Old  Downton  Lodge,  in  Ludlow,  Shropshire,  has  just  been  awarded  the  prestigious  honour  of  four  AA   rosettes,  recognising  its  culinary  offerings  of  the  highest  standard.

The  AA  only  bestowed  four   rosettes  to  two  other  restaurants  in  the  whole  of  the  UK.     Karl  Martin,  Head  Chef  at  Old  Downton,  has  been  with  the  restaurant  since  2014  and  is  building  on   an  impressive  catalogue  of  credentials.    They  have  been  listed  in  the  Michelin  Guide  since  2015  and   have  now  increased  their  AA  rosette  haul  from  three  to  four.     Identifying  itself  as  a  restaurant  with  rooms,  rather  than  a  hotel,  food  is  at  the  heart  of  the  Old   Downton  Lodge  ethos.    Set  in  a  concoction  of  medieval  and  Georgian  buildings,  including  a  herb   garden  and  cider  press,  it  is  certainly  a  rare  jewel  in  the  heart  of  the  countryside.

The  AA  inspector  commented:     “Dating  from  Norman  times,  the  restaurant  has  the  feel  of  a  medieval  great  hall  with  its  stone  walls,   tapestry  and  chandelier.  Dinner  takes  the  form  of  a  daily-­‐changing  menu,  all  built  on  local,  home-­‐ grown  and  foraged  produce  of  the  highest  order.  Head  chef  Karl  Martin’s  cooking  is  defined  by  its   inherent  simplicity,  precision  and  intuitive  balance.”     Karl  Martin  is  constantly  evolving  the  menu,  with  a  six  or  nine  course  tasting  menu  served  nightly   from  Tuesday  until  Saturday,  with  an  option  of  a  three-­‐course  market  menu  as  well.

Willem  Vlok,  owner  of  the  Old  Downton  Lodge  comments,  “To  be  one  of  three  restaurants  in  the  UK   to  receive  this  award  is  a  truly  amazing  honour.    Full  credit  to  Karl  Martin  and  his  team  who  have   created  a  restaurant  that  rivals  the  elite  of  the  industry.    We  are  excited  to  see  how  we  can  build  on   this  success.”     The  Old  Downton  Lodge  is  part  of  the  Shropshire  County  Hotels  group,  which  is  a  collection  of  the   best  independent  hotels  in  Shropshire,  all  with  their  own  unique  style,  and  high  standard  of   hospitality.