The story
On Ludford Bridge, where the River Teme flows past the walls of Ludlow Castle, The Charlton Arms has been a family-run inn for generations. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for a crafty pint, a leisurely lunch, or a weekend break, all while taking in the riverside views.
The kitchen is the heart of the operation. Head chef Krisztian Ballogh has been with the team for over a decade, working closely with local farmers, butchers, and producers to create fresh, flavourful dishes that champion Shropshire’s culinary heritage. The approach is modern British cooking, built on seasonal ingredients and careful technique. The team’s dedication has earned the inn a Michelin Bib Gourmand, an award that recognises good quality, good value cooking.
The Charlton Arms’ own story is rooted in the region. Owners Cedric and Amy Bosi returned to Ludlow in late 2014 to take on the inn, bringing with them Cedric’s experience working alongside his brother Claude at Michelin-starred restaurants and celebrated pubs. Their ethos is simple: offer a true taste of Shropshire, using the best local ingredients and supporting the community.
The sample menu reflects that commitment. Starters might include a twice-baked cheese soufflé or a duck spring roll, while mains range from a bacon cheeseburger with skinny fries to braised lamb shank or pan-fried Cornish hake. Sides like dauphinoise potatoes and classic French ratatouille round out the meal, and desserts such as sticky toffee pudding and lemon curd crème brûlée keep things firmly British.
Beyond the dining room, the inn offers stylish 5-star AA-rated accommodation and a pub that welcomes dogs. It’s a place that feels both special and genuinely comfortable—a riverside base for exploring Ludlow and the Shropshire countryside.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
good quality, good value cooking
Just on the other side of the ancient bridge over the river Teme, this busy inn has been a stopping point for travellers for centuries. Try to secure a table by the window – the view of the river, with its attendant ducks and geese is utterly beguiling, as is the roofscape of the vibrant old town that rises from the far bank. Run by Cedric Bosi, younger brother of the much-lauded Claude (of Hibiscus and Bidendum fame), the kitchen turns out some pretty good food. The mainly British menu does allow the odd French slip: a Scotch egg, cooked to runny-yolk perfection, is encased in merguez-style sausage; a fish soup is delivered complete with rouille and Gruyère; a café gourmand comes with a very French range of petits fours, including chocolate opera cake and delicate macarons. But locals are just as likely to order fish and chips or a fully loaded burger from the chargrill, considering that 'this is the best and most relaxed way to eat out in Ludlow at the moment'. Staff are happy to bring a pint through from the pub, but the restaurant focus is on the reasonably priced wine list.
2 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence
Location
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