Pub Guide

Worcestershire

As my base for exploring Worcestershire is Bewdley, on the northern border of the county, most, if not all the pubs I try will be in that area.

Martson's and Banks's pubs: Back in the 1980s, Banks's and (especially) Marston's pubs and ales were a guarantee of a superb pint and usually something interesting in a pub. Unfortunately in the last few years, this is no longer the case. All the Marston's/Banks's pubs I have tried recently serve the beer much too cold and also squeeze it through a much-too-tight sparkler which destroys the taste and makes the beers these pubs sell (often quite an interesting selection) all taste rather "samey" and bland. It is a great pity and  for this reason, I generally avoid these pubs, though I do occasionally try them just in case there are any which buck the trend. I would love to try some Banks's or Marston's beers at an independent pub or from the barrel (e.g. at a beer festival) just to find out if they are still as good as they used to be.

Page last updated: December 31, 2011

Pub Details Photographs
(click to enlarge)
Abberley - The Manor Arms
WR6 6BN, Tel: 01299 896507; website

A 16th century coaching inn and hotel. The public lounge is very inviting with some comfy armchairs by the huge fireplace. The list of meals on the blackboard is available Tuesday to Saturday for the amazing price of £3.99 (as at December 2010).

Beer:  Up to 4 ales, usually including Wye Valley beers.
27-10-09: Wye Valley HPA and Best Bitter; Taylor's Landlord; Fuller's London Pride.
Excellent
Dec 2010: Wye Valley Bitter and HPA both tried (both excellent)
Food: The £2.99 (now £3.99)  meals are excellent value for money. The food tastes good and is probably home-cooked. The menu (blackboard) shows the food to be good standard unfussy pub food such as Lasagne (very nice); ham, eggs & chips; Chicken Supreme & rice; fish & chips etc. (Tried Oct 27, 2009). Very good to excellent.

 

 

 

 

Last Visited: October 27th, 2009; December 2010


View of the pub


the garden


main lounge


The bar

Arley - The Harbour Inn
DY12 3NF ; Tel: 01299 401 204; website
Next to Arley station on the Severn Valley Railway, also very close to the River Severn. Pleasant, friendly and cosy. Comfy chairs by the fireplace, often with a real fire blazing. The piped 70s music was a bit too loud and a little obtrusive. A pity: otherwise a very nice pub.
NOTE: Only one real ale is kept on and when visited on a Tuesday in October 2010, the beer had run out and there was no other choice: the original pub with no (draught) beer.

Beer: Wye Valley Harbour Inn Ale. Superb beer, kept very nicely. £2.50 pt (Oct 2009)
Food: Haven't tried  it, but has a fair selection of home-cooked meals.

Visited: October 13th, 2009

Astley Burf - The Hampstall Inn
DY13 0RY ; Tel: 01299 822 600; website
Next to the River Severn off the B4196 between Holt Heath and Astley Cross, the Hampstall Inn has been a licensed house since  the 1830s.

Beer: Hobson's Bitter and Bewdley Worcester Way. Both excellent
Food: Hot and cold bar meals at lunchtimes; restaurant meals in the evenings; Carvery on Sunday lunchtimes.

Visited: May 8th, 2010

Belbroughton - The Bell Inn (Bell End)
DY9 9XU ; Tel: 01562 731 928; website
Large 16th century inn on the main A491 between Hagley and Lydiate Ash. Part of the Vintage Inns group and as you'd expect, the main focus is on eating rather than drinking.

NOTE: It has been reported to me that the pub has had a major refurbishment in 2010 and has lost any semblance of the "old country pub" feel.

Beer: 2 ales generally available.
5-11-09: Purity UBU and a Timothy Taylor special (can't remember the name). Both
very good.
Food: Good pub food in the £8 - £12 price range. Specials board

Visited: November 5th, 2009

Belbroughton - The Talbot Inn
DY9 9TG ; Tel: 01562 730 249
Large Comfortable pub at the centre of Belbroughton with good car parking. Good open fire in colder months.

Beer: Black Sheep bitter; Marston's Pedigree; Jennings ales (Marston's portfolio). Generally served rather cold and through over-tight sparkler, making the beer rather bland and frothy. The Black Sheep ale was good, though. Unimpressive generally.
Food: rather expensive and a little pretentious in style.

Visited: October 20th, 2009

Belbroughton - Ye Olde Horseshoe Inn
DY9 9ST ; Tel: 01562 730 233; website
Small pub at the heart of Belbroughton. Intimate and friendly.

Beer: Taylor's Landlord; Enville ale. Excellent
Food: Basic pub food, but very tasty (see menu).
20-10-09: I had the steak and ale pie which was chock full of tender meat.
Very Good.

**** Update, July 26 2011 : I have been informed that the pub is currently closed *****

Visited: October 20th, 2009

Bewdley - The Black Boy
DY12 2UE ; Tel: 01299 403 523
Not to be confused with the Black Boy Hotel on the Kidderminster Road in Bewdley. This one is to be found up the very steep Wyre Hill road. A lovely old pub with a friendly atmosphere, an enthusiastic landlord and a quiet unspoiled garden. Parking is difficult, so you may have to park in the town and trudge up the hill. A good thirst is guaranteed by doing this! Lovely pub, but unfortunately a Banks's/Marston's one (see my comment at the top of the page). The guest beer is worth the walk, though.

Beer: Banks's Bitter, Original; Marston's Pedigree; guest ale (from Marston's portfolio)
Pub is in Good Beer Guide 2010.
14/12/10: The guest beer was Brakspear's Oxford Gold:
excellent. Also a real fire in the grate made it very cosy on a cold evening.

Visited: December 14th, 2010

Bewdley - The George Hotel (Wetherspoons)
DY12 2AW; Tel: 01299 406 970; website
Surely this must be the most sumptuous and comfortable pub in the Wetherspoons group? The pub has been converted from part of the 17th century hotel and many original features have been kept, along with the feeling of luxury from another age. The beers are excellent and ever-changing. The menu is impressive (but I haven't tried the food yet).
Very busy on Saturday evenings.

Beer: Usually 4-6 ales at any one time - excellent
Food: large glossy menu; breakfasts served as well.
Visited: several times in 2010, 2011 and I've not had a bad pint yet.

Bewdley - The Great Western
DY12 1BY; Tel: 01299 405 304
An unspoilt friendly locals pub next to the railway bridge on the Kidderminster road. It does have functions nights (e.g. karaoke) to attend or avoid depending on your needs! The piped 80s pop music was a little annoying.

Beer: Bewdley Worcestershire Way - excellent (also Banks's beers)
Food: snacks only, I think; e.g. fresh cobs.
Visited: November 20, 2009

Bewdley - The Little Pack Horse
DY12 2DH; Tel: 01299 403 762; website
A small, cosy 15th century pub on the old High Street. It serves excellent home-cooked food at a good price and a varied selection of well-kept ales. Can get very busy, so you may have to book for food, especially in the evenings and on Sundays.

Beer: Black Sheep best bitter; guest beers. Sharp's Doom Bar (July 2011) excellent               
Pub is in Good Beer Guide 2010.
Food: Excellent and tasty. I had one of their home-made pies which was superb (25/5/2009).
Visited: May 25, 2009, July 2011

Bewdley  - The Mug House
DY12 2EE; Tel: 01299 402 543; website

Well-appointed old pub on the riverside; very popular, good atmosphere and seating on the promenade overlooking the river. The pub serves varied styles of food, from snacks to full restaurant meals (the latter in "The Angry Chef"). Beware of short measures here - you will most likely need to ask for a top-up on your pint.

Beer: 3 or 4 ales, usually from local breweries. Kept very well.
20/11/09: Wye Valley HPA  (excellent); Bewdley Brewery Old School Bitter (OK), plus Kinver Brewery Kinver Edge (very good).
I think the HPA is a fixture.
9/1/10: Same beers and ratings.
6/7/10: HPA excellent. Old School bitter also on.
31/12/10: Can't remember but the beer was excellent as usual.
Food: Not tried.
last Visited: December 31, 2010 plus many visits since

Bewdley  - The Old Waggon And Horses
DY12 1DG; Tel: 01299 403 270; website

Unspoiled comfortable pub on the Kidderminster Road.

Beer:  3-4 ales: Banks Bitter & Mild (always on); Batham's Bitter (excellent) Berrow Topsy Turvey (guest ale?)
Food: Lunchtime food described as "Bar snacks". They do a Sunday carvery. In the evening when I went, they had fresh cobs available

Visited: November 24th, 2009

Bewdley  - The Running Horse
DY12 2QP; Tel: 01299 402 161

Large pub on the A456 Tenbury Road out of Bewdley. The pub is geared up mainly for eating (it's a Chef & Brewer), though there is a drinkers' area set aside.

Beer:  2 ales on when I visited: Hobson's Town Crier; Newman's Wolvers Ale. Both excellent
Food: Large pre-printed menu, but the food smelled good. Sunday Carveries. Suspect it will get busy, so you may need to book.

Visited: November 3rd, 2009

Bewdley  - The Woodcolliers
DY12 2AU; Tel 01299 400 589; website
Distinctive corner pub at the bottom of Wyre Hill. The pub is comfortable and bigger than you'd expect inside. However, it is very cosy and friendly; Nice log fire in winter. Quiz night on Tuesdays: it is a very laid back friendly quiz, free to enter and all welcome.

Beer: Varied selection of 2 or 3 ales, usually from small and/or local breweries. Generally kept excellently.
21/11/09: St Georges' Ascalon; Salopian Shropshire Gold; Three Tuns 1642 Bitter (all Excellent)
9/1/10: Cannon Royall Arrowhead bitter (very good); Ludlow Gold (excellent)
6/7/10: Three Tuns 1642; Ludlow Gold (excellent)

Food: They used to have basic specials on a blackboard, but only have a printed menu now. Fairly high-priced.

last visited: July 6, 2010

Button Oak  - The Button Oak Inn
DY12 3AQ; Tel 01299 400 248
Distinctive small pub in the village on the B4194 through the Wyre Forest. Inside it is quite small and on the occasion I visited, there was loud rock music being piped in. Two huge loudspeakers in the big fireplace tend to spoil the look of the room.

Beer: Timothy Taylor Landlord. Very good.
Food: Not tried. A blackboard menu above the bar shows quite a good choice.

Last visited: October 13th, 2009.

Caunsall  - The Anchor Inn
DY11 5YL; Tel 01562 8509 254; website
Small, friendly, cosy pub. Very popular and I guess many of the people are regulars. Well-known for the quality of their ales and filling cobs.
In 2010 Good Beer Guide. Parking is difficult, unfortunately.

Beer: Hobson's Best Bitter & Town Crier. Excellent. Guest beers available occasionally (not on my visit).
Food: Fresh homemade cobs with generous side salad. Very good.

Last visited:
December 23th 2009.

Chaddesley Corbett  - The Fox Inn
DY10 4QN; Tel 01562 777 247; website
Situated on the main road just outside the main village, this is a comfortable pub with quite an emphasis on food.

Beer: Two ales on: Wye Valley HPA and Hobson's Bitter.  Quite good, but I wonder if they may be using top-pressure or a cask-breather as the beer seemed a little fizzy. Beer choice varies (no fixed beers).
Food: Large blackboard of "specials" at reasonable prices.
 

visited: November 2, 2010

Chaddesley Corbett  - The Swan
DY10 4SD; Tel 01562 777 302;
Traditional 17th century pub with pleasant garden and impressive lounge bar. Occasional barbeques in Summer. The Bathams beer is superb. The huge lounge bar feels like a medieval great hall.

Beer: Bathams beers; bitter & Mild - both excellent. (£2.10 a pint on 20/1/10)
Food: 20/1/10: I had a hot pork bap with stuffing, gravy, chips & Yorkshire pud for £2.75. An excellent lunchtime snack.

 

last visited: December 30, 2011

Chaddesley Corbett  - The Talbot Inn
DY9 9TG; Tel 01562 730 249 website
16th century black-and-white timbered inn opposite the church. Cosy, comfortable and friendly inside with a good selection of ales and food. Note: this is a Banks's/Marston's pub (and you know what I think of those beers). However, the guest ales (from the Marston's portfolio) are very well looked after and served.

Beer: Banks's bitter and mild (standard) Guests:
30/5/09: Brakspear Oxford Gold
20/1/10: Wychwood's January Sale
Excellent
2/11/10: Jennings (can't recall which one) Excellent
30/12/11: Ringwood Boondoggle; Jennings' Redbreast. Very good.
Food: interesting menu; mid to high prices. I had a meal on 12/2/11 and was very pleased with it. It was very tasty home-cooked food.

last visited: December 30, 2011

Clows Top - The Colliers Arms
DY14 9HA; Tel: 01299 832 242; website

Actually situated about a mile out of the village, on the main A456 towards Bewdley. An attractive pub in a beautiful setting, the food is home-cooked using local produce. It is very tasty; however, it is a little pricey as you pay £2 extra for each portion of vegetables. There is a 'specials' board, but there was very little on it on my visit. The beer is also from local breweries.

Beer: Hobsons bitter; Shires' Dabley Ale (Madeley, Salop) (guest ale). Excellent;   Price for 2 pints: £5.10
16/1/10: Hobsons Bitter & Town Crier only: very good.
Food: I had pork cutlet with new potatoes and fresh green veg.   Veges were rather undercooked.     Excellent (except the veges);   Price: £12

Visited: October 3rd, 2009; January 16, 2010

Dodford - The Dodford Inn
B61 9BG; Tel: 01527 575 815; website

Described as "The Pub In The Field", The Dodford Inn is a classic country pub, re-opened in 2009, but having changed little for many years. The photo really doesn't show it's best side as the pub has marvellous views over the countryside and an attractive pub garden with picnic-style table/benches. An interesting selection of food is available and the beer is excellent too.

Beer: A changing selection; 3 to 4 ales usually available, kept very well, but generally on the strong side.
Food: Looked very interesting.

Visited: August 18th 2009, August 10th 2010.

Dunley - The Dog Inn
DY13 0UE; Tel: 01299 822 833

Unspoiled country pub with friendly atmosphere, good food and ales.

Beer: Hobson's Best Bitter; Banks's Mild; Theakston's Best Bitter (guest)
Food: Good selection of home-cooked food.
 

Visited: January 26, 2010

Far Forest - The Plough Inn
DY14 9TE; Tel: 01299 266 237; website

Comfortable country pub concentrating largely on food, especially its carveries. However, there is a cosy comfortable lounge put aside for those who just want a quiet drink.

Beer: Wye Valley HPA - very good. (pub is in Good Beer Guide 2010)
Food: Looks impressive and a carvery on Sundays.
 

Visited: September, 2009

 

Hanley Broadheath - The Fox Inn
WR15 8QS; Tel: 01886 853 189; website

Unspoiled 16th century country pub, brewing its own beers (JHS Brewery). Both from the outside and inside this is obviously an ancient building with the look and feel of an old pub. Unfortunately, it was rather cold on my Saturday lunchtime visit, despite a wood-burner at one end of the large room. This is the home of the JHS brewery which brews five different beers.

However, on my visit, the quality of the beers was very poor. My first pint (Amy's Rose) was undrinkable. Subsequently, it was discovered we were at the end of the barrel. Although the pint was changed without question, the horrible taste ruined my subsequent pint. Surely, the quality of the beer on sale should be checked before opening for the session? My friend's pint of Snooty Fox was drinkable (just) but tasted stale as though the beer had been sitting in the pipes since the previous night. I was really disappointed by this; I have drunk JHS beers elsewhere (local beer festivals) and found them most palatable. It's a shame the brewery's own pub doesn't take as much care with the beer
. I didn't try the Batham's.
This pub is in the 2011 Good Beer Guide, but, in my opinion, should not be.

Beer: JHS beer range, plus Batham's bitter.
Food: Snacks only at lunchtimes. Mid-priced meals in evenings. The sign outside said "Hot food Served", so I was disappointed by the lack of it on a Saturday lunchtime.

Visited: January 8, 2011.

Kidderminster - The King And Castle
DY10 1QX; Tel: 01562 747 505

This is the converted waiting room at the Severn Valley Railway station in Kidderminster. It has an opulent, Edwardian feel and is very friendly and is obviously a regular meeting place for many people. The beer is top-class in quality. Parking is limited and beware that they lock the gates to the station car park at 8pm in the evening. Usually about 5 beers available. Listed in Good Beer Guide 2011.

Beer: Bathams bitter; Hobson's Mild; Wyre Piddle Royal Piddle (brewed specially for this pub and on sale at an incredible £1.85 pint). all excellent.
02-12-09: Guest beers: Hop Back Crop Circle; Wyre Piddle Polar Piddle; Enville Ginger. Tried all but the Batham's and they were in
perfect condition. 
23-11-10: Tried Royal Piddle & Orkney Northern Light: OK, but nothing special. Also Batham's bitter & a beer with "Nelson" in the name. These were excellent both in taste & quality. My only complaint is that the beer was nearer to room temperature than cellar temperature.
Food: Didn't check. I believe they do lunchtime light meals during the weekdays.
 

Visited: December 2nd, 2009, Nov 23, 2010

Kidderminster - Ye Olde Seven Stars
13-14 Coventry Street, DY10 2BG; Tel: 01562 755 777

The oldest pub in Kidderminster. Lots of oak-panelling. Friendly and quite busy, considering my visit was on a Tuesday evening, generally a rather dead time in pubs. Listed in Good Beer Guide 2011.

Beer: An ever-changing selection, usually about 5 or 6 different ales, often quite obscure.
23/11/10: Tried Robinson's dizzy blonde; Kinver Krystal. Both nice beers and well-kept, but I think they were served under top-pressure as there was a slight fizz in the glass and in the taste.
Food: You can take your own and they will provide plates, cutlery & condiments. I don't know if they serve meals as well.
Verdict: Liked  the pub, but not sure about the beer.

Visited: November 23, 2010

Knightwick - The Talbot
WR6 5PH; Tel: 01886 821 235; website

Home of the Teme Valley Brewery, with its own hop fields. This is a charming 15th century coaching Inn, serving food and drink all day every day. Quite apart from brewing its own beer, all the food is prepared and cooked on the premises using local ingredients (and imaginative recipes) for everything apart from the fish, which is from Cornwall and Wales. It is a relaxed and friendly place for a quiet drink and/or a tasty meal. The Inn has been run by the same family for over a quarter of a century.

Beer: The Teme Valley own brews on sale. The usual beers are called This, That and T'other, all of which are quite light in alcohol but very tasty.
1/3/11: Tried "This" and "T'other" and also another of their beers: Cold Harbour(?). All were
excellent. (£2.25 pint)
Food: Prices are mainly around the £10 mark. On the day of my visit, they had a St David's Day special on which was a Welsh Mutton Stew. This was wonderful and amazingly tasty.

Visited: March 1, 2011

Lye - The Windsor Castle
7, Stourbridge Road, DY9 7DG; Tel: 01384 897 809

The brewery tap for the Sadler's Brewery which is next door to the pub. Although this was part of a factory until a few years ago, the pub has the timeless feel of a pub that's been attracting local drinkers for centuries. Unspoiled and friendly.  There seem to be a pleasant aroma of brewing and hops in the pub. My only criticism is that the food is quite expensive for a pub (meals are £10 - £14), and the beers were more expensive than you'd expect, given that they don't have to be transported at all (about £2.60 a pint which is about the usual price for beers in 2011).

Beer: Sadlers brew a wide range of different beers and there are usually 7 or 8 different ales available.
5/2/11: My friend and I tried 4 different ales. All were
excellent and in top condition and were quite different from each other. Definitely recommended.
Food: There is a good choice of home-cooked traditional pub meals. I had a chicken curry which was really tasty and well-balanced.

Visited: February 4, 2011

Newnham Bridge - The Talbot Inn
WR15 8JF; Tel: 01584 781 355; website

Comfortable hotel styled pub, family run. Accommodation.
Note: Last time I drove past (April 2010), the pub was closed. I don't know if this was permanent or not.

Beer: Hobson's Bitter, Mild; Wye Valley HPA. Excellent (only tried the mild).
Food: Reasonable menu but quite pricey.

 

Visited: October 27th, 2009

Noutard's Green (Shrawley) - The New Inn
WR6 6TE; Tel: 01299 822 701; website

Dating from the early 19th century, this has a traditional unspoilt feel about it, friendly and with a real fire. It is a free house.

Beer:  Robinsons' s Mr. Scrooge (very good); Mansfield Cask Ale (Very Good); Old Speckled Hen; Banks's Bitter. Served a bit too cold and rather over-sparkled in the Marstons/Banks's pubs style.
Food: Snacks and cobs only
15-12-09:
very nice ham cob - £1.50.

Last visited: December 15th 2009

Pensax - The Bell
WR6 6AE; Tel: 01299 896 677; website

The pub is actually on the main road (B4202), some miles from Pensax (at Snead Common). This is a classic country pub with marvellous views over the Worcestershire countryside. Inside, the pub is traditional and welcoming. A Mecca for real ales enthusiasts as there is always a number of interesting ales on tap (usually 6), always in excellent condition. The pub has won a number of awards for its ales. Food is available too (moderately expensive). (Pub closed on Mondays). I've visited the pub many times and never had anything but Excellent beer.

Beer: various and ever-changing selection including Hobson's ales. Also Weston's real cider & Perry.          Always excellent.
Food: Good food but at a price.

Visited: October 27th, 2009 and many times since.

Pound Green - Ye Olde New Inn
DY12 3LF; Tel: 01299 401 271; website

Very nice 17th century pub on the road from Button Oak to the River at Arley. Inside it is quite big, but quite "nooky". Comfy seating by a real log file made this the sort of pub you don't want to leave. Food can be served in the separate restaurant or in the bar and lounge areas.

Beer: Hobson's bitter; Wye Valley Dorothy Goodbody Golden ale. Both very good.
On
27/12/09 visit, had to return the beer as they had not pulled through the stale beer left in the pipes from the previous session. This is such a basic error, but one to watch out for if the pub is quiet or you are one of the first in.
Food: Good varied menu (see website); prices medium to high. Didn't try the food, but the aroma was really tempting, despite the fact I'd already eaten that evening.

visited: October 13th, 2009; December 27, 2009, Oct 2010

Rock - The Rock Cross Inn
DY14 9SD; Tel: 01299 832 533 website

Cosy friendly pub at the crossroads in the village.

Beer:  Hobson's Bitter and Twisted Spire; Bewdley Worcester Way; Robinson's Wags To Witches. All excellent. Prices very competitive at £2.30 pt for the local beers (3/11/09). Suspect Hobson's is a fixture.
16/11/10: Hobsons Bitter & Bewdley Worcestershire Way. Prices still less than £2.50 a pint and beer still
excellent
Food: Varied menu - prices in the £5 - £10 range described as home-cooked. Food not tried yet. Sunday Lunches also.
Visited a few times in the summer of 2011 and they seem to always have 5 ales on, and all those tried are
excellent. Definitely recommended.


visited: November 3rd, 2009, Nov 16, 2010, May-June-July 2011


The lounge


The dining area

Shenstone - The Plough
DY10 4DL; Tel: 01562 777340 website

Popular locals pub, comfortable, cosy & friendly

Beer:  Bathams' Bitter, Mild, XXX (winter only) Good prices and kept in excellent condition
Food: snacks, e.g cobs & pork pies only. The cobs are fresh - made to order - with freshly slices ham or good chunky cheese at £1.50 each.

Last visited: December 30, 2011

Stanford Bridge - The Bridge Hotel
WR6 6RU; Tel: 01886 812 771 website

Attractive old hotel/Inn next to the original bridge at Stanford Bridge. Pleasant, comfortable and friendly place to drink or eat. Choice of 4  ales; the ones I tried were in excellent condition. The food choice may seem unexciting, but the food itself is home-cooked; very tasty and satisfying. Recommended.

Beer:  Wye Valley HPA; Hobson's Twisted Spire; Malvern Black Pear; Wye Valley Xmas ale.
Food: Home-cooked food of a high standard.

8/1/11: The HPA and Twisted Spire were excellent. I ate Gammon & Chips (with peas, egg, pineapple ring & onion rings). This was very tasty.
Last visited: January 8, 2011

Stourport - The Bird In Hand
Holly Road, DY13 9BA; Tel: 01299 861 322

Cosy and traditional pub next to the canal. Slightly difficult to find in the car, but better approached from the canal. Attractive canal-side area; 2 ales usually available with varying guest ales and home-cooked food.

Beer:  Hobsons, Bewdley brewery ales on my last visit (excellent).
Food: Home-cooked (not tried)

Last visited: September or October 2010

Stourport - The Hollybush
Mitton Street, DY13 9AA; Tel: 01299 822 385

Pub owned by Black Country Inns. Has a good selection of unusual ales, including some from the Black Country Inns own brews. The pub is friendly with a real fire in the cold weather, and runs quiz nights.
I have visited the pub 2 or three times and I find the beer is OK but not excellent; though I can't quite put my finger on why I don't rate it.

Beer:  Black Country ales plus guests (up to 6 beers on)
Food: Food available lunchtimes & evening (not tried)

Last visited: September or October 2010

Tenbury Wells - The Peacock Inn (Boraston)
WR15 8LZ; Tel: 01584 810 506

A genuine ancient inn (i.e. a place you can stay). There seems to be a bar and a small lounge, though the latter is geared up mainly for eating. The food looked good and was probably homecooked. Three handpulls, but only one beer available on my visit. Unfortunately, the beer was sour and harsh, obviously well past it's best and the "background music" was over-obtrusive and unpleasant. I may have been unlucky, but I'm not likely to return here.

NOTE: The pub has changed owners since my review; may be worth a revisit.

Beer:  Hobson's Bitter (poor)
Food: Looked interesting, mid-priced.

Last visited: April 3rd, 2010

Tenbury Wells - The Pembroke House
WR15 8EQ; Tel: 01584 810 301

Attractive, 16th century timbered building at the south end of the town. The pub has a friendly feel as soon as you walk in. The bar / lounge area is not big, though there may be other rooms (there is a separate dining room). The beer was excellent as was the food, which is cooked to order by the owner / landlord who is also a chef.

Beer:  Hobson's Bitter; guest ale (Green King IPA) (both excellent)
Food: Top class, mid to high price range but definitely worth it. I had a haddock & salmon pie (with peas). Very tasty and filling (£7.95).

Last visited: April 3rd, 2010

Tenbury Wells - The Ship Inn
WR15 8AE; Tel: 01584 810 269; website

!6th century pub in the High Street of town. Pleasant pub with a food emphasis, hence only a small drinker's area.

Beer:  Hobson's Bitter (not tried); Wye Valley Butty Bach (excellent)
Food: Looked interesting, highish-priced (£10 upwards).


Last visited: April 3rd, 2010

Uphampton - The Fruiterers Arms
WR9 0JW; Tel: 01905 620 305; website

Home of the Cannon Royall Brewery, this pub serves all of the brewery's range (5 different when I last visited) starting at less than £2 a pint (15/12/09). The beers are excellent (and well-kept of course). The pub is friendly and cosy (with a real wood-burning fire).

Beer
:  Full range of Cannon Royall beers, some available in bottles as well. The Christmas ale (Marley's Ghost) is totally gorgeous. Excellent
Food: No food generally apart from crisps & nuts, but snacks (e.g. cobs) available at the weekend, I believe.

July 9 2010: visited on Friday evening. The pub was much busier than on Saturday lunchtimes with people of all ages there, may of whom knew each other, so obviously are regulars. There was live acoustic (folk) music in the bar. Beers excellent as usual, mostly £2 a pint.
December 2010: Beer still excellent, but the pub is very cold; the owner doesn't understand how to run a wood-burner; he's burning wood but generating no heat in the room.


Last visited:  December 2010

Wolverley - The Queen's Head
DY11 5XB; Tel: 01562 850 433; website

Attractive pub in a picture-postcard village. This is a Marston's pub (see my comments at the top of the page).
Beer:  Banks' Bitter; Jenning's Redbreast (vey good)
Food: not tried, but good choice with traditional unpretentious menu available

Last visited: December 23rd 2009