We’ve got that FESTIVE FEELING (well, Lucy has, Claire is our Christmas grinch and every year has to be coerced into putting up the tree and getting into the seasonal spirit).

But there is one thing we both enjoy at this time of year and that’s the comfort and joy of sitting around an open fire with a glass of something strong and spicy surrounded by good friends. And we both love a great Christmas menu – who says you have to wait until the 25th to pull a cracker and tuck into roast turkey, pigs in blankets and mince pies?

Fortunately, our local pubs feel the same and below you’ll find three pubs in town and one out of town, all offering a warm hearth and a festive feast.

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire”

— Edith Sitwell

The Blue Boar

This year the Blue Boar will be running their festive menu throughout December in the evenings from 6-8pm, Tuesday to Saturday and at lunch time on Saturdays. Or just pop in during the day for mulled wine and a hot mince pie as a reward for all that local Christmas shopping!

Christmas Menu Highlights

£7.95

Truffled Mushroom Patéporcini and chestnut mushrooms with truffle oil, cheese & shallots£7.95

£15.95

Christmas Roast Goosewith pigs in blankets, homemade stuffing and roast vegetables£15.95

The Church Inn

The Church Inn’s December Festive Menu is available from 29th November to 23rd December. Challenge your friends to a game of Scrabble or Monopoly by the warmth of the log burner with a pint of Ludlow Brewery Red Dawn or even a fine malt from Ludlow Gin whilst you wait for your feast.

Christmas Menu highlights

Turkey and Chestnut Scotch Eggwith spiced plum ketchupSalt baked Beetroot Risottogoat’s cheese, pine nuts crisp

£24.50

2 courses£24.50

The Rose and Crown

The Rosie will be offering their Christmas Menu from 4th-23rd December but this excludes Sundays. And if you feel like a bit of a sing-song or some soothe tunes, keep an eye on their Facebook page for fabulous open mic and jazz nights.

Christmas Menu highlights

Cooked Beef Brisket in Slumbering Monk Ale, seasonal vegetables and roast potatoesTraditional Christmas Puddingwith brandy sauce

£20.95

2 courses£20.95

The Bridges, Ratlinghope

a warm welcome after a winter walk at the bridges

Nestled between the Long Mynd and Stiperstones and perfect for exploring the Shropshire Hills, The Bridges Pub has been sensitively refurbished and is now a family owned and run pub. With a strong emphasis on seasonal eating, the menu is created around fresh, locally sourced food and drink, often from the family’s own farm and organic vege garden. The Bridge’s menu changes daily according to what’s been picked on the day so below you’ll find a sample of what may be on offer over the Christmas season.