I visited one of Shropshire's most idyllic restaurants and discovered a first among equals

The Charlton Arms is one of Shropshire’s most idyllic restaurants. Located beside the picturesque River Teme, at Teme Weir, it was hewn from local stone and occupies a prominent position.

In recent times, it’s been restored to its former glories by owners Amy and Cedric Bosi, though, in truth, that narrative does them an injustice.

The Charlton Arms, at Ludford Bridge, in Ludlow, has both been restored to former glories and then improved to new highs.

It now boasts comfortable guest rooms, an extensive terrace, and looks resplendent with its neatly-painted exterior, extensive dining room space and exceptional menu.

The Charlton Arms is the only venue in Shropshire to boast a Michelin Bib Gourmand – in the absence of any Michelin stars, that makes it first among equals.

Offering what Michelin describes as great food at afford prices, it also holds two AA rosettes for culinary excellence.

And beyond its 12 en-suite rooms and large dining area, The Charlton also has a popular pub that celebrates the best of local ales, as well as offering a carefully designed and eclectic wine list.

Little wonder Guardian food critic Jay Rayner remembered his visit as one where he’d enjoyed a great dinner and a killer breakfast.

It’s not just that The Charlton Arms does the important things well. Yes, food and service are habitually high quality.

However, it also has a great sourcing policy, where all its meat is reared within the Marches and many other ingredients are locally sourced. The venue offers a mid-point between casual dining and offering dishes that are elevated to something beyond the norm.

It offers affordable special occasion dining on a menu that’s sufficiently good value to make it the sort of place that people can return to again and again, without breaking the bank.

Along with his wife, Amy, Cedric Bosi has been the driving force in elevating standards. His own story is remarkable and deserves some re-telling. He came to Ludlow many years ago when his brother, Claude, owned Hibiscus, a restaurant in the town centre that went on to claim two Michelin stars before relocating to London. Hibiscus was, and remains, the best restaurant that Shropshire ever had.

Cedric’s journey was intended to be temporary. Having grown up in Lyon with parents who ran a bistro, he wanted to improve his English language skills and thought time in his brother’s restaurant would help him to do that.

When he was not working in the restaurant, he worked free of charge in a local pub, The Church Inn, so that he could engage with the locals and become proficient at English.