Beyond the Abbey
Discover the people, places, and flavours that make Herefordshire special.
At Rowden Abbey, we believe your stay shouldn’t end at the gate. Beyond the Abbey lies a landscape of makers, growers, and storytellers we’re proud to call friends — from
Legges of Bromyard, our favourite local butcher and deli, to
Josh the Chef, who brings fine dining into the heart of the house.
Stroll through the tranquil gardens at
Stockton Bury, sample orchard-pressed ciders at
Little Pomona, or enjoy a vineyard flight at
Frome Valley Vineyard, just down the lane.
These are experiences chosen for their craft, authenticity, and welcome — a reflection of the same care that shapes life at Rowden Abbey. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a week, take time to explore beyond the Abbey and see why we love this corner of Herefordshire.
Legges of Bromyard
Opening Hours: Monday–Friday 07:30–17:30 | Saturday 07:30–16:30
Address: Tenbury Road, Bromyard, Herefordshire HR7 4LW
Telephone:
01885 482417
Website:
www.leggesofbromyard.com
Legges’ story began right here in Bromyard, and their presence still anchors the town today. Step inside their shop and you’ll find an Aladdin’s cave of locally sourced, artisan produce — from grass-fed meats and handmade pies to chutneys, cheeses, and freshly baked treats.
Their dedication to provenance and quality has made Legges a Herefordshire institution — a true celebration of local food and craft. Everything available in-store can also be ordered online for convenience.
If you’re staying at Rowden Abbey, we can arrange to collect your Legges order so it’s ready and waiting in the kitchen when you arrive. It’s a perfect way to begin your stay — whether you’re planning a family gathering, a birthday feast, or a festive celebration such as Christmas or New Year. Simply place your order directly with Legges, let us know your collection details, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Luxury Private Chef
Website:
www.luxuryprivatechef.co.uk
LinkedIn:
Joshua Jennings-Todd
Tel: 07898209846
When you book Luxury Private Chef, you bring fine dining directly to Rowden Abbey. Led by award-winning chef Josh Jennings-Todd, this bespoke service transforms any occasion into an unforgettable culinary experience — from relaxed family suppers to Michelin-standard tasting menus.
Josh and his team craft each menu around you, using only the freshest local and seasonal ingredients, many sourced from Herefordshire’s own producers. Whether you’re hosting a birthday dinner, an anniversary celebration, or a weekend retreat with friends, your private chef takes care of everything — from preparation and plating to wine pairings and clearing away afterwards.
For those staying at the Abbey, Luxury Private Chef can be arranged for one-night occasions, long weekends, or full-stay dining packages. Josh’s calm professionalism and artistry make dining-in feel like dining-out, with all the warmth and privacy of home.
To some, food is a necessity — with Josh, it’s an art.
Little Pomona Orchard & Cidery
Location: Brook House Farm, Avenbury Lane, Bromyard HR7 4LB
Website:
www.littlepomona.com
Just a few miles from Rowden Abbey lies Little Pomona, the award-winning orchard and cidery founded by Susanna and James Forbes. Their mission is simple: to craft ciders and perries that speak of the land — honest, expressive drinks that capture the flavour of Herefordshire’s harvest.
Visitors can explore the orchards at Brook House Farm, tour the cidery, and sample small-batch releases in the Tasting Room & Cider Garden. From dry keg-conditioned classics to barrel-aged experiments, every pour reflects the region’s deep cidermaking heritage and a commitment to natural fermentation.
Recognised as the Hereford Times Cider Producer of the Year 2019 and finalist in the BBC Food & Farming Awards 2022, Little Pomona welcomes guests for guided tastings, seasonal events and cellar-door purchases.
If you’re staying at Rowden Abbey, we can help arrange your Little Pomona tasting flight or tour, ensuring you enjoy a relaxed afternoon among the orchards — the perfect complement to a Herefordshire weekend.
Visit Herefordshire - Exploring Bromyard & Beyond
The traditional market town of Bromyard sits high on a hilltop, with far-reaching views across the Black Mountains, Malvern Hills and Clee Hill.
Among its Tudor timber-framed buildings and Georgian shopfronts, you’ll find cosy cafés, bakeries, butchers, greengrocers and traditional ironmongers, alongside a welcoming choice of pubs and tearooms.
A short drive from Rowden Abbey, Bromyard is the perfect place to wander, browse and soak in a slower pace of life.
Enjoy a bracing walk across the
Bromyard Downs, a cherished stretch of common land that changes beautifully with the seasons, or venture a little farther east to
Bringsty Common, with its sweeping 500-acre landscape of open heath and woodland.
From artisan food to open countryside, Herefordshire’s charm begins right here — in the hills, orchards and villages that surround Rowden Abbey.
