The finest places to eat in Shropshire

Are you on the hunt for places to eat in Shropshire? Here's our advice: save yourself some time and head straight for Ludlow.

Yes, there's a reason Ludlow is known as the 'foodie capital of the Marches'. This elegant little market town was once home to three Michelin-star restaurants – more than any other English town or city outside London.

Its culinary reputation remains just as strong today. The town recently earned five stars in a Which? review of foodie destinations – the only town in the survey to do so. And on every corner, you can find a deli, restaurant or cafe serving good, honest food cooked with the finest local ingredients. Here are a few of our favourites.

We can't talk about places to eat in Ludlow without mentioning our own. Set within the oak-panelled Dining Room of our Grade II* Tudor hotel, the Castle Lodge Restaurant is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Expect creative takes on firm British favourites, crafted using high-quality local produce under the expert supervision of our head chef . This is the best of Shropshire on a plate – served in the heart of the 'loveliest town in England'. We can't wait for you to experience it.

This fine-dining restaurant is named after the ancient forest that skirts Ludlow's southwestern fringe. Fittingly, its atmosphere feels as steadfast and elegant as an old oak – all plush carpets, wood panels and charmingly wonky floors. The food, too, is rooted in time-honoured British and French traditions. We highly recommend the tasting menu, which – at around £70 per head for five courses – is firmly on the affordable side of gourmet.

CSONs is a family affair. Opened in 2021 by the talented Crouch brothers, this riverside restaurant has established itself as one of Shropshire's finest places to eat. Come for the menu of flavourful international favourites – stay for the blissful views of the River Teme. And if you have an evening spare, be sure to check out the Crouch siblings' equally well-regarded pizza restaurant on Quality Square.

Ludlow has had gastropubs since before the word 'gastropub' was invented. Almost all of them are worth a visit. The Church Inn. The Queens. The George… We could go on.

And we will – because The Charlton Arms is a cut above even these fine establishments. Owned by Claude Bosi – the former head chef of Ludlow's much-missed Hibiscus – this longstanding pub restaurant has won plaudits from critics and locals alike. That includes a five-star review from The Times' William Sitwell and a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand. Don't forget to head upstairs and enjoy a drink on its glorious riverside roof terrace.

Don't judge Vaughans by its unassuming shopfront. With dozens of five-star reviews, this local staple is rated as one of the best places to eat in Shropshire.

The setup is simple. You walk in, point to your favourite filling (roast pork is always a winner) and leave with the best sandwich of your life. Is this the closest Ludlow gets to fast food? Perhaps. In any case, if you're in the mood for hearty, unpretentious grub, you won't find much better.