Historic Ludlow and Brierley Hill pubs named among the best pubs in the country

The Rose and Crown in Ludlow and the Vine Inn in Brierley Hill have been named as the best pubs in each county according to the Daily Telegraph.

Travel writer Will Hawkes has published a list of what he has described as the best pubs, which is based on years of research, for each county, with the Rose and Crown deemed the best in Shropshire and the Vine the best in the West Midlands.

The Rose and Crown is described as Ludlow's oldest pub, with documents showing there has been been an ale house on the site since 1102 and the pub, which is owned by Joule's Brewery, is a colourful and characterful part of the town.

The description by Will Hawkes says: "Run by Shropshire brewery Joules, The Rose and Crown is a treat even by Ludlow’s elevated standards. 

"It’s a symphony in dark wood, with beams, oak flooring and parquet. 

"Great claims are made for its antiquity, and it certainly feels the part. This is deepest England."

The Vine on Delph Road is the home of Batham's Brewery and is an unspoilt brewery tap with an ornately decorated facade proclaiming the Shakespearian quotation 'Blessing of your heart, you brew good ale'. 

The description by Will Hawkes says: "The Black Country has more high-quality pubs than pretty much any other bit of Britain. 

"The Vine Inn wins out because it’s handsome, good value, and, most importantly, is attached to one of England’s great old breweries, Batham’s. 

"The facade is inscribed with the Shakespearian line, ‘Blessing of your heart, you brew good ale’."