The Church Inn, Ludlow

Really enjoyed my visit to this pub, great selection of ales, friendly staff and customers. Seemed to do a good traditional pie, will have to catch it next time, as I'd already eaten. Definitely will return.

This cosy town centre pub was historically known as the Cross Keyes, the current name dating from 1979 A history of the pub on the wall lists all the leaseholders since 1439 and reveals that the premises has been used as a barbers, surgeons, blacksmiths and a saddlers as well as a pub. It is currently run by the town’s former mayor and displays certificates for more awards than an Oscar ceremony. They refer not just to their ales but extend to their fruitcakes, pates and all kinds of obscure pub produce but it is the ales that will obviously appeal to most. 8 hand pumps with mainly local beers – I didn’t note them all but they included Ludlow Boiling Well, Salopian Shropshire Gold, Wye Valley Butty Bach, Hobson’s Mild and Wye Valley Stout. A full list hangs over the main bar if you don’t wish to traverse the bar poking in between the customers. The main door opens into a small reception area (the pub is also a small hotel) and the main bar wraps itself around to the sides and rear with traditional straight forward furnishings, pew seating and a few nick nacks. A collection of pump clips decorate the front ceiling beams and the bar is decorated with hops but on the whole the interior is quite restrained and unpretentious. The atmosphere was quite relaxed and whilst I didn’t get a chance to visit any other pubs in town, I can imagine that this would certainly be amongst the best.

Has the reputation as the best pub in Ludlow and i can see why , the central bar serves a couple of different drinking areas , theres a lounge upstairs as well , 8 handpulls serving a variety of local ales from Hobsons , Wye Valley , Three Tuns , Spinning Dog and Ludlow , 6 bitters plus a mild (Hobsons) and a stout (Wye Valley) , i had a Three Tuns 1642 and very good it was . Service was exellent and the locals chatty and the mad dog chewing the logs for the open fire added character . Well worth a visit

Situated at the rear of Ludlows old Butter Market this pub is a real tourist trap. That said the food and drink is good if pricey. The bar is to cramped to be wheelchair friendly. Always a good selection of ales.

Official site of the Church Inn - www.thechurchinn.com