Long hailed by poet John Betjeman as “the loveliest town in England,” Ludlow has earned international recognition as a culinary and beverage destination. Boasting over 500 listed buildings and a skyline commanded by a Norman castle, Ludlow blends historic charm with contemporary allure.

Cobblestone lanes wind past delicatessens, bakeries, welcoming public houses, and celebrated eateries. Frequently dubbed the ‘food and drink capital of the Marches’, Ludlow’s hospitality sector flourishes through its emphasis on varied regional fare. A Which?Travel survey of over 9,000 respondents saw participants rating the cuisine and beverages in their preferred inland locations.

Ludlow emerged victorious for the country’s highest-rated food and drink. It stood alone as the only inland destination to secure a full five stars for dining.

As Which? Travel noted, “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 in every dish, emphasising fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal menus.

TripAdvisor presently lists Old Downton Lodge as Ludlow’s top-rated restaurant. Waterside favourite CSONS represents another cherished venue for casual, superior dining, alongside Kin Kitchen and Baker’s of Tower Street for café-style fare.

Pub enthusiasts face an abundance of options with The Queens and The Boot Inn, both highly-regarded on TripAdvisor. Experts from Ludlow Distillery highlight that the town’s gastronomic landscape thrives thanks to a robust network of food and drink artisans, encompassing everything from specialist cheesemakers and bakers to independent 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 champions ‘Slow Food’, an international, grassroots initiative with thousands of supporters globally that connects culinary enjoyment with community dedication.

In recent years, the initiative in Ludlow has flourished considerably. Slow Food Ludlow Marches provides year-round activities, encompassing visits, presentations, demonstrations, dining experiences and Taste Workshops during September’s Ludlow Food Festival.

Ludlow Food Festival ranks amongst the town’s most significant annual occasions, consistently attracting approximately 15,000 guests to Ludlow Castle across three days.

Plan your visit for the second or fourth Thursday of each month to explore the Ludlow Local Produce Market, celebrating food and drink crafted within a 30-mile radius.

Vendors emphasise sustainability and seasonal produce, transforming an ordinary shopping trip into a delightful culinary experience.

Outside Shropshire, Wells secured second place for inland dining according to Which? Travel.

Also receiving recognition were Lavenham in Suffolk, Llangollen in Denbighshire, Stamford in Lincolnshire and Cartmel in Cumbria, each providing its own distinctive gastronomic getaway.