A B&B in a different class – The Ashton, Lancaster

I was running a workshop in Lancaster this week, so needed to stay away.  I asked the company to recommend a suitable hotel – and they suggested a B&B.  This always sounds like a second best alternative, doesn’t it?  The Ashton could not have been further from this supposition.  I think it is one of the best home from home places I have stayed in for a long time.  It felt nearer to being a house guest at someone you have know for a long time.

It is the little things.  The front door is shut, and locked.  You have a key to get back in.  That makes it different from ‘Reception’ doesn’t it? And James asks you if there is anything you don’t like to eat.  That’s because, like going to a dinner party, you will be presented with your dinner – no faffing around with a menu (But there is a wine list…)

Doesn’t that make it feel calmer already?  It got better.  I arrived about 3, so was greeted with tea and cake.  How civilised!  Apparently, if it was later the choice extends to wine.

The building is Georgian in style (I’m not clever enough to know if it is real or not – but it felt so).  The rooms are darkly decorated – in the style of those times – and it makes it feel very cosy and different to our light addiction.

I had two dinners and two breakfasts (Not at the same time).  First night – Moroccan chicken in couscous with a tangy vibe, and lots of little tasty morsels involved.  The salad was substantial, with grilled Haloumi cheese on top.  Healthy and tasty at the same time.  Spoilt the health kick with a sticky toffee pudding – oh well!

The Ashton

Breakfast>  A proper sideboard groaning with goodies.  Yes, I started healthy again, with mixed fruit and yoghurt.  But then I couldn’t resist the Eggs Benedict.  I should have realised as egg was plural that two poached eggs and two pieces of muffin and three pieces of smoked back bacon would make the hollandaise sauce a molten addition of loveliness – and all a bit much!  (Look, I managed it, OK)

Night two – moving to Italy or Spain – pork meat balls (finely herbed, hint of garlic, loads of pepper), in a fine sauce.  Less substantial salad, but again healthy – and I ruined it again with treacle sponge and ice cream!

I’d learnt my lesson on morning one, and asked for a half Egg Benedict.  It really was just as good, and I waddled happily to my car…

It is multi award winning – and definitely worth a try to see if you can get in.  Be warned, I may be ahead of you in the queue!