Hadley Park House

Hadley Park is one of those typical tall, red-brick Shropshire/Staffordshire houses that come in varying degrees of sophistication, in this case agreeably well up the scale; its restaurant offers an eclectic mix of contemporary English dishes, it was awarded a coveted AA Rosette only four months after being re-opened. It is sited in a handsome conservatory, which makes a thoroughly convincing effort in looking as though it belongs to the house it serves.

The seasonal menu comes in two or three course versions and there is also a table d'hote version. The food carries convincing evidence of freshness and individual preparation and starters could include smoked salmon, melon dressed up with lemon sorbet and fresh fruit or a delightful cream of natural smoked haddock and chive soup, nicely topped off with a well-timed poached egg.

Main courses follow a safe path with roast fillet of pork, a tomato and garlic risotto with a mixed cheese finish or poached fillets of lemon sole as fairly typical. A classical note is struck with summer berry pudding served with clotted cream and tuille biscuit, and the banoffee pudding has to be amongst the better versions of that sturdy favourite; however, my choice would be the warm lemon and almond pudding with lemon syrup and vanilla ice cream, which sounds too tempting to be able to resist. The wine list is equal to most occasions.

Hadley Park has 12 bedrooms that each have their own sense of personal style, their individuality provides guests with a relaxing 'home from home' atmosphere. Recently refurbished, the bedrooms offer all the comforts of home coupled with some added luxuries that make a stay at Hadley Park memorable. All of the rooms are fully en-suite with luxury bathrooms, TVs, tea and coffee making facilities and feature impressive views across the Shropshire countryside.