Ludlow named top foodie destination in Which? survey

More than 9,000 members of Which? responded to the survey, with Ludlow, home to fewer than 11,000 people, coming out top, with five stars.

Ludlow was the only town in the survey to score the full five stars for food.

This is despite the fact that 20 years ago the town was home to three Michelin-starred restaurants (more than any other English town or city outside London), but has none today.

The survey endorses the local view that standards overall have, if anything, improved since then.

Instead of a handful of high-end eateries there’s a culture of local produce – including great butchers and bakers.

The town’s foodie offering puts the focus on fresh, local ingredients. A Which? spokesperson said: “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.”

The Old Downton Lodge is currently Ludlow’s best-rated restaurant on Tripadvisor with one recent diner commenting: "An unforgettable dinner – comprising a wonderful location, attentive, knowledgeable staff and, above all superb food."

Vaughan’s Sandwich Bar topped the list for cafes, with a recent five star review saying: "Quality of the food was amazing, something I haven't experienced before. The service was class and the overall experience was a 10/10."

And CSONS, a cafe on the river, was another of the town’s best-loved hotspots.

For those looking to try some local ingredients, a visit on the second or fourth Thursday of the month for the Ludlow Local Produce market is a must.

The market features food and drink that is produced within 30 miles of the market town and promotes sustainable food.

Ludlow also received five stars for the attractiveness of its Georgian and Tudor architecture, as well as four stars for scenery and tourist attractions. The town has more than 500 listed buildings and the poet John Betjeman once described it as “the loveliest town in England”.