Description

The Church Inn is a traditional inn with 8 cask ales, fine food. Dates back at least seven centuries. Always a warm welcome. The History Of The Church Inn

The Church Inn stands on one of the most ancient sites in Ludlow, going back at least seven centuries and for much of that time known as the Cross Keys - so the name dates from pre-reformation times, because two crossed keys were the sign of St. Peter and hence of all Popes. It is in a document of 1446 as belonging to Ludlow's notable Palmers Guild, who is 1551 had to pass it over to Ludlow's Corporation when the dissolution caused religious houses to be surrendered.

It has had many uses down the centuries - by barber-surgeon, blacksmith, saddler, druggist and so on - but it was still generally described as the Cross Keys. But in 1792, from which time a list of Ludlow's hotels, inns and pubs survives (there were 55 then), it had become the 'Wine Tavern near the Cross' (The 18th Century Buttercross outside the front door), and the name Cross Keys wandered around at least another three locations in Ludlow, never to return to Church street.

In 1846 Ludlow Corporation had to sell a vast number of its to pay for losing a lawsuit, including these premises. They went out of licenced use again, and tenants including Ambrose Grounds, who was Mayor1852/3 and an early Manager of Ludlow Gas company. They reverted to their old trade quickly because in 1876 John Wollaston was operating them as Wollastons Wine Vaults. His widow was letting them at £85 a year in 1890 until selling out in 1895 to the Cheltenham Original Brewery Company, who renamed them the Exchange Vaults.

This continued under two other breweries ownership until 1974 when after an extensive refurnish they became the Gaiety. Just before January 1979, the name was changed yet again, this time to the Church Inn - as apt a name as the ancient Cross Keys because this is the nearest licenced house to St. Laurence's Parish Church.

The Church Inn has nine rooms, all en-suite with their own tea making facilities and a colour television.

The Bar

As well as the range of the 8 traditional ales, including regularly changed 'guest beers' there is a choice of Wines and Spirits, cocktails and soft drinks. Bar meals are served; from a quick ham sandwich, out to order, to a complete meal, like trout or steak followed by a selection of puddings.

The Restaurant/Function Room

The restaurant seats 34 - and it is often worthwhile booking a table especially towards the weekend, as our reputation for carefully chosen ingredients and freshly cooked dishes usually ensures a full house. The ancient town of Ludlow is an excellent base to explore the beautiful Marches countryside. Evidence of the turbulent past is everywhere; there is virtually a hill fort on every hill, a castle mound in every village. The counties of Shropshire/Herefordshire/Worcestershire and Powys have experienced many invasions - tourists, you'll be pleased to know, have never over-run the area!

The town itself is a joy to walk around. Norman frontier post, medieval 'capital' of Wales, Georgian social centre - reminders of Ludlow's history are everywhere. Ludlow is situated roughly halfway between Hereford and Shrewsbury on the A49. The Midlands and the Motorways are about an hours drive away.

The Church Inn stands right in the centre of the town, directly behind the Buttercross.

There is a public car park a short walk away and some parking in the streets nearby.