Charlton Arms, Ludford Bridge, Ludlow

enjoys a fine lunchtime meal at a county riverside retreat.

Last time I visited the Charlton in Ludlow it was a tale of two diners – although both were sitting at the same table.

My partner had three excellent courses but I had two very poor ones and couldn't even face a third.

So I left it three years before going back to eat. And times have changed – much for the better in terms of the food.

Let's start with what is perhaps one of the best attractions about the pub, which also has rooms, its fantastic views over the River Teme and up across Ludlow.

This place has the best scenery of any dining establishment, although it may be pushed a little by the views from Fishmore Hall on the other side of town, which looks up the Clee Hills one way and towards the ancient castle the other.

But back to the food. We went this week late at lunchtime after a busy morning gardening and catching up on all those other jobs that we fall behind with.

So we were starving, having given breakfast a miss after getting up early to make a good start.

A trip around the garden centre on the other side of the river to the Charlton reinforced our hunger and while the snack menu looked good we went for the main experience.

We took menus to a large table in a bay window (the one in the picture here) with the aforementioned spectacular views, and a waitress followed to take our order for drinks.

A large basket of excellent bread arrived, I suspect from the bakery I use in town, and it was difficult not to just eat the lot smeared in butter. But we did wait until our starters came.

I went for Cornish whitebait with mustard mayonnaise (£4.50) which arrived with a nice side salad and wedge of juicy lemon. The mustard mayonnaise went very well with the fish which was plentiful, crisply fried and hot.

Neil had what would have been my other choice – goat's cheese and red onion tartlet with salad (£5.25).

In fact there were three pretty little tartlets with crisp pastry and a delicate filing.

The cheese was not too strong and it, to use that rather cliched phrase, just melted in the mouth.

I love lamb, sorry lovely little white things, and had lamb steak in mint gravy (£12.75). It was tender with a tasty gravy although I did have to ask for more mint sauce as I felt it could do with a little more zing. And I do feel it was a little expensive.

Neil had a steak and ale pie (£8.95) which was worth every penny. The beer did not overcome the meat which was so tender and a generous portion. On top was a lid of puff pastry which was buttery and suffice to say all was eaten.

We shared a dish of roasted new potatoes and one of carrots, mange-tout and broccoli. The vegetables in the second dish were a shade overcooked for me but perfect for Neil. Another win there then!

With such lovely views and feeling so relaxed we decided to force down a pudding.

I went for the cheese (£5.75) which would in itself make an ideal lunchtime dish – and the Charlton is happy to serve you with just a starter or a pudding if that's what you want.

I had a selection of three cheeses which were in perfect condition and arrived with grapes, red onion chutney and biscuits.

Just another slight criticism here, and probably an oversight by staff, a fork and spoon were brought to eat it with although I was asked if I would like a knife.

A bit odd that and an unusual way to eat cheese unless the soft one had been so mature it had been running off the plate!

Neil had Bailey's cheescake with dark chocolate ice cream (£4.95). A classic combination and one which he loves and quickly devoured.

A latte and an espresso finished off the meal nicely and off I went to plant my purchases.

The Charlton was nicely busy and as usual I discreetly looked at what everyone else was eating.

Nice looking lasagne arrived on one table and also a meal I will be going back to have – a hot pork bap with a side of what looked like glorious golden chips.

And you have got a choice of surroundings. There's a proper traditional bar with an open fire in the cold weather that welcomes dogs, a lounge eating area, a restaurant and charming outdoor terraces.

If you want to build up an appetite there is a delightful circular walk from the pub across Ludford Bridge, up into town and then down across the Teme a little way upstream across Dinham Bridge and along the river or back the other way.

Or you can do this afterwards to try and walk off some of your meal!

ADDRESS

The Charlton Arms, Ludford Bridge, Ludlow SY8 1PJ

Tel: 01584 872813

Web: www.thecharltonarms.co.uk

MENU SAMPLE

STARTERS

Homemade soup of the day with bread (£4.25); Mediterranean couscous salad (£5.25)

MAINS

Beetroot risotto with Parmesan shavings (£7.95); Chicken wrapped in prosciutto with a mushroom sauce (£11.75)

DESSERTS

Sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream (£4.95); Lemon tart with raspberry sorbet (£4.95)