The Wheatsheaf Inn, Ludlow

Needed to be investigated, as it is so handsome. Built more or less into the town walls and next to the very narrow for SUVs Broad Gate. The irony, if you are in a Range Rover. One other punter on a Friday lunch - an old boy in for his lunch. The beer was the worst of the day - half of Timothy Taylor which smelt badly of vinegar. I should have returned it. Instead of moaning online. Possibly an off-day, or bad choice on my part.

As described below with pics on their website, this is the first pub you encounter when entering from the south, driving over the bridge which straddles the Teme; it’s also nestled in the shadow of the magnificent 13th century Broad Gate tower. Overall, this is a cosy place, carpeted, real fire and plenty of hanging brassware, with much exposed old stone and timbers, some modern light fixings looking a bit out of place. Customers were a resolutely older bunch, with a group from the Black Country then a couple from Liverpool, all seemingly staying in the guest rooms. A dull ale selection manifested itself in the form of an unused pump, then Pedigree, Wainwright’s Golden Beer and Ringwood’s Razor Back (very cheap at £2.05 a half) and almost as vinegary as when Ian sampled it, served by a friendly barman. This is a perfectly pleasant pub where I could happily spend some time, but it really needs to get its cask choice in order. To quote Ian Fleming: Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. Three times is enemy action.

Official site of The Wheatsheaf Inn - www.thewheatsheaf-inn.co.uk

Official site of The Wheatsheaf Inn - www.thewheatsheaf-inn.co.uk

Another fairly decent town centre pub. This one is situated down a hill and just past an archway. A Marston's pub and basically one roomed, though this is lengthy. Beers from Marston's range. Worth a visit even if you don't like Marstons.