The Clive Arms

A Georgian coaching inn at the edge of Ludlow, the Clive reopened in 2019 after a radical refurbishment. There’s a relaxed warmth to the sunny yellow chairs and low-level lighting, and – ever the country inn – hats and walking sticks are available to borrow.

It’s part of the Oakly Park Estate, owned by the Earl of Plymouth, which uses its own farm and those nearby as its larder. Beef, lamb and Gloucester Old Spot pork come from the Oakly Park, as do the dairy products, game, pickles and honey, while the kitchen garden supplies fruit and vegetables. The low food miles really come through in the sensational flavours, and that’s saying something in this foodie capital.

The open-plan dining room is beautifully decorated with books and paintings from the Earl’s collection and custom-made lamp stands from the Marches Pottery.

The Ludlow Farm Shop next door, sister to the pub, has an excellent range of goodies so it’s worth stocking up before your onward journey.