Herefordshire provides some excellent local produce, and we include below our own views on where to shop for food locally, and where to eat and drink.
Food suppliers
There are a number of good local food suppliers within the area, including:
- The Grapevine, Kington.
Excellent local greengrocer and fishmonger. Good supply of fresh fish direct from Aberyswyth every Tuesday and Thursday. Situated next to the Burton Hotel. - Upperholme Farm Shop, Lyonshall
Local farm shop selling their own meat and vegetables, together with a range of other products including best selling cakes and biscuits. (On to main road; turn right. Immediately take road to Almeley; continue as far as you can go to T junction at the church: turn left and continue for about a mile. Upper Holme Farm is then on your right ) - Delicatessen and Whole food shop, Hay on Wye.
Deli with a wide range of products including smoked meats for the Black Mountain smokery and bacon from Craig Farm organics.
Local markets
Regular farmers markets are held in Hereford, Leominster, Presteigne and Ludlow.
There is a busy market every Thursday morning in Hay on Wye, which includes a popular cheese stall, good fish and game van and a stall selling a variety of French bread and pastries which tends to sell out quickly.
Kington has a small WI market every Friday from 10.00-11.00 in the Baptist church hall, where people sell their own fresh local produce. Good for local seasonal vegetables.
Ludlow has an annual food festival every September, showcasing the best produce from Herefordshire, Shropshire and the Borders. It is the centre of the slow food movement in England, and has a good range of food outlets as well as one of the best farmers markets in the area, held fortnightly on a Thursday morning.
1 - The Tram Inn, Eardisley
In our experience you cannot beat The Tram Inn, Eardisley for excellent pub grub, excellent value and a varied menu with locally sourced produce. There is a lovely garden at the back with a seating area. Mark and Kerry are the proprietors and always have made us feel very welcome. 01544 327251 (booking essential for evening meal)
2 - The Royal George Inn, Lyonshall
01544 340084
The Royal George is a particularly friendly environment
3 - The Stagg Inn, Titley
01544 230221
Michelin star award winning pub five miles down the road serving local seasonal produce. Good food, well presented in pub restaurant. Popular for Sunday lunch. Essential to book in advance.
4 - The Harp Inn, New Radnor
01544 350655
Popular pub with lovely views over surrounding countryside, also provides B & B accommodation, about 8 miles away. Food is good, well cooked and reliable. More informal and fewer choices than the Stagg,and a bit cheaper. We eat out here. Many of our visitors have eaten here and recommended it. In winter ( and up to the end of March ) Thursday night is steak night – with a good plate of steak , chips and veg for £8.00. Achieves rare trick of providing bar for locals to drink in, as well as comfortable seating for those who wish to eat. Open evenings (except Monday) and Saturday and Sunday lunchtime. Closed lunchtime in the week. Useful to book . Highly recommended. Good log fire.
5 - The Bull's Head, Craswell
01981 510616
This pub is only 6 miles from Hay but feels as though it is in the middle of nowhere and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Slow road from Hay so it takes a while to get there. Good to combine a visit with a walk. Popular with walkers and cyclists. Now owned by the proprietors of the Swan Inn, Hay. Good walkers food - hearty beef pies, rump steak etc well cooked in cheerful, friendly surroundings but a bit pricey for what it is. Quite tatty as owners take pride that it is in its “original” state ! Good garden. Open most days for lunch and supper, but worth checking, and useful to book.
6 - The Jolly Frog, Leintwardine
01547 540298
This doesn't look very promising from the outside, but the food is mainly French and is excellent. It is very family orientated and also has a wood oven for its home made pizzas. Good to combine with a visit to Ludlow. Open Tuesday – Saturday for lunch and dinner, and Sunday for lunch only. Highly recommended.
7 - The Swan Inn, Hay on Wye
01497 821188
Hotel serving reasonable bar food in the Bistro restaurant in the centre of Hay. Not a great gastronomic feast but a nice ambience.
8 - Mr. Underhill's, Ludlow
01584 874431
Exceptional Michelin starred restaurant serving a nine course tasting menu. This is the place to go for a very special celebration. Expensive but worth it.