19/02/25 – Worcester

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A Walk Through Worcester’s Historic Pubs and Modern Beer Spots

I spent the day exploring Worcester’s historic and independent pubs, beginning at The Cardinal’s Hat, the city’s oldest recorded inn, and continuing through a mix of long-standing ale houses and newer craft-focused bars. Each stop offered its own character, from timber-framed Civil War history at The King Charles House to railway-arch drinking at Arch Rivals. Along the way I found welcoming hosts, comfortable interiors and impressive beer ranges, with strong cask selections throughout. From traditional bitters to fresh-hop Belgian ales and modern session pales, the day showcased Worcester’s rich pub heritage and thriving contemporary brewing scene in equal measure.

Worcester is a cathedral city on the River Severn with a long and interesting past. It began as a Roman settlement and grew into an important Anglo-Saxon town, with Worcester Cathedral founded in the 7th century. In medieval times the city prospered through trade, especially cloth. Worcester is perhaps best known for the Battle of Worcester in 1651, the final battle of the English Civil War, after which Charles II fled the city. Later, in the 18th and 19th centuries, Worcester became famous for porcelain and glove making, trades that helped shape the city for generations.

The Cardinal’s Hat

I spent the day around Worcester starting off first with The Cardinals Hat, Worcester. The Cardinal’s Hat is Worcester’s oldest recorded inn, first mentioned in 1497. It stood close to the cathedral and welcomed travellers and pilgrims, with parts of its cellar thought to date back to the 1300s. Over time, its name changed with the times. After the 1745 Jacobite rebellion it became the Swan and Falcon, and later the Coventry Arms in the 1800s. The name Cardinal’s Hat returned in the 1950s. Much of today’s building reflects 18th-century work, and it is now Grade II listed. A careful restoration in 2013 brought the pub back to life.

Inside everything feels calm and welcoming. Light filters through leaded windows onto dark beams, wooden floors and small, well-worn tables. The furniture is comfortable and familiar, and nothing feels rushed or polished. Open fireplaces and wood burners sit quietly in the corners, adding a gentle sense of warmth. There are books, brass jugs and small details on shelves and windowsills, the kind you only notice once you’ve sat down. It’s the sort of place that invites you to relax, talk a little longer, and enjoy where you are.

A fantastic warm welcome when I arrived. On the bar a great line up of 4 cask ales, along with a wide variety of keg options to choose from. I went for Shagweaver by North Cotswold Brewery — a crisp golden ale with bright citrus notes and a clean, hoppy finish.

The Plough

Next up in Worcester was to The Plough. The Plough on Fish Street is one of Worcester’s long-standing pubs, sitting just a short walk from the cathedral. The building dates mainly from the 18th century and is now Grade II listed, though records show a pub called the Plough operating on or near this spot by the early 1800s. Like many pubs with the same name, it reflects England’s farming past, when the plough was a common symbol. Over time it became known as a small, traditional ale house with several rooms, serving locals and visitors, and it remains part of Worcester’s historic pub scene today.

Inside, it’s a traditional Worcester pub with a relaxed, welcoming feel. The bar is compact and focused on hand-pulled ales, with chalkboards above and shelves of bottles and glassware behind. Leading off the bar are a couple of snug-like rooms with fixed bench seating, small tables and low stools. One has parquet flooring, the other carpet, and both are finished with painted panelling, pictures on the walls and shelves lined with whisky bottles and other bits and pieces. There’s a working fireplace that makes it feel especially comfortable, and the place hasn’t been over-modernised. Out the back, a small enclosed seating area has a handful of wooden tables, with views towards the cathedral.

A line up on the bar of 5 cask ales available on my visit along with a great selection of keg beers to choose from. I went for Ledbury Bitter by Ledbury Real Ales — a traditional copper-coloured bitter with a nicely bitter start and a smooth, slightly spicy hop finish.

Weavers of Worcester

A short walk back towards Worcester Foregate Street station brought me next to Weavers of Worcester . Weavers Of Worcester opened in the mid-2020s on Foregate Street, continuing the life of a premises that had already served as a social space for the city. Immediately before Weavers, the site operated as The Craft Inn, which traded there for several years before closing. The change marked a new chapter rather than a fresh start, with the building staying part of Worcester’s everyday story. Weavers became part of a wider shift back towards small, independently run pubs, reflecting how city-centre spaces adapt while keeping their role as places where people gather.

Inside, the bar is long and narrow, with timber-lined walls, exposed surfaces and evenly spaced pendant lights creating a warm, unfussy setting. Bench seating, high stools and small tables are arranged to keep movement easy while offering quieter spots along the walls. The space leads naturally through to an outdoor area set beneath a brick railway arch, where the materials become more utilitarian. Gravel underfoot, solid wooden tables and bench seating sit beneath a timber canopy with clear roof panels, while strings of soft lights add warmth after dark. Together, the two areas feel practical, well-used and designed for relaxed drinking.

A great selection on the bar with 6 cask ales, 8 keg lines and a range of ciders. Lots of choice! I went for Elephant Riders by Fownd Brewing Company — a refreshing session pale ale bursting with tropical hop flavour and a crisp, easy-drinking finish.

The Saracen’s Head

Walking away from the centre brings me to my next 3 spots to visit starting with The Saracen’s Head, by Black Country Ales. The Saracen’s Head on The Tything in Worcester is one of the city’s oldest recorded inns. A licensed inn with this name appears in Worcester records as early as 1555, when it served travellers, traders and townspeople moving through the medieval city. The name “Saracen’s Head” was widely used in England from the Middle Ages, often reflecting Crusader-era imagery rather than any local connection. Located close to key routes into Worcester, the inn would have provided food, drink and lodging for centuries. Like many historic pubs, it has changed ownership and buildings over time but has remained part of Worcester’s long pub-going tradition.

Inside the Saracen’s Head, the pub feels comfortable and easy to settle into. Checked bench seating runs around the room, with dark wooden tables and chairs spaced out so nothing feels crowded. The patterned walls, old photos and soft lighting give it a proper pub feel without trying too hard, and the carpet and seating keep it warm and relaxed. There’s a television in the corner, but it doesn’t take over, and little touches like books by the window make the space feel lived in. It’s the sort of place where you’re happy to sit for another drink and let the time pass.

On the bar a selection of 7 cask ales available along with keg and cider options to choose from. I went for Jubilee IPA by Black Country Ales — a light, easy-drinking IPA with gentle hops and a smooth finish.

The Dragon Inn

Over the road is The Dragon Inn. The Dragon Inn is a traditional pub on The Tything in Worcester, set in a Grade II listed Georgian building dating from the early 19th century. It has long been known as a proper real-ale pub, with a strong focus on well-kept cask beer. Over the years it has built a reputation for quality and consistency rather than gimmicks. The pub later became part of Church End Brewery’s small pub group and earned local praise for its beer range. It was named Worcester CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2018 and 2019, reflecting its standing with regulars and visitors alike.

Inside feels comfortable and familiar as soon as you step inside. The rooms are laid out over a few connected spaces, with red patterned carpets, wooden tables and a mix of chairs and bench seating that make it easy to settle in. There are plenty of small details — fireplaces, mirrors, old photos and prints — that give it character without feeling fussy. The bar fits naturally into the room rather than taking over. Upstairs is calmer and a little more homely, with softer chairs, a piano and smaller tables that suit a quieter pint. Outside, the covered area is straightforward and well looked after, with wooden furniture, plants and soft lighting that make it a pleasant place to sit for a while. Altogether, it feels like a pub made for relaxed drinking and easy conversation, where people are happy to stay put.

On the bar a great line up of 7 cask ales, a flat cider and a selection of keg options to choose from. I went for Goats Milk by Church End Brewery — a golden ale with pale barley and gentle hop character for a smooth, refreshing taste.

Copper Beech Brewing Company

Copper Beech Brewing Company was up next. Copper Beech Brewery & Taproom started in 2019 as a home-brewing project. Founder Dan Lawson was making beer in a small shed in his garden, which sat under a copper beech tree — that’s where the name comes from. What began as a hobby quickly grew into a small business, with a focus on well-made, easy-drinking beers. As demand increased, the brewery moved out of the garden and into a proper brewing space in Kidderminster. In 2024, Copper Beech opened its own taproom in Worcester, giving people a place to drink the beers right where they’re made.

Inside, it’s bright and comfortable, with exposed brick walls, soft lighting and plenty of space to spread out. There’s a mix of small tables and chairs in the middle, with green leather bench seating along the wall if you want something a bit more relaxed. Rugs, warm lights and simple artwork give the room a cosy feel without trying too hard. It’s the kind of place where it’s easy to settle in, have a good chat, and happily stay for another drink.

On the bar 2 cask ales on the front bar, along with a fantastic keg line up showcasing 14 keg lines, with a brilliant mix of styles and strengths. I went for Parallel Lines by Copper Beech Brewing Company — a light, fruity session pale ale with smooth, juicy hop character and refreshing.

The Oil Basin Brewhouse

My next visit in Worcester on Thursday was to The Oil Basin Brewhouse. The Oil Basin Brewhouse opened in 2017 on Copenhagen Street after the old Casablanca wine bar was turned into a small brewhouse and bar. The brewing side had already started elsewhere in Worcester in 2015 as Three Shires Brewery, before moving into the back of the Oil Basin when it opened. Around that time it was renamed Wintrip Brew Co, with beer brewed on site and served at the bar. Brewing later moved away from the building, but the Oil Basin has stayed popular for well-kept ales, guest beers and a friendly, relaxed feel.

Inside the Oil Basin Brewhouse, it’s small and welcoming, with a relaxed feel that makes it easy to settle in. Wooden floors, exposed brick and low, dark beams give the room plenty of character without feeling fussy. Seating is mostly small tables with stools and benches, set along the walls and by the windows, so it works just as well for a quiet drink as it does when things are busier. Soft lighting and muted colours keep the space warm and comfortable, while a few pictures, mirrors and shelves dotted around add a bit of interest.

Drinks wise a selection of 4 cask ales on the bar along with a nice selection of keg options to choose from. I went for Butchers Best by The Oil Basin Brewhouse — a smooth, easy-drinking best bitter with light malt and gentle hops.

TripelB Belgian Beer Café

Right next door lies TripelB Belgian Beer Café. TripelB Belgian Beer Café began as a small independent idea in the centre of Worcester, tucked away on Copenhagen Street. From the start, it aimed to feel relaxed and welcoming, drawing inspiration from traditional Belgian cafés while fitting naturally into the city’s historic core. Over time, it became a familiar meeting place for locals and visitors, known as much for its atmosphere as its character. Since at least 2019, TripelB has grown into a well-loved spot, hosting live music and events and quietly becoming part of Worcester’s everyday life rather than a passing trend.

Inside feels friendly and easy-going, with plenty to look at without feeling cluttered. The bar is lined with shiny taps and shelves full of bottles, glasses and Belgian odds and ends, giving the place a personal, well-loved feel. Wooden tables, mixed seating and soft lighting make it comfortable to sit back and take your time. It’s informal and unpretentious, the sort of place where conversation flows easily and stopping for one often turns into staying a while.

A fantastic keg line up featuring a wide variety of Belgian Beers, with lots of different styles and strengths to choose from. Even more choice in the fridge showcasing more styles. I went for Hommel Fresh Harvest (2026) by Poperings Hopmuseum — a fresh-hop Belgian pale ale with bright floral notes and a crisp, bitter finish.

Hop Lord’s

Onto Hop Lord’s next in Worcester. Unfortunately this place is closing soon but reopening under a different format so I wish them the best of luck. Hop Lord’s opened in 2018 on Pump Street as a small craft beer bottle shop with a few taps, set up by local publican Mathew Pugh. The idea was simple: bring interesting beers to Worcester that you wouldn’t usually find in a standard pub, with plenty to take away as well as drink in. Before Hop Lords moved in, the unit was a normal retail shop that had closed, not a pub. From the start it focused on bottles, cans and rotating draught beers, rather than food or live music. Over time it’s become a well-known stop for craft beer fans looking for choice rather than tradition.

Inside, the space is bright and easy-going, with a clean, uncluttered look that keeps the focus on the bottles. Glass-fronted fridges line the walls, packed with colourful cans and larger-format beers, giving it the feel of a well-stocked bottle shop with room to stop and drink. Seating is limited to a handful of high tables and benches, so most people stand or perch while choosing what to open. Soft lighting, plants and simple wood finishes add warmth without fuss, creating a relaxed space where the beer naturally takes centre stage.

4 keg tap lines on the bar, along with fridges packed with bottles and cans to choose from and enjoy! I went for Easy Trail by Fyne Ales — a smooth, easy-drinking pale ale with gentle hop flavour.

The King Charles House

Onto The King Charles House next in Worcester. The King Charles House in Worcester dates back to 1577 and was originally built by local brewer Richard Durant. It became famous during the English Civil War when King Charles II used it as his headquarters. After losing the Battle of Worcester, the final battle of the war, Charles escaped from the building and fled the city, beginning his long journey into hiding. The house later took his name and has survived centuries of change, becoming one of Worcester’s most well-known historic pubs.

Inside, it feels like stepping back in time. The main bar is low-ceilinged, with dark wooden beams overhead, oak panelling along the walls, and soft lighting that picks out shelves of bottles and hand-pulled pumps. Hanging glasses, worn floorboards and deep timber frames all underline the building’s age, while the space remains lively and welcoming, with people gathered around the bar and tables by the windows.

Upstairs is a single large room, but it’s subtly divided by heavy beams, timber screens and raised sections that create a series of natural nooks without breaking the space apart. High-backed wooden settles, snug booths and small tables sit beneath exposed beams and strings of warm lights. A large fireplace forms a focal point on colder days, while leaded windows and original timber framing remind you just how old the building is. The result is a calm, comfortable room that keeps its historic character while offering an inviting place to sit, eat and talk.

A fantastic warm welcome from Jess who was fantastic to talk to and showcased the pub amazingly well. On the bar a selection of 9 cask ales, numerous ciders and a selection of keg beers. I went for Monarch’s Way by Craddock’s Brewery — a smooth, easy-drinking ale with gentle malt and subtle hop character.

The Imperial Tavern

Next in Worcester was The Imperial Tavern. The Imperial Tavern on St Nicholas Street occupies a building that has gone through several changes over the years. Before reopening as the Imperial Tavern in June 2015 under Black Country Ales, it previously traded as Woo Bar, Metro and Tap & Spile, reflecting its time as a late-night bar and nightclub, particularly during the 1990s and 2000s. These earlier versions made it a well-known part of Worcester’s evening scene. Its current name marked a shift back towards a more traditional city-centre pub, continuing the site’s long-standing role in the social life of Worcester.

Inside the Imperial Tavern it feels warm and inviting. Wooden panelling and low partitions break the room into comfortable seating areas, with booth benches along the walls and small tables dotted around. Soft lighting from shaded lamps and wall lights keeps things cosy without being dim. Framed old photos and a few pub notices add character without crowding the walls. With carpet underfoot and solid tables that feel well cared for, it’s an easy place to sit back, have a drink, and take your time.

A great warm welcome when I arrived in here. On the bar a fantastic selection of 10 cask ales, along with ciders and a keg beer selection. I went for Noble by Kinver Brewery — a well-balanced ale with smooth malt and a clean hop finish.

Firefly

Next in Worcester was to Firefly. The Firefly on Lowesmoor sits in a tall Georgian building that was once linked to Worcester’s vinegar trade. The building is believed to have been used by managers of the nearby Hill, Evans & Co vinegar works, which became one of the largest vinegar producers in the world during the 1800s. The works helped shape this part of Worcester and operated until closing in 1965. Long after the industry faded, the building survived and was later reused. In 2005 it reopened as The Firefly Beer Haus, keeping its historic character while becoming a relaxed meeting place for locals and live events.

Inside it feels relaxed and easy-going. Wooden floors, comfy booths and tables make it a place where you can settle in and stay a while, whether you’re chatting with friends or having a quiet drink. The lighting is soft and warm, with lamps, candles and fairy lights giving the rooms a gentle glow. Bunting, framed pictures and little decorative touches add character without feeling overdone. There’s a lively feel near the bar, but also quieter spots if you want something calmer.

On the bar a selection of 3 cask ales to choose from alongside a fantastic keg selection. I went for Dark Mild by LHG Brewpub — a smooth, traditional mild with gentle roast and a soft finish.

Cocky Anchor

A short stroll in Worcester brought me to The Cocky Anchor. The Cocky Anchor occupies 61 Broad Street in Worcester — a Georgian five-storey building listed Grade II* for its architectural and historic importance. It was built around 1740 and was originally known as Cupola House. In the 19th century naturalist and printer Edwin Lees lived there, and later it became the home and shop of a bookbinder and seller, Thomas Louis Woodall. From 1896 to 1940 the building was owned by Miss H Burrow, a corset and stay maker. Its distinctive façades and interior details reflect its long commercial history on Broad Street.

Inside feels tall, narrow and layered, unfolding over four floors rather than opening out all at once. Each level has its own small rooms and tucked-away corners, furnished with mismatched wooden tables and chairs that make it feel more like a series of lived-in rooms than a single bar. Original details sit alongside later additions — panelled walls, arched doorways, old fireplaces and uneven floors — giving the sense of a building that has adapted over time rather than been stripped back.

Walls are dotted with maritime pictures, flags and curios, while planting and soft lighting help soften the tighter spaces. Staircases are steep and winding, reinforcing the feeling that you’re exploring an old building floor by floor. At the very top, the space opens out onto a small rooftop terrace, with bench seating and tables looking out over the rooftops of Worcester, offering a quieter spot above the bustle below.

A fantastic welcome from Matt and Summer and really enjoyed the tour around. On the bar a selection of 3 cask ales, alongside keg options. I went for Anchor Ale by Flack’s Brewery — a smooth, amber ale with light malt sweetness and a balanced hop finish.

The Arch Rivals Micro Pub & Brewery

My final visit in Worcester was to The Arch Rivals Micro Pub & Brewery. Arch Rivals sits beneath Worcester’s railway arches in a space that was once a disused commercial unit, part of Victorian infrastructure built in the 19th century to carry trains into the city. For years the arch stood empty, until local owner Mike Davis took it on and opened the pub in 2018, helping to bring new life back to a forgotten corner of Worcester. Opening a pub under live rail lines was a risk, but the sound of trains quickly became part of the story.

Inside is compact and inviting, shaped by the curve of the railway arch which leads straight to the bar at the far end. The bar is a clear focal point, fronted with vinyl records and backed by shelves of bottles and taps. The corrugated arch is covered in rows of beer mats, while the walls are packed with gig posters, record sleeves and memorabilia that feel collected rather than curated. Warm hanging bulbs and fairy lights soften the space without making it dark. Seating is simple, with small tables, stools and a worn sofa, leaving room to stand and talk comfortably.

A great warm welcome from Mike when I arrived. On the bar a single cask ale along with a fantastic variety of keg options. I went for Mango Hazy by Fierce Beer — a juicy, hazy pale ale with bright mango flavour and a soft, smooth finish.