We read lots of reviews complaining Ludlow offers little between pub grub and fine dining. We initially tried the Queen's Inn, but were told at 8.30 on a Friday night that they had been rushed off their feet and were going out themselves later so were no longer taking food orders!

We went around the corner to the Olive Branch, which is apparently well established as a lunch / afternoon tea destination but has only just started opening in the evenings. We had a lovely meal in a relaxing, intimate atmosphere with superb service.

We both had soup for starters, 1 chicken, 1 swordfish for main, shared a yummy slab of carrot cake for dessert, bottle of wine and coffees and the whole lot was £52. It was really tasty bistro food served with imaginative salads and stir-fried veg as well as new potatoes. Service was excellent and even though we were the last diners, we were not hurried at all. I can imagine this would be lovely for a quiet dinner for two or for a big group. If there is a chasm between pie and chips and michelin starred cooking in Ludlow, I think the Olive Branch has bridged it. Go there!