My Little Guide to Ledbury High Street
Lovely Ledbury
I remember when we were relocating to Herefordshire from Cheshire, a move that was meant to be another temporary one like our last, we came to view the house we live in now and and then popped into town for a quick look around.
Ledbury is a pretty, but modest, little market town. It struck me straight away how people didn’t appear to be in any kind of a rush. Even on a drizzly October day the coffee shops were steamy and full. There was a small queue outside the butchers, even on a damp midweek afternoon. It all felt quite relaxing, but still full of life.
I remember pushing Ollie’s buggy over the cobbled streets, my pregnant belly jiggling, and thinking how stunningly beautiful that view up Church Street is (above).
We warmed up with lunch in The Feathers with it’s hop covered ceilings and crackling fire… It was there I noticed a lot more tweed than I was used to…and I loved it!
5 Years later, we are still here, head over heels for lovely little Ledbury, the friends we’ve made and the surrounding areas.
If you ever fancy a slightly slower pace of shopping and a spot of lunch, or maybe even to make a weekend of it with dinner and drinks too…then let me take you around some of our favourite little Ledbury gems….
So assuming you’re parking at St Katherines Car Park (thats what I would recommend) I’m going to take you from one side of town to the other. Starting with the adorable little Wine Shed you’ll find tucked away behind The Feathers Hotel yard.
With more than 40 years in the wine business, David and Mary used to supply wines to hotels all over England. Now on a smaller scale they are very happily sharing their knowledge of amazing wines from their “Shed”. You’ll likely get to meet their beautiful girl while you’re here too.
This is a cheerful, vibrant, family friendly plant based eatery and bookshop in the heart of Ledbury.
Its always warm and inviting with secret tiny courtyard out the back. Theres a tiny den to keep toddlers occupied while you sip your coffee and enjoy one of their delicious cakes.
With a carefully curated bookshelves and Herefordshire's largest selection of loose leaf teas.
Right next door, the same family that own Pot & Page, have launched Ledbury’s first zero waste store and plant based deli. Selling delectable artisan produce, a refillable pantry, home and cosmetic products and zero waste gifts.
Ceci Paolo is a culinary and lifestyle emporium…Colin’s most visited shop on the highstreet. The deli stocks a large range of meats, cheeses, smoked fish, dairy, homemade salads, tarts, frozen meals, baked goods, including award winning Peter Cooks Bread. Specialising in Mediterranean & Oriental ingredients, as well as hard-to-find ingredients. If you’re a foodie…you’ll love it!!
Ledbury Books & Maps has been in Ledbury for over 30 years - it’s the place to visit for a staggering range of fiction and non-fiction books.
The Ledbury Books and Maps team have a wealth of knowledge and are able to make personal recommendations too.
TUSK collection is one of those shops I cant walk past without popping into and buying at least one thing I didnt know I needed!!
Mother and daughter, Shelagh & Katie curate stunning seasonal collections. I love how their window changes. its a beautiful place to visit and be inspired.
This historic Coaching Inn is the heart of town and a much-loved part of Ledbury’s history.
Standing proud on the High Street for over 400 years, The Feathers Hotel is a cosy, truly traditional Coaching Inn. The food and drink is lovely and you’ll get a perfect and simple breakfast, lunch or dinner here any day of the week.
Full to the brim with character, this charming Tudor era building is the most distinctive of Ledbury hotels.
A lovey new shop, nestled in the gorgeous Design Quarter in Ledbury, The Ledbury Leaf has a great selection of plants from the reliable pothos to striking alocasias and funky monsteras. It smells so good and you’re guaranteed to find the perfect gift here. They also stock a selection of pots and planters and general houseplant accessories.
My friend Rosie’s beautiful salon, once again, nestled in the pretty Design Quater. Roise is a professional skincare & facial specialist using some of the very best brands in her calming salon space.
Oh I love this shop!!! Hus & Hem, which means "House and Home" in Swedish, have laid on a smörgåsbord of delicious objects and ideas for you to sample in their treasure chest of a store. From their famous range of Glerups Slippers to their iconic tapered candles in rainbow colours, hey have selected each piece, not only for its visual appeal, but for its functionality and practicality too.
Hay Wines is a family owned & independent wine merchants with over 75 years experience in the wine merchants trade, the Hay Wines team brings a wealth of knowledge, passion and expertise to its customers.
With over 1,200 wines, whiskies, spirits, liqueurs, beers, ciders and perries, theres not much you cant find here. i particularly love that they have an extensive range of organic, biodynamic, natural and low sulphite wines.
You cant come to Ledbury without a visit to famous Tinsmiths!
It actually feels like the kind of store thats been there forever, but it was founded in 2004.
“To fill Tinsmiths with quality, with the beautiful, useful and seldom found is our daily pursuit.”
Phoebe Clive opened Tinsmiths with the aim of presenting a carefully curated range of timeless fabrics, lighting and homeware. Their iconic shop buildings always have much to tempt and interest, they are really special places.
Tucked away on the prettiest street in town you’ll find The Malthouse Cafe and Gallery. Even without a website, this is the busiest cafe in town and you’re lucky to get a table inside without a booking. The food is BRILLIANT. Simple, but delicious and cooked to perfection every time. It’s my favourite cup of coffee in town and the cakes are too hard to resist. This would always be my first choice for brunch in Ledbury.
The Ledbury store, is one of only two in the UK, the other in beautiful Rock, North Cornwall.
Juice offers a whole Lifestyle Collection which includes Luxury countryside British Brands like Fairfax & Favour, leather handbags, branded scented candles, cashmere, silk as well as jewellery, watches and gifts.
This lovely new chocolate shop and tea room, is paradise for chocolate lovers. Tucked away down one of those lovely little Ledbury mews, they make their own chocolates on site, as well as hosting bookable workshops. There’s a sweet cafe offering hot and cold drinks and cakes and some sunny outdoor seating.
One of our all time favourite butchers. There’s a reason you’ll very often find a queue down the street for Wallers. This family butches has been open for over 40 years, thanks to these absolute gentlemen who are a fountain of knowledge, passionate and professional. Pop in and let them inspire you.
When we first moved here, everyone told us to check out The Olive Tree Italian restaurant. It’s in one of the most beautiful 16th Century buildings on the high street.
There’s always a buzz and they serve simple fresh Italian food using locally sourced produce.
I love this special little multi brand boutique and coffee house. Theres a pretty, secret courtyard at the back which is dreamy on a sunny day.
They have a wonderful edit of clothing, homewares and accessories and its one of the few places you can enjoy a proper cocktail in Ledbury past 7pm on a Friday night.
This is a really special one…I feel I should whisper…
Most will walk straight past this tiny little red window and door, but inside is Ledbury’s best kept secret…33 The Homend, a fabulous micro restaurant offering an intimate candle lit dining experience for a maximum of 14 people.
The food is incredible, and the family that own, run and cook here are pretty special too. Booking is essential.
Let me know if you’re coming or tag me in any pictures you take here as I would love to see them!
If you’re looking for more places to explore whilst in Herefordshire, do check out Visit Herefordshire Website and Instagram, they are amazing at what they do and I’m sure you will find it super helpful.