It has to be said that Clifton is no chocolate-box pretty village. It is really little more than a few houses strung along the A6. But it is close to Penrith and the motorway and it most definitely has the George and Dragon, an 18th century coaching inn.
The George and Dragon was to be our base for two nights for a mini foray into the Lake District on our way home from Scotland. It had been a long drive in driving rain and we staggered into the inn in need of a warm welcome. We got it.
Downstairs the George and Dragon is all dark wood and cushioned banquettes, but through a door and up the stairs we found a large landing which had been turned into a rather nice lounge area for guests with a couple of comfy settees and a large coffee table. Instead of putting hospitality trays in rooms a service table had been set out with kettle, cups and tea and coffee. In a large armoire were some hair dryers, books, games, etc for guests to use.
The inn has 12 differently shaped and stylish bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms, some with baths, others with wet rooms. The comfortable beds are made even more comfortable by silky- smooth linens.
The George and Dragon has a reputation for good food. Unfortunately by 8pm which was when we were ready to eat the specials were no longer available. However, the fish and chips were very good; as was breakfast the next morning. We had learnt our lesson from the night before so as soon as we got back that evening from a day exploring the Lake District we put in our order for our evening meal. We are pleased to say that the rabbit was excellent as was the chicken with smoked black pudding, mixed vegetables and Mrs Thompson’s crushed potatoes.
Next morning before making our journey south we travelled the couple of miles to Askham Hall where we met Juno and Charles Lowther. Juno and Charles own the George and Dragon and Charles, youngest son of the late seventh Earl of Lowther grew up at Askham Hall. The beautiful old house dating back to the 14th century is being converted into a 26-bedroom country house hotel.
The produce served in the restaurant at the George and Dragon and at the café at Askham Hall comes chiefly from the either the farms on the family’s estates or from the Hall’s own grounds. Menu boards at the inn proudly name suppliers like Mrs Thompson.
The Lowther Estate owns part of the River Lowther and River Eden and holiday makers come for fishing trips and stay at the George and Dragon. The chef will cook any fish caught. The estate also has its own stalker and outings with him can be arranged. Charles and Juno breed their own rare-breed pigs (Gloucester Old Spot, Tamworth, Saddlebacks) and Boer/Cashmere goats, also for their meat.
During the summer the gardens at Askham Hall are open to the public. We were bowled over by the beauty of the flower-packed herbaceous borders and the immaculate formal lawns and terraces. It wasn’t just the children who enjoy watching the rare-breed pigs and goats, shorthorn cattle, chickens and ducks!
The Kitchen Garden Café pulled us like a magnet – the café built into one of the old buildings offers excellent cakes and light lunches including pizzas from the outdoor wood-fired oven. Vist www.askhamhall.co.uk to check opening hours.
There is yet another reason to stop at the George and Dragon – it’s a very quick drive to the splendid Tebay Service Station.
George and Dragon: www.georgeanddragonclifton.co.uk