Kitchen Conundrum

  • Home
  • About
  • Eat
    • Appetizers
    • Bread
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Desserts
    • Fish
    • Meats
    • Pasta
    • Poultry
    • Side Dishes
    • Sauces, Dressings and Condiments
    • Soup and Stews
    • Vegetables
  • Drink
    • Beer
    • Cocktails
    • Wine
  • Recipe Index
  • Travel
    • NYC/Metro
    • Cambodia
    • England
    • France
    • Greece
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Vietnam
  • Kitchen Sink
    • Classes
    • Contests
    • Cookbooks
    • Cook The Book Fridays- My Paris Kitchen
    • French Fridays with Dorie
    • Kitchen Gear & Gadgets

Kitchen On the Road- Ludlow, UK and an amazing dinner at La Becasse

May 6, 2013 by Renee

Conde Nast Traveler magazine’s February issue declared a resurgence of falconry was occurring in the rolling hills of Shropshire, England.  This revival is just one example of the back to nature quest many British urbanites are seeking.  And while this sport seems steeped in all the poetry and magic of a hawk in flight- swooping down from the clouds its sights set on its prey, it was the sidebar notes of this article that caught my eye. Ludlow, a small, picturesque medieval market town of about 10,000 inhabitants lies in this remote corner of England by the Welsh border and is known for it’s epicurean roots- at one point, the only town in England with three Michelin-starred restaurants.  The town hosts the prestigious annual Ludlow food festival and was the first UK member of Cittaslow or “slow food” movement. Ludlow supports traditional butchers,  bakers, a regular farmers market as well as a range of specialty food shops. Ludlow also has its own award-winning brewery, The Ludlow Brewing Company, which has been producing real ale using local hops since 2006.

Currently, there is but one Michelin-starred establishment left in Ludlow, but it was the previously starred La Becasse, overseen by the incredibly talented chef, Will Holland that interested me and was at the top of my “Must Do” list for this trip.

So reservations were made and off we went. However, we were unaware that there would be a blizzard the very day we were to travel, so that made our cross England drive a bit of an exciting ride. We weren’t about to let snow get in the way though!

The roads wound through very hilly, forested farm land. There were many sheep along the roads and often they were nearly covered in snow. I felt badly for them. At times, the trees actually became bent over the road as they grew heavy with wet snow. While a beautiful sight, it was a bit treacherous and icy in parts.

2013-03-23 16.55.35

We made it to our B&B, a quaint, comfortable room with a private entrance called 130 Corve Street as that’s where it is located, just across the street from La Becasse.

There is lots to see as Ludlow sits between the scenic River Teme and the River Corve at the foot of the Clee Hills with Ludlow Castle sitting atop a small hill. The medieval walled town has nearly 500 listed historical buildings and a fabulous market square.

Having enough time to unwind a bit before dinner, we headed out to the Feather’s Bar, which is housed in a beautiful a 17th century coaching inn for a few pints from the award-winning Ludlow Brewery.

20130324-IMG_0529 20130323-IMG_0501

Dinner reservations were for 7:30 and we arrived just in time. From the minute you arrive at La Becasse, you are in expert hands. After taking our coats, we were led upstairs to the lounge where you are given a few bar snacks and cocktails.  We ordered Gin & Tonics, and I, as an afterthought, realized that I don’t actually like gin, and wondered what, exactly I had just done.  Well, it turns out I love Gin & Tonics, especially when made with Hendrick’s Gin and Fever Tree tonic with fresh slices of cucumbers. It was so bright and refreshing. Now, I think that it is my drink of choice. Who knew!?!

2013-03-23 20.11.11

We were handed menus while we relaxed with our drinks and asked to choose between the tasting menu or ala carte option. The decision was not so difficult, as we wanted to experience everything the chef had to offer! We choose the tasting menu with wines that were perfectly matched for each course.

After we were led downstairs to our table, the first round of wine was poured. And with each course, another glass was filled and so it continued until our table was filled with glasses.

2013-03-23 21.14.08

From the amuse-bouche straight through dessert, each plate was a work of art and a delightful treat. Our courses for the evening included a terrine of Foie Gras with a toasted brioche and fresh greens, Devon crab served with a Fish Cake and a tangy papaya salsa, and then a beautifully done filet of Halibut with Vanilla Foam and Roasted Corn.

2013-03-23 20.42.462013-03-23 20.30.342013-03-23 20.54.20

The main entree was sliced Venison served with Parsnips and a Blackberry Chocolate sauce drizzled over the entire plate. The sweetness perfectly balanced the flavorful and tender meat.

2013-03-23 21.13.48

For a cheese lover, the selection on the trolley was superb. We shared a terrific selection of cheeses that were presented from the cart to match our personal tastes. One of my favorites was the Pont-l’Évêque, a soft cow’s-milk cheese much like Brie or Camembert.

2013-03-23 21.51.24

The dessert was a decadent but light White Chocolate Cheesecake with Soaked Figs and Vanilla Crème.

2013-03-23 22.33.37

Everything was designed to perfection and Chef Will Holland’s creativity was evident in each dish.

The staff was also amazing.  The Sommelier really elevated our experience with his charming and unpretentious manner while the servers made sure we were never without water or bread. They were attentive without being overbearing and explained each dish as they arrived.

I cannot seem to grasp how they have not been re-granted their much-deserved Michelin Star because this was an incredible fine dining experience in a formal, though completely unstuffy atmosphere.

The next day before we left Ludlow, we did a bit of exploring. We wandered around the outside grounds of one of the finest of medieval ruined castles, Ludlow Castle. Unfortunately, due to the falling ice, the castle itself was closed and we found navigating the perimeter even difficult.

20130324-IMG_0595

20130324-IMG_0600

Directly across from the castle is a very interesting building, Castle Lodge, home to Catherine of Aragon while she was married to Prince Arthur. She later went on to marry Henry VIII after his death.

Castle Lodge has been privately owned throughout its history and was a hotel up until the Second World War. The Lodge was re-opened to the public in 1999 by its current owner Bill Pearson who wanted to turn it into a hotel once again. Unfortunately, the cost of this plan prevented it from occurring, and the house is basically in near ruin save for the few pounds that come in from tourists wandering the unfinished rooms.

It’s quite a sad state for a home with such history and boasting one of the largest collections of oak paneling in England dating from the early 13th Century.

20130324-IMG_057220130324-IMG_0576

We had a good look around and without any interaction with the owner, who disappeared once he collected our 3 pounds.  We soon left in search of something warm, which we found at Carvell’s The Art Of Tea shop; delicious scones, clotted cream and piping hot pots of Earl Grey.

20130324-IMG_0613

Leaving Ludlow, we made our way South to the ancient city of Bath… (to be continued!)

Filed Under: Travel, England Tagged With: La Becasse, Ludlow, Shropshire, Travel England, UK, Will Holland

Categories

Archives

kitchconundrum

Patatas Bravas. There’s really nothing better. S Patatas Bravas. There’s really nothing better. Spicy, smoked paprika on roasted potatoes with tomatoes and créma. Dreaming of Spain. #sogood #comfortfood #eatthemall #potaotes #patatasbravas #spain #camino #caminodesantiago
Chocolate Babka! It’s a two day process but so w Chocolate Babka! It’s a two day process but so worth it. So good! 
•
•
•
#babka #chocolate #baking #chocolatebabka
Tonight we didn’t order in. We had homemade eggr Tonight we didn’t order in. We had homemade eggrolls and chicken fried rice along with some store bought dumplings. #sogood #chinesefood #fridaynight #tradition
Chicken Parm… a nice family dinner. Can’t beat Chicken Parm… a nice family dinner. Can’t beat comfort food! #dinner #family #familystyle
Totally forgot to post the cut of my soap here. It Totally forgot to post the cut of my soap here. Its been very busy and I’m like a whirling dervish in all different directions. On the food front we made some favorites-Chicken Marbella that sustained us for a week and also a Corned Beef and Cabbage dish because it is March after all. But it was good to have the comfort foods we love and old standards as they provide the most contentment when it’s chaos everywhere else. Regular work and then some wholesale orders and getting the line poured for our Spring/Summer scents. And helping others with a few website issues. And kids. Thankfully, it seems to all be under control now and I’m really happy to be busy. All good things! 

The Eucalyptus Mint cut (smells amazing!) turned out so nice. Very happy with it. Had a request for a classic Cucumber Melon soap. Also a lovely fresh and clean spring/ summer scent. Available soon. But the Spring/Summer line of candles are done and are now available! Yay! 
•
•
•
#cpsoap #cooking #smallbusiness #candlemaking #candles #soap #busy #happy
Still cooking. This week I made the amazing stuffe Still cooking. This week I made the amazing stuffed vegetables from Aglaia Kremezi and they were so delicious. But I didn’t take any photos. I did, however, take video of my latest soap pour. White eucalyptus and mint. Smells amazing! Can’t wait to see how the cut turns out. It was a bit thicker trace than I expected. 
•
•
•
#coldprocesssoap #soap #soapmaking #ecualyptus #mint #stillinthekitchen #somethingdifferent
It’s been a week! Time to relax a little. Braise It’s been a week! Time to relax a little. Braised short ribs and polenta. Dinner is served! 
•
•
•
#weekend #weekendvibes #cooking #dinner #shortribs #polenta
Breakfast buddies. I love when he crunches toast. Breakfast buddies. I love when he crunches toast. #sharing #labradoodle #lovemydog #notofficiallyonthebed
It’s been ages since I’ve posted here. Well, a It’s been ages since I’ve posted here. Well, a month, lol. Thats a while! We made it through the holidays and we are into the new year. And while we are still cooking a lot, most of my big concoctions lately have been outside the kitchen and in the soap/candle studio. Here I am mixing scents, clays and mica colorants. Lots of new products coming to @lesilobleu soon. 
•
•
•
#candlemaking #soapmaking #coldprocesssoap #giftideas #smallbusiness
Traditional Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Puddings a Traditional Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Puddings and roasties. Even though it wasn’t Sunday. A favorite. 
•
•
•
#sundayroast #beef #potatoes #yorkshirepudding #dinner #yum
Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and very Merry Ch Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and very Merry Christmas! From all of us to all of you!
A little confiture with our biscuits this morning. A little confiture with our biscuits this morning. Fun flavors with pretty packaging. It’s a bit too sweet for me but I do like the pretty presentation. 
•
•
•
#jam #preserves #confiture #confitureparisienne #framboise #macaron #biscuits
Chicken Piccata for dinner. Love, love, love the l Chicken Piccata for dinner. Love, love, love the lemony white wine and caper sauce. A favorite! #dinner #chicken #lemon #yum
Fried chicken and waffles for dinner. With a maple Fried chicken and waffles for dinner. With a maple sriracha syrup. #dinner #eat #friedchicken #waffle #chickenandwaffles #yum
Leftovers! The best thing for lunch the next day- Leftovers!  The best thing for lunch the next day- Thanksgiving dinner on a roll. #thanksgiving #leftovers #thanksgivingdinneronaroll #yum #thebest
We are full of food and love today! So grateful fo We are full of food and love today! So grateful for the family around our table. #love #gratitude #thanksgiving #family
Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! We are Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! We are so grateful for each and every one of you! However you spend your day, may it be filled with love and deliciousness! 
•
•
•
#thanksgiving #gratitude #love #friends #family #delish
So many blooms from our roses … still!!! It’s So many blooms from our roses … still!!! It’s November! I’m capturing them and will dry the petals for soap and bath salts. #roses #latebloomer #davidaustinroses #loveroses
Load More... Follow on Instagram

© Copyright 2017 Kitchen Conundrum · Privacy Policy & Disclosures · All Rights Reserved ·