Long celebrated by poet John Betjeman as “the loveliest town in England,” Ludlow is also world-renowned as a food and drink destination. Boasting more than 500 listed buildings and a skyline dominated by a Norman castle, Ludlow marries ancient storybook enchantment with contemporary allure. Cobblestone lanes wind their way to delicatessens, bakeries, welcoming pubs, and celebrated eateries.
Frequently dubbed the ‘food and drink capital of the Marches’, Ludlow’s hospitality sector flourishes thanks to its array of varied local produce, reports the Express. 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 emerged victorious as the nation’s best-rated food and drink.It stood as the sole inland town to secure a complete five stars for food.
As Which? Travel expressed 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.”
This philosophy manifests itself on the plate, emphasising fresh, regional ingredients and menus that evolve with the seasons.
TripAdvisor presently positions Old Downton Lodge as Ludlow’s top-rated restaurant.
Waterside favourite CSONS represents another cherished destination for laid-back, quality dining, alongside Kin Kitchen and The French Pantry for bistro-style dining.
Pub enthusiasts find themselves overwhelmed with options including The Queens and The Boot Inn, both highly regarded on TripAdvisor. Specialists from Ludlow Distillery observe that the town’s gastronomic landscape benefits from a robust network of food and beverage producers, encompassing artisan cheesemakers and bakers through to craft brewers and distillers.
They stated: “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 champions ‘Slow Food’, a worldwide, grassroots initiative boasting thousands of members globally that connects culinary enjoyment with community dedication.
Throughout recent years, the movement in Ludlow has flourished considerably.
Slow Food Ludlow Marches provides year-round activities, encompassing visits, talks, demonstrations, meals and Taste Workshops at Ludlow Food Festival in September.
Ludlow Food Festival stands as one of the town’s most significant annual occasions, consistently attracting approximately 15,000 visitors to Ludlow Castle across three days.
Whilst it has concluded for 2025, residents and tourists can anticipate the Winter Festival at Ludlow Castle.
Scheduled to occur between November 28 and 30, 2025, the occasion features local entertainment, mulled wine, and beloved favourites from the Ludlow Food Festival. Plan your trip for the second or fourth Thursday of the month to explore the Ludlow Local Produce Market, a display of food and drink produced within a 30-mile radius.
Stalls promote sustainability and seasonality, transforming a basic shopping trip into a delightful afternoon excursion.
Beyond Shropshire, Wells was recognised as the runner-up for inland dining by Which? Travel.
Other locations that received commendations include Lavenham in Suffolk, Llangollen in Denbighshire, Stamford in Lincolnshire, and Cartmel in Cumbria. Each provides a unique taste of a gastronomic getaway.