Eat & drink well
Herefordshire is quietly one of England's finest food counties — rich farmland, exceptional orchards and a growing wave of brilliant independent producers, restaurants and pubs.
From Michelin-starred kitchens to roadside farm shops, Herefordshire takes food seriously. The county produces some of Britain's best beef, cider and soft fruit — and the people cooking and serving it are increasingly world-class. These are the places I return to again and again.
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Not to be missed
Britain's first Michelin-starred pub, and still one of the most exciting places to eat in the county. Steve Reynolds cooks with extraordinary precision and a deep respect for local ingredients — the menu changes with the seasons and the sourcing is impeccable. Book well ahead.
Herefordshire produces more cider than anywhere else in Britain, and the quality has never been higher. The Cider Route winds through orchards and farmyards, connecting producers from Westons to small-batch makers you'll only find by turning off the main road. A full day well spent.
One of the best farmers markets in the West Midlands, held every other Saturday. Local beef, rare-breed pork, seasonal vegetables, artisan cheese and some of the finest bread you'll find anywhere.
A proper village pub in a beautiful setting, serving honest food made from local ingredients. The kind of place you stumble upon and immediately want to tell everyone about — and then quietly keep to yourself.
An outstanding independent cheesemonger and deli with an exceptional range of British and European cheeses alongside local charcuterie, preserves and pantry staples. The staff know their stock inside out.
A much-loved Ledbury institution. The sourdough is exceptional, the pastries are worth the detour, and the café at the back is the perfect place to sit with a coffee after exploring the market town.
A personal favourite. Botanica is a plant shop and café with a beautiful garden — the kind of place you go for a coffee and end up staying for hours. The original is in Leominster; a new branch has just opened in Ledbury. Follow them on Instagram @botanicaplantsuk.
When to eat what
Asparagus from the Wye Valley, wild garlic from the hedgerows, and the first of the season's lamb.
Soft fruit from local pick-your-own farms, strawberries, gooseberries and the first English apples.
Cider apple harvest, game season begins, mushrooms in the woodland and the county's famous Hereford beef at its best.
Root vegetables, slow-cooked game, mulled cider at Christmas markets and the warmth of a proper country pub.
New finds, regularly
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