Nestled in a patchwork of rolling countryside, The Plough makes the perfect destination for a relaxing break in a location which is ideally situated for exploring the surrounding countryside of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales. We were fortunate enough to escape to this stylish inn with rooms recently and arriving at such a peaceful hideaway left us feeling restored after the long journey.
We checked in to the well-appointed and stylish Torsin suite, a vast 685 sq. ft space which has a country inn style aesthetic underpinned by luxuriant furnishings and elegant windows which flood the room with light. Attention to detail shines throughout the suite, from the record player and selection of coffee table books to the sprawling bathroom complete with roll top bath, walk-in monsoon shower and his and hers sinks. The only downside to staying in the Torsin suite is that you will be reluctant to leave, and with your own dining table, sofas, coffee machine and mini bar on hand everything you need for a comfortable stay is in situ.
We settled in before heading downstairs to dinner in the spacious dining room, which has a stylish feel with neutral colours brought to life by floral furniture and twinkling candle lanterns. We settled at our table and commenced the meal with wildflower sourdough with bacon butter – we were surprised to be served with an entire loaf of the appealingly crusty bread, which paired perfectly with the smoky butter.
On to starters and new season asparagus with slow cooked egg, watercress bavarois and crispy air-dried ham combined a wealth of fresh spring flavours while the ham added welcome texture. Smoked oxheart tomato with puntarella, mozzarella and black olive and rosemary dressing was another light and tasty choice of starter suited to the warm evening.
For the main course, we were spoiled for choice, with a wide selection on the menu ranging from classics such as the Lupton beef burger and ale battered haddock and chips as well as dishes with more of a fine dining slant. My main course of pan-fried fillet of sea bass with saffron fondant and crab and broad bean cassoulet was a sophisticated creation and the tender sea bass was offset by the cassoulet which had plenty of punchy crab flavour.
A good steak and chips rely heavily on the quality of the ingredients and the 28-day Himalayan salt dry aged 8oz ribeye steak served with a peppery rocket salad with garlic and herb butter, proved how delicious a steak can be. The beef on the menu is sourced from the three counties surrounding The Plough and the succulent meat had a deep and smoky flavour, while peppercorn sauce and triple cooked chips rounded off this hearty classic.
We moved on to dessert and the dark chocolate delice with double Jersey ice cream and fresh raspberries struck the right balance with the tangy raspberries working well with the intensity of the chocolate. Caramelised banana and peanut bread & butter pudding with caramel ice cream was another delight, with the banana and caramel providing just the right level of sweetness to this new take on a well-loved pudding. We rounded off the evening with a local Lake District gin and tonic on the terrace, concluding a superb evening.
After a restful night in the Torsin Suite’s super king bed, we enjoyed a continental breakfast before choosing a hot dish from the menu which includes a full English and vegetarian breakfast, alongside favourites such as eggs benedict. Local produce is again the star of the show at breakfast, with Cartmel Valley smoked salmon and Yorkshire chorizo featuring on the menu. We had a thoroughly enjoyable stay at The Plough and the comfortable accommodation, excellent food and central location make a winning formula for a few days away.
Words & Images by Camille Allcroft for Client Voyage
The Plough Inn, Cow Brow, Lupton, Cumbria, LA6 1PJ
Tel: 015395 67700
www.theploughatlupton.co.uk
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