The cafe culture in Church Stretton is genuine and unpretentious — this is a walking town, and the cafes reflect that. You'll find good loose-leaf teas, homemade cakes, and no shortage of places to dry out after a wet morning on the Long Mynd.
The National Trust café at the top of Carding Mill Valley is a natural stopping point on any walk. It's simple and sometimes crowded but the setting — at the head of the valley with the moor opening above — is hard to beat. The Trust also runs a small kiosk lower down near the car park.
In town, several independent cafes on the High Street and Sandford Avenue serve coffee, cakes, and light lunches. The Buck's Head pub is the main drinking establishment — a traditional local with real ales including beers from local Shropshire breweries. Church Stretton closes early; don't expect much nightlife.