Winter Delights: Retro gems & foodie faves in Bromyard
Fill your 'Bag of Delights' with vintage finds & artisan produce
This winter, we're taking inspiration from the Herefordshire poet John Masefield and his captivating Box of Delights. We’re inviting you to feel the magic of Christmas once more by delving into the county’s wealth of winter delights - enjoy stress-free shopping, unique experiences, relaxed rambles plus fantastic places to eat and stay.
And leave with your very own Christmas 'bag of delights', filled with well-considered presents for family and friends. As Ledbury is the birthplace of John Masefield, it’s the ideal place to start!
Tradition meets high street in Bromyard, which is also an emerging foodie destination thanks to its Michelin-starred restaurant, artisan producers and farming heritage.
Independent high street
The high street offers a small but sweet selection of shops. Vintage Stable stocks a lovely range of houseplants and local crafts, whilst J H Halling House 2 Home sells interesting gifts and high quality home furnishings. There’s womenswear and accessories on offer at Red Zebra and you can visit The Studio Gallery to see the work of contemporary artist Jane Tudge. Food For All is a lovely bookshop, whilst Pettifer's is a Bromyard institution. It’s a hardware store, packed to the rafters with useful kit. To treat yourself, pick a stylish bouquet from Sarah Thomas Flowers and go for a beauty treatment at Beauty Retreat or Beauty Boutique.
Retro gems
Make a beeline for Juro Antiques, sheer heaven for one-off curiosities. The House Mistress is an eclectic mix of retro gems and modern homeware. Whilst David James Jewellery regularly stocks pre-loved pieces including antique jewellery. For vintage furniture and flea market bargains, try 8 Broad Street.
Out of town
A short drive from Bromyard, find the Hop Pocket Shopping Village. This collection of independent shops is housed in former farm buildings, including the county’s characteristic hop kilns. Seek out everything from art to traditional toys and gifts. Also nearby is Bringsty Vintage Living, a charming antique furniture store that is a treasure trove of refurbished homeware, interior design and quirky decoration.
Foodie gifts
Start at Legges, one of the county’s finest butchers and delis which was set up by a local farmer’s son - their Christmas hampers are the stuff of legend. Grab a treat from Lamings Bakery before heading to The Hop Pocket Shopping Village has an extensive food hall, ranging from fancy to fun, including an excellent selection of local wines and spirits. Time your trip to hit the first Sunday of the month to make the most of the Bromyard food, drink & craft market (10am - 2pm), savour Peter Cooks Bread, damson vinegar from Warren Farm and chutneys from Myrtle’s Kitchen. And find craft ciders at Little Pomona which opens its bottle shop 12 - 3pm, daily. Frome Valley Vineyard is also open by appointment for tours, tastings and buying their award-winning wines.
Lunchtime
- Cosy up in Brew with a warming panini or soup, followed by cake.
- Oaklands Cafe is another delicious stop for coffee and lunch.
Dinner & stay overnight
- Pensons is the hottest table in town! Be tempted by the Michelin-starred seasonal tasting menu and perhaps make a break of it by booking on their beautiful rooms.
- Feast on local produce at The Baiting House, with the option to stay in the house or retreat to one of their lodges.
- For traditional character, check into The Inn at Bromyard, a black-and-white timber-framed hotel with great pub food.
- Sleep under the beams at another Tudor beauty, The Falcon Hotel.
Delightful experiences
- Dine at a Michelin-star restaurant: Indulge your palate with seasonal flavours, courtesy of Pensons.
- Go pony trekking: Take a wintery escorted trek with Noakes Farm Riding Centre along the River Frome.
- For a Winter Walk: Try out the circular Roast & Ramble route which takes in glorious views from Bromyard Downs.
2023 Diary Dates
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Christmas Lights Switch On,18 November 10am-7pm
A festive day out featuring outstanding lights, lantern parade, Santa's grotto, Christmas fair and street market plus live music.
