The Bookshop

An oasis of contemporary urban sophistication just round the corner from Hereford's historic cathedral, this bustling ‘brunch and dinner joint’ is hip but welcoming too. Exposed brickwork, a poured concrete floor and countertop tables give way to a large open kitchen and closely packed wooden tables at the back. Disembodied book pages flutter decoratively overhead in homage to the venue’s former use. Readers heap praise on the ‘really lovely and helpful’ staff. With brunch extending until 3pm, daytime dining involves all manner of egg and sourdough combinations – or you can push the breakfast boundaries with, say, truffled mac ‘n’ cheese toast with sriracha or smoked haddock and ‘nduja croquettes.

Evenings are centred around Herefordshire beef, aged in a Himalayan salt chamber and served as burgers and steaks – or, perhaps, slow-cooked with a herb and marrowbone crumb and mash. Other local and seasonal produce gets more than a look-in, from Severn & Wye smoked haddock rarebit with pickled celeriac and a caper and parsley salad to roast hazelnut and Ragstone gnocchi with spring onion and sunflower-seed pesto.

Excellent desserts – many of which can be sampled with coffee during the day – could include a moreish and very grown-up dark chocolate and salted caramel tart with fruit-and-nut ice cream. Sunday afternoons are given over to deservedly popular roasts with all the trimmings, and the short wine list is supplemented by cocktails featuring gin and whisky from Ludlow, plus local ales and ciders.