting in the sumptuous bed having just woken from a wonderful night's sleep in a beautiful room, fully confident I can expect the breakfast to be as breathtaking as last nights meal.
Having arrived in the afternoon we were shown to our amazing room in the beautiful Ludlow countryside. The medieval setting is idyllic and immediately a sense of relaxation and calm hits you like an iron bar in a big fluffy sock.
The 6 course tasting menu with paired wines was sublime, each course an incredible experience. The staff who looked after and guided us through this journey were a delight- knowledgeable and attentive whilst giving us the privacy to giggle and goggle at the sheer deliciousness of the whole thing.
If there is a heaven I think it will look a bit like Downton lodge
Written 28 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike Allen
Herefordshire43 contributions
Oct 2024 • friends
Absolutely superb
From our welcome by Tomasz, the restaurant manager and then the highly efficient and friendly service throughout the meal we felt that we had been made extremely welcome
The quality of the different dishes was sublime, the little extras which kept appearing were delicious and the excellent quality of the wine list was the icing on the cake
The restaurant itself was perfect and every one of the 8 people who sat down to eat were thrilled with everything they received
Congratulations to everyone who played a part
Written 28 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jadwiga Maria O
2 contributions
Sept 2024 • couples
Today, my husband and I dined at Old Downtown Lodge and was thoroughly impressed by both the exquisite cuisine and the impeccable service. The menu showcased a variety of innovative dishes, blending bold flavors and beautiful presentation. The attentive and knowledgeable staff ensured that our meal was a memorable one, providing excellent recommendations and ensuring our satisfaction. I can’t recommend Old Downtown Lodge enough for a fantastic dining experience.
Written 15 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter B
1 contribution
Mar 2025 • couples
What a great place to celebrate a special celebration. The lodge is some 7 miles from the foody town of Ludlow in the beautiful Shropshire countryside. There are 9 rooms and we were in Room 9 which was separate from the main building. The rooms were of a high standard were spotlessly clean and comfortably. Dinner, the options were a la carte or tasting menu (+wine option). We opted for a la carte. The food was excellent and the wine selection extensive. Wines are expensive but all the wines complement the food. The service is low key and attentive. They are really friendly.
Will definitely be back in the summer when we can experience the manicured gardens in the courtyard with a bottle of champagne! Also, lots of interesting circular walks in the surrounding Shropshire countryside. Highly recommend this experience.
Written 14 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D11DBR
Shrewsbury41 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
My wife and I ate here last night. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful countryside, albeit fairly remote. The restaurant is within a lovely old and well-restored building. We had a drink in a very cosy bar before moving into the restaurant. All areas are tastefully decorated.
The staff were extremely pleasant and helpful.
There was a good wine list and range of choices on the menu which we chose from.
The food was superb. We enjoyed canapés, started, fabulous mains, a pre-dessert and excellent desserts followed by petit fours. All were of the highest quality, interesting and sensationally tasty. Coffee and liqueurs from a good range of whisky, brandy etc rounded off a great occasion. Thank you to all involved. We will be back!
Written 29 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate M
Brighton30 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
We visited due to a glowing recommendation from a friend and weren’t disappointed. We had a simply fabulous evening - delicious food that simply burst with flavour, delightful staff (particularly Winter) who looked after us so well and the setting is just perfect. We hope to return very soon!
Written 13 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pam
London4 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
If you want a real treat, something special yet unpretentious this is the place. The staff are excellent, friendly and welcoming with the right level of attentiveness. The room was comfortable and clean, the surrounding environment is beautiful, restful and quiet at night. Dinner in the restaurant is a wonderful experience. Menus are creative; food is freshly ordered focusing on seasonal produce and staff are knowledgeable about what they are serving and happy to advise. The food is utterly delicious with a good choice of wines to accompany the meal. We felt thoroughly spoiled and relaxed, which was the whole point.
Written 28 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DayTrip13701411935
2 contributions
Jun 2024 • family
In the deep Shropshire countryside, part of the Downton Estate. Most diners were guests at the hotel. We were not.
Our party was 4 adults. We had the a La Carte menu, 3 courses. The food was interesting, beautifully presented and tasty. Portion size was not too large, just right. The only dish which might have been improved was the desert, Rhubarb cheesecake. The ginger flapjack was a bit hard and did not fit with the other textures. The slices of rhubarb were also a little too hard. But all other courses and dishes were wonderful. A nice touch was the personalised, named, menu for our party.
The staff were young and friendly and very professional.
The fish dishes were especially well cooked and presented, particularly the Gilt Head Bream. It was clearly very freshly cooked and hot.
The approach country roads are little more than farm tracks with some large potholes. But this added to the adventure!
Written 2 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob S
2 contributions
May 2024 • couples
Old Downton Lodge is a beautiful gem in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside. It is so peaceful and relaxing. The afternoon tea enjoyed by myself and my wife was exceptional with freshly made sandwiches, warm scones and expertly made cakes. We spoilt ourselves with a glass of bubbly along with the loose leaf Darjeeling tea we chose from the extensive list of teas and coffees. As usual, we needed to box some cakes up for later, as we just couldn’t manage to finish everything that was presented to us. The waitress and reception staff are friendly, helpful and welcoming. We will be returning, as we always do!!
Written 10 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark T
Bakewell93 contributions
Feb 2024 • couples
Wonderful buildings, beautifully restored house this delightful restaurant. The staff we were welcoming, without being too stuffy or too familiar. The taster menu (amuse bouche and six courses) was thoughtfully created, expertly executed, and well served. If I had a single criticism it would be that all together the courses were perhaps a bit too large such that we couldn’t finish the last one, but we’ll certainly be back again.
Written 10 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Willem Vlok
Thank you. It's always good to hear about portion sizing- we try our best to not over face our guests with the tasting menu but occasionally we have guests also saying the portions are too small - will let the chef know
Written 15 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FarAway57195356061
Chesham3 contributions
Dec 2024 • couples
We chose to dine and stay overnight at Old Downtown Lodge for my birthday and it proved to be a real treat.
All the staff we encountered were friendly and professional and the food was outstanding, especially the cod satay!!
Our room (no 8), was lovely, with a wonderful four poster bed and a nice sized bathroom, with a stand alone bath and super shower.
The reception rooms were warm and welcoming and the candlelit dining room itself was beautiful, with solid dark oak furniture and sutle lighting.
We wouldn't hesitate to recommend Old Downtown Lodge, especially for a special occasion. I would love to stay again and perhaps next time try their tasting menu.
Written 12 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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