Sebastians Restaurant

Helen Billington (9 October 2007)

If you read the information pack in the room it begins with "Welcome to our home" and that exactly sums up my feelings about the place. I had been slightly anxious that the exterior in the cold light of day seemed a bit uninviting (to be fair, the approach from the back gives a much more accurate and quaint impression of the building). However, from the minute Mark (a.k.a. Sebastian) met us, we were treated like long lost friends with just the right amount of distance not to be intrusive. He lit the fire, brought in the newspapers, and sorted out our drinks within minutes as we settled into the charming and cosy hotel.

The rooms are wonderful, real character, with cafetieres and fresh milk, and the room maid sent scurrying up to put all the lights on to welcome us. This was enough to impress the Australians we visited with, but when we sat down to the feast that was dinner, it just got even better. From the freshly prepared canapés and homemade bread, through the five delicious courses, we didn't leave a scrap of food. It was fantastic and the cheerful service and personal attention is something I haven't experienced for donkeys years. The desserts produced are supplied to the Orient Express as well and Mark himself has a repertoire of fascinating stories. If you are ever remotely close to Oswestry or passing through, you have to stop here. Thoroughly recommended. If you are after more information on the food, it was a five course menu, Saturday night, for £32 and we had cod, lamb, scallops, beef, scrumptious chocolate pudding, glorious cheese. Not all at the same time. You just have to go and try it. Well worth it. The wine list was good and not outrageous.

Mervyn Rosenberg (19 June 2007)

Excellent, thoughtful menu. Beautifully prepared and eaten with gusto and great pleasure. I have been there several times and never been disappointed. Marc, the chef and owner catered my daughter's wedding, to everybody's acclaim. 100% recommended.