Celia Perrin

Celia Perrin owns and runs Hammond in Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire with her partner Christopher Sweet. The once 11-bedroom hotel was purchased in November 2002, and has been thoughtfully and tastefully re-furbished and now houses 6 en-suite 4 AA diamond guest rooms, a farm-house style restaurant and regional food and drink outlet.

Celia has always had a passion for quality cuisine, favouring France in her younger days, recalling times when she travelled around that country in her old Morris Minor 1000, with her then husband, wondering whether they would arrive safe and sound at their next destination. This of course meant going off course, which gave her the opportunity to visit small establishments, vineyards and eateries, enjoying local food and of course wines.

She has always believed that Britain could always equal, and even surpass, what our European neighbours can offer. On meeting Chris, she soon discovered that here was a kindred spirit, who had come up through the marketing ranks of Bass Hotels, Savoy (Lygon Arms Broadway) and Orient Express.

'Our menu is very English', says Celia, 'Shepherd's Pie, Pork Chops, locally grown Asparagus, and Herefordshire Apple Pie to name but a few, complemented with regional wines and other beverages from the rural West Midland vineyards, absolute bliss…'