The next time you are looking for somewhere stylish to dine out of an evening, or are planning a spot of lunch with friends, why not consider The Astbury?
That’s a golf club, I hear you say. Well, yes, but it’s so much more. For a start, it is set in 300 acres of parkland amid stunning Shropshire countryside. At its heart is a splendid Manor House, Astbury Hall, which houses Montgomery’s Bar & Restaurant. It is an elegant and refined place in which to dine – Churchill crockery and all – with emphasis placed on premium quality food and drink with first class service.
If you fear from this, though, that you will need to take out a second mortgage to visit, you will be pleasantly surprised. For instance, an 8oz sirloin steak, pickled shallot, fennel, caper salsa and French fries, with Café de Paris butter reads like fine dining but will set you back twenty-two quid, which as pub and restaurant steak dinners go, is pretty competitive. And that’s by far the most expensive main on the menu.
How about moules frites – mussels in white wine, cream and garlic served with French fries – for £14 or chicken Jalfrezi with steamed black rice and naan bread for £13.50? That great British crowd-pleaser, fish and chips with mushy peas and tartar sauce, is £14.50, which is not much more than pubs charge these days. The Astbury Burger – made with 8ozs of 28-day-aged beef and served with bacon, cheese, tomato, lettuce, gherkin, fried onions and French fries – sounds like a substantial meal for £15. For fish lovers,
hake and sea bass dishes are £16 and £16.50 respectively. Sides include seasonal greens, salads and delicious-sounding triple-cooked parmesan and truffle chips.
Mouth-watering starters include salt and pepper squid, smoke haddock scotch egg and tiger prawns in chilli, garlic and coriander. Prices range from £5 to £8 for individual starters and £12 for honey and truffle baked camembert to share.
“At its heart is a splendid Manor House, Astbury Hall, which houses Montgomery’s Bar & Restaurant.”
Desserts include sticky toffee apple brulée with oat crumble and apple sorbet; baked cookie dough pots with salted caramel ice cream; strawberry panna cotta; Eton mess and apple tart – each for £5.50.
The main menu is available from midday to 9pm, but there is also a ‘lunchtime light bites’ choice, available from midday to 4pm, offering a range of delicious sandwiches and paninis.
Bar and Terrace nibbles are available from midday to 9pm and include tasty treats such as curry and spinach sausage rolls, halloumi fries, chicken and chorizo croquettes and brie fritters.
For those with a liking for genteel tradition, Afternoon Tea is served in Montgomery’s with sandwiches, warm sausage rolls, delicious scones and cakes and a choice of fine teas.
“It is that high standard which makes The Astbury a lovely wedding venue, catering for up to 100 guests.”
The Astbury also has its own onsite café, The Potting Shed, which is ideal for golfers looking for a rest and refuel, as well as those enjoying a stroll along the estate’s woodland walk. Here you can enjoy treats like bacon and sausage baps, pies and pasties, muffins, carrot cake, flapjacks and brownies, with freshly brewed tea and coffee, a range of soft drinks or beers and wines.
So, as you can see, The Astbury caters for pretty much all tastes and appetites with an emphasis on value for money. Local food and drink producers are used wherever possible.
“Our aim is to be very much a part of our community and to be inclusive, with both golfers and non-golfers warmly welcomed,” explained Helena Dixson, Head of Marketing at the venue at Chelmarsh, near Bridgnorth. “We’ve launched brand new menus which are sensibly priced yet continue to offer the same high standard associated with The Astbury Resort.”
“The Astbury caters for pretty much all tastes and appetites with an emphasis on value for money.”
It is that high standard which makes The Astbury a lovely wedding venue, catering for up to 100 guests. Imagine the photographs in that setting!
We should not lose sight of the fact, of course, that The Astbury is a superb place to play golf. The immaculate 18-hole championship course, set to USGA (United Sates Golf Association) standard, is open to members and non-members with competitively priced green fees and individual and corporate membership deals.
The course has wonderful views at every turn, courtesy of its open parkland setting. And it is that stunning environment which makes The Astbury Resort ideal for its latest venture – a development of luxury lodges set in their own landscaped area. They are designed to provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, offering peace and tranquillity but within easy reach of the amenities of Bridgnorth. The luxury lodges are available for purchase will be on offer soon, rental opportunities for holiday makers will be on offer.
The project, like so much else, reflects the drive and imagination behind the scenes at The Astbury Resort, demonstrating a determination to take the venue to exciting new levels.
Book your table online at
theastbury.com/montgomerys
or call 01746 331777
The Astbury, Chelmarsh, Bridgnorth WV16 6AU
theastbury.com
