Long celebrated by poet John Betjeman as “the loveliest town in England,” Ludlow is also world-renowned as a food and drink destination. With more than 500 listed buildings and a skyline dominated by a Norman castle, Ludlow combines old storybook charm with modern appeal. Cobbled streets lead to delis, bakeries, convivial pubs, and acclaimed restaurants.
Often referred to as the ‘food and drink capital of the Marches’, Ludlow’s hospitality scene thrives on its offering of diverse local produce. In 2024, a Which? Travel survey of more than 9,000 people saw respondents rate the food and drink in their favourite inland towns and villages. Ludlow came out on top for the nation’s best-rated food and drink. It was the only inland town to earn a full five stars for food. As Which? Travel put it, “Instead of a handful of high-end eateries, there’s a culture of local produce as well as numerous pubs and cafes, served by people who care about the food.”
That ethos shows up on the plate, with a focus on fresh, regional ingredients and menus that change with the seasons.
TripAdvisor currently ranks Old Downton Lodge as Ludlow’s best-rated restaurant. Riverside favourite CSONS is another beloved spot for relaxed, quality dining, along with Kin Kitchen and Baker’s of Tower Street for cafe-style dining.
Pub-lovers are spoilt for choice with The Queens and The Boot Inn, both well-rated on TripAdvisor.
Ludlow Distillery’s experts note that the town’s culinary scene is supported by a strong network of food and drink producers, ranging from artisan cheesemakers and bakers to craft brewers and distillers.
They said: “The strength of this offering is best seen (and tasted) by a visit to the Local to Ludlow Market in the Castle Square (where growers and makers based within 30 miles of the town sell a range of high-quality and carefully selected produce), and the award-winning Broad Bean fine food delicatessen on Broad Street.”
The town is committed to ‘Slow Food’, a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members worldwide that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community.
Over the past few years, the movement in Ludlow has grown from strength to strength. Slow Food Ludlow Marches offers year-round events, including visits, talks, demonstrations, meals and Taste Workshops at Ludlow Food Festival in September.
Ludlow Food Festival is one of the town’s biggest events of the year, regularly drawing about 15,000 visitors to Ludlow Castle over three days.
While it’s been and gone for 2025, locals and visitors can look forward to the Winter Festival at Ludlow Castle.
Set to take place between November 28 and 30, 2025, the event involves local entertainment, mulled wine, and firm favourites from the Ludlow Food Festival.
Time your visit for the second or fourth Thursday of the month to browse the Ludlow Local Produce Market, a showcase of food and drink made within 30 miles.
Stalls champion sustainability and seasonality, turning a simple shop into a delicious afternoon out.
Beyond Shropshire, Wells was named runner-up for inland dining by Which? Travel.
Also winning praise were Lavenham in Suffolk, Llangollen in Denbighshire, Stamford in Lincolnshire and Cartmel in Cumbria, each offering its own flavour of foodie escape.