A food centre in Shropshire that was opened at a cost of more than £2 million has been named one of the best in the UK in two polls.

Ludlow Food Centre, at Bromfield, off the A49, was launched to showcase the best food from Shropshire and the Marches.

Now experts have recognised it as being one of the best venues of its kind in the UK.

The centre was named runner-up in The Times Place to Eat in England survey, which highlighted the finest eateries in the UK, and among the top 50 farm shops in The Daily Telegraph, whose food writers made recommendations on venues from across the UK.

Bruce McMichael, publisher of Taste Magazine, Shropshire’s dedicated quarterly food magazine, said the centre deserved its success.

Mr McMichael, whose publication’s autumn issue features the venue, said: “The Ludlow Food Centre has been one of our great success stories.

“It has been the perfect vehicle for local food of the highest quality and it’s great news for the region that it’s been such a success.

“Under the leadership of Sandy Boyd, the centre’s manager, there have been a great number of interesting events and innovations.

“We’re very lucky to have such a centre in Shropshire that showcases the work of artisan food and drink producers.”

The rankings are the latest successes for Ludlow Food Centre, which recently won gold awards in the National Jam Competition.

Its Bromfield Priory cheese picked up a prize at the World Cheese Awards and head butcher John Brereton has also won two awards.

Mr Brereton won the Best Butcher competition at both the Beef Expo and the West Mid Show and will be in action at Ludlow Marches Food and Drink Festival from September 11 to 13.