![Hillside – Ventnor, Isle of Wight](https://www.countryandtownhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/DSC_5944-400x267.jpg)
A lovely place to stay, eat and relax. Close to the Eden Valley, and part of the huge Lowther Estate, the village inn has been imaginatively revamped by Charlie Lowther, who also owns nearby Askham Hall. The ground floor is a triumph of conviviality and authenticity. The wood-topped bar, wood-burning stoves, banquette seats strewn with kilim-covered cushions and the sightline that allows you to see all the way through to the slate-floored, duck egg blue-panelled restaurant, create a delightful place in which to while away time. As for the food, almost all the produce comes from Askham Hall’s gardens and the Estate. New head chef Gareth Webster creates just the sort of tasty, unfussy, locally sourced cooking one craves in the countryside. Talking of which, anyone staying in one of the inn’s 11 comfortable bedrooms should take advantage of its impressive fishing and stalking.
Situated in the heart of the Cumbrian countryside, on the edge of the Lake District near Lake Ullswater, the surrounding mountains, rivers, lakes, wildlife and history make this an idyllic place to visit.
Because much of the produce on the menus at the George and Dragon is grown and reared in the gardens and fields at the sister establishment Askham Hall, you won’t want to miss the delicious seasonal food.
Local handmade fudge from the world renowned ‘Toffee Shop’ in Penrith.
Nota Bene
The famous Rebel oak tree, where the rebel army of Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated and driven out of England, is situated behind the George and Dragon. Clifton marks the site of the last battle to take place on English soil in 1745.