Shropshire Life Magazine May 2007 ~ Posted by www.Dinewithus.co.uk

For stately Georgian grandeur with true family hospitality ~ look no further, than the Shropshire borders.

The Sweeney Hall Country House Hotel and Restaurant, set in its own eight acres just outside Oswestry, offers a real opportunity to get away from it all and live the life many of us can only dream of.

From the moment you pull off the busy A483 from Oswestry, over the cattle grid and on to the gravel drive, you will start to relax while your sense of anticipation grows.

Classic Georgian architecture and an elevated position give a feeling of grandeur. The interior retains its old-world ambience but has been recently enhanced by an opulent makeover from carpets to curtains, and everything in between. The finer details have been added by owner Sean, whose classy style, understated influences and family global artefacts are scattered throughout.

On arrival we were greeted by his friendly voice and warm welcome. He shows us to our room – room 1, with glorious views across the grounds and beyond to the Welsh Marches. All rooms have been updated to the highest standards, mixing old and new – Ours benefiting from a half-tester bed, chaise lounge and a dazzling contemporary bathroom, fully equipped with Jacuzzi bath.

The public bar now has a stylish new Cotswold stone terrace dotted with parasols, bigger than most people's lawns. That night, another balmy spring evening, we did not need the built-in heaters to warm us, just the accompaniment of a bottle of sparkling rosé on ice, as we watch the slowly setting sun.

Parker's Restaurant, decorated in a subtle coffee and cream tones, is a hive of activity, hosting families, groups and the sounds of friends laughing as birthday presents are opened on the table next to us.

The menu choice is classic English, with many local ingredients enhancing the selection. Our choices, baked avocado and king prawn thermidor, alongside the deep-fried mushrooms in light crispy breadcrumbs, soon arrive. Creamy thermidor and the texture of the perfectly ripe avocado make a classic combination – the deep fried mushrooms, clearly home prepared, and lightly dipped, are succulent and fresh, retaining their firm, but moist texture. The choice of white Zinfandel from the extensive and informative wine list lifted the flavours perfectly.

Mains were a hard choice but we settled on baked cod loin with a Parmesan and nut crust, from the fixed price menu (three courses for £19.50) and crispy half duck in a port and cherry sauce. Both served with fresh vegetables – perfectly cooked and again, locally sourced.

No meal is complete without a hearty tackling of the pudding list ... and what a list. More than 10, all homemade and all very tempting. My selection was raspberry and cardamon brulée – the first I have eaten (and I have had many) where I could really taste the egg yolks, rich, and creamy, against the sweetly caramelised top. But if chocolate is your bag, try the indulgent baked chocolate cheesecake - a real fix!

The service is slick; friendly and the team are well informed. Nothing is too much trouble. Sean also is constantly on hand to help where needed. Even with a separate party of nearly 120 guests dining in the function room, he was always available. We were convinced there was two of him!

I can't finish without mentioning the breakfast, served in the Gothic-style addition to their main restaurant. The freshest, sweetest ripe melon with pineapple, a choice of juices and cereal followed by a true 'Borders Breakfast' with ingredients from “around Oswestry”, including more of those rich yellow eggs sourced, Sean confirms, “from a friend’s free-range chickens, just over the field”.

Posted by www.Dinewithus.co.uk

Food is served 12-2.00 and 6pm- 9.30pm daily.
Fixed price Three course menu £19.50
Individually priced menu- Early Bird Menu £10 for two courses served at lunchtime and from 6pm till 7pm.
Traditional Sunday Lunch served from 12 till 2.30pm
Total spend on meal and drinks £64 incl £19.50 3 course fixed price.
Rooms from £60 inc breakfast.
A private cottage is also available for up to four guests. For more info, visit their new website www.sweeneyhall.co.uk or call 01691 652450.