Shakespeare

Campaign for Real Ale

Campaign for Real Ale

Pub News - Worcestershire

Pubs are listed alphabetically within each town

Badsey

Pub in a Club, Badsey
Following closure last year, a planning application made in February 2023 to convert the building into nine apartments was approved on 11th October 2023.

Bretforton

Fleece Inn, Bretforton
Update 20/03/2024 – Many congratulations to the Fleece Inn which has been voted Shakespeare CAMRA Pub of the Year 2024 for the Worcestershire branch area. See Pub of the Year 2024 for more details of the presentation.

Update 30/09/2022 – Following 20 years as landlord at the Fleece Inn, an award was made to Nigel on 7th September. See Long Service Awards for details of the presentation.

Update 05/04/2022 – Congratulations to the Fleece Inn for being voted Shakespeare branch of CAMRA Pub of the Year 2022 for the Worcestershire branch area. See Pub of the Year History for details of the presentation on Wednesday 20th April 2022.

Update 03/01/2022 – Many thanks must go to Nigel (landlord) of the Fleece for not only organising the trip but also for driving the minibus to the Uley brewery just before Christmas. The group were well looked after by owners and staff at the brewery where an excellent series of introductory talks were provided by the Head Brewer on each of the eight beers that were on offer for the group to taste. On a boxing day visit not only were the pints of Wye Valley Butty Bach in very good condition but the Uley Pigor Mortis proved to be faultless. At 6% this beer is only brewed every other year and it is believed that the second barrel purchased by the Fleece will hopefully be available for the Wassail celebrations on Saturday 8 January.

Update 01/10/2021 – Continues to offer a good selection of up to six real ales with a Purity beer usually on offer along with Uley Pig’s Ear. Voted Best Beer Garden in the Cotswolds 2020! We also see the return of the Apple and Ale festival at the Fleece Inn, Bretforton which is their annual celebration of apples, cider and cider making. Opening times are from Friday 8th Oct, 05:00pm - Monday 11th Oct, 05:00pm. There will be live music on Saturday and Morris dancing on Sunday. https://thefleeceinn.co.uk/events/apple-ale-festival/
Fleece 01/10/2021

Broadway

Broadway Hotel, Broadway
Update 29/11/2021 – Offering two house badged ales along with a guest from Goff’s brewery and two from Hook Norton. The Broadway Hotel Dark was said to be Goff’s Black Knight 5.3% and the White version was Goff’s White Knight 4.7%. However, please be aware that from information we have received it would be worthwhile booking a table before visiting this venue.

Update 01/10/2021 – At the time of our last visit the beers on offer were – Hooky Bitter, Hooky Gold, Goff’s Jouster and Goff’s Lancelot.

Crown and Trumpet, Broadway
Update 18/05/2022 – We are sad to learn that Andrew Scott has recently stepped down from the Crown & Trumpet Inn, after more than 35 years’ experience as a Good Beer Guide licensee. Caroline, previously at the Hunters Inn at Longdon, has taken over managing the bar, along with the three remaining bar staff. We wish Andrew well for the future.

Update 29/11/2021 – We were pleased to hear that Cask Marque had recently visited the pub and had given full marks for all the beers on the bar. Our congratulations are offered to Andrew and all his staff for this achievement.

Update 01/10/2021 – Three beers plus one extra at weekends – North Cotswolds Shagweaver, Green Man IPA or Jumping Jack and Timothy Taylor Landlord.
Crown & Trumpet 01/10/2021

Tavern by James Martin, Broadway
Update 24/04/2023 – Following launch of the 'Grill by James Martin' restaurant in the Lygon Arms in February, James Martin has launched the 'Tavern by James Martin' pub at the same venue during March 2023. The Tavern is open daily from 12 noon to 3pm and then from 6pm.

Cleeve Prior

King's Arms, Cleeve Prior
Update 01/10/2024 – The King's Arms has extended opening hours and is now open Mondays, then Thursdays to Sundays. The pub continues to be advertised for sale via the Rightbiz website.

Update 09/07/2024 – The closing date for applications for shares in Cleeve Prior Community Pub Limited has been extended to 31st July 2024. The full independently-accredited share offer prospectus and detailed business plan are available via their dedicated website (below).

Update 25/06/2024 – For more information regarding the community purchase, see https://www.cleevepriorcommunitypub.co.uk/

Update 10/02/2024 – Having been empty for a year, there is an effort being made by the community to purchase the pub and the Cleeve Prior Community Pub Group has been set up for this purpose. An open day took place today which was well attended by those interested in purchasing shares in the Group.

Update 13/01/2023 – We are sad to learn that the current licensees are planning to leave, the pub being advertised for sale with Sidney Phillips Estate Agents.

Update 03/01/2022 – A CAMRA member from outside of the branch reported that the Kings Arms were selling a good pint of the North Cotswolds Moreton Mild in the period leading up to the Christmas holidays.

Evesham

Angel Vaults, Evesham
Update 30/10/2023 – A recent visit has found that unfortunately the Angel Vaults is no longer serving real ale.

Bengeworth Club, Evesham
Update 30/05/2024 – The club is currently for sale with a fixed price of £295,000.

BCM, Evesham
Update 16/11/2022 – BCM has recently decided to only open for the monthly quiz on a Sunday night during the winter period.

Update 28/11/2021 – Members have reported drinking Plum Porter Grand Reserve on a recent visit. This is a real bonus as it is normally seen in a limited way and only in bottles.

Update 01/10/2021 – The previous connection to Birmingham Brewery beers is no longer evident and the very nice “house” beer is now brewed by Green Duck from Stourbridge. On social media they are also promoting their “sister pub” at the Jenny Ring craft centre near Droitwich and are selling a number of different cans of craft beer. Opening hours are limited so check first on social media.

Cider Mill, Evesham
Update 01/10/2021 – The tenancy is currently being advertised for this pub.

Northwick Arms Hotel, Evesham
Update 30/10/2023 – A recent visit found that the previous Jacksons Bar in the hotel courtyard, which used to serve real ale, is now closed.

Old Green Dragon, Evesham
Update 07/11/2022 – The outside of the old Green Dragon pub in Evesham has been given an outside facelift so it is now the same colour as BAR 24 to which it is attached. There is no news if this will re-open as a separate facility.

Railway Hotel, Evesham
Update 15/10/2023 – The lower outside of this long-term closed pub has recently been repainted in charcoal, red and green. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be an indication currently that the pub is due to start trading again.

Red Horse, Evesham
Update 01/10/2024 – The lease continues to be advertised for sale via the Rightbiz website.

Update 14/05/2024 – The lease for Ye Olde Red Horse is being advertised for sale via rightbiz.co.uk.

Update 30/10/2023 – A recent visit found two of the four handpumps serving Wye Valley HPA and Butty Bach, both in good condition.

Update 16/11/2022 – Recent beers putting on a guest appearance at this pub include Brew 61 Greenfields Gold, Bewdley Baldwin IPA and Cotswold Lion Golden Fleece.

Update 07/11/2022 – Home-made signs have been placed in many of the pub’s windows indicating that the lease for this pub is available.

Red Lion, Evesham
Update 26/06/2024 – Two new lines are in place, so the Red Lion now has two draught ciders on hand pump, in addition to the two kegged ciders, four bottled ciders and two bottled perries. Butcombe Original and North Cotswold Moreton Mild remain the regular real ales, and currently they are also serving one dark and two pale real ales. As we get towards autumn, expect to see more dark bitters, then stouts and porters towards the end of the year.

Update 09/06/2024 – We are pleased to hear that Tom at the Red Lion, Evesham has been nominated for a BBC Hereford and Worcester Make a Difference award. The award recognises individuals and groups who make life better for people in our communities. Their panel of judges will consider all entries and shortlist 32 of them, the finalists being announced in the summer. The awards ceremony will take place in September. Good luck Tom!

Update 14/05/2024 – It was reported at a recent branch meeting that landlord Tom is looking at crowd funding to enable extension of the pub.

Update 30/11/2023 – We are pleased to report that landlord Tom is extending the footprint of the Red Lion by taking on the lease of the small shop next door. Tom's intention is to knock through into the shop, which will become a quieter area when bands are playing in the main pub.

Update 30/07/2023 – The Red Lion is now open from noon every day, closing at 11pm Sunday to Thursday, and midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Update 24/07/2023 – Landlord Tom will be celebrating his one-year anniversary at the Red Lion on Tuesday 1st August. He’ll be having a bit of a celebration from 7pm, with some food, folk music, Morris dancing and more.
First anniversary First anniversary

Update 21/03/2023 – A Special Award for 'New Landlord Achievements' has been presented to Tom Doggett for his efforts since taking over the pub in August 2022. See Special Awards for more details.

Update 01/03/2023 – The Red Lion, Evesham is holding an event to champion women in brewing on Wednesday 8th March, from 7:30 pm. Sarah from The Hop Shed and Sue from Celtic Marches will be sharing their experiences, along with Hentony Gin. For more information see https://www.facebook.com/events/742660010604051/

Update 07/11/2022 – As from August 1st it has been all change at the Red Lion with Tom having now taken on the lease of the pub with Gerald and Glenda leaving. There will be Live music: Monday 8pm jam session, Thursday 8pm open mic, Friday 8.30pm live acts, Sunday 4pm live acts. Otherwise, a quiet pub Tues, Weds, Sat (no music, and there's no piped/background music, TV, jukebox in the pub, nor will there ever be).
At the time of this report current consistent ales are from North Cotswold and Butcombe, including the North Cotswold Moreton Mild which will be fairly permanent, and a couple from other, mostly local, breweries.
Opening hours: Mon-Weds 4pm-11ish, Thurs 4pm-11ish, Fri-Sat noon-12, Sun noon-11ish.
Website: https://redlionevesham.co.uk Telephone: 01386 429123.

Update 28/07/2022 – Gerald and Glenda are leaving the Red Lion this coming Sunday, 31st July with a farewell gathering from 4.00pm. From Monday the pub will be run by Tom Doggett, (who regularly played in the Thursday jam sessions). Tom is very keen on his real ales and will add Butcombe beers to the current North Cotswold offering.

Update 10/06/2022 – We are sad to learn that Gerald and Glenda are retiring from the Red Lion pub and White Rabbit Brewery at the end of August. We wish them well for the future.
The following update was posted on the pub's Facebook page:
“Time is running out for you to enjoy beer at the Red Lion
We are going to RETIRE!!
The end of August will be our closing date so come along and drink with us while you can!!
The last eight years have been a blast and we have enjoyed so many good times with you all but time waits for no man and so the decision has been made.
Until then we will be operating as normal but selling off items in the pub - besides the usual offerings that is! Come and get a souvenir of your time with us - just like chicks they are all going cheap.
August Bank Holiday weekend will be one big farewell party so book that date now.
Hope to see you all soon.”

Update 01/10/2021 – Is offering a range of Canon Royalle / White Rabbit beers from their brewery in Honeybourne. Opening hours are currently Thursday to Sunday and amongst their recent offering on the bar was the Old Ale and Bertram.

Royal Oak, Evesham
Update 14/05/2024 – The tenancy is currently being advertised via the Stonegate Group website.

Update 29/10/2023 – The Royal Oak has one handpump, currently serving Purity Pure Gold, although London Pride and Wadworth 6X are sometimes available.

Update 01/10/2021 – Is believed to have changed hands (see Bridge at Offenham) and re-opened on the 7th July. A recent visit found Purity Mad Goose on offer. They have also upgraded their courtyard area.

StirrUps (previously Outside Inn), Evesham
Update 22/10/2023 – StirrUps acquired the former Outside Inn pub (previously also known as Katie’s Bar and Grill, Karma Lounge, Mojo, Ducks Don't Float, Maiden's Head) on Market Place in the centre of Evesham town in October 2021, having started as a home-delivery cocktails and burgers offering during lockdown. The new logo design harks back to the original concept, featuring both a burger bun, and martini glass in the logo icon. Primarily a restaurant spread across both floors, there is a “cocktail bar” on the ground floor and further seating on the first floor. No real ale.

Update 01/10/2021 – remains closed and the majority of signs have been removed from the outside of the pub. Some building alteration work seems to be in evidence and it now appears as being sold on a business for sale website. Our latest information indicates that it is due to open as a burger bar owned by “StirrUps”. https://www.eveshamjournal.co.uk/news/19136474.new-burger-restaurant-replace-outside-inn-pub-evesham/

Swan, Evesham
Update 30/10/2023 – A recent visit found that although there was one handpump on the bar, unfortunately no real ale was on offer at that time.

Trumpet, Evesham
Update 24/02/2023 – A large turnout of branch members gathered on the 21st March 2023 to celebrate the award of our Worcestershire area Pub of the Year to the Trumpet Inn in Evesham. See Pub of the Year History for more details of the presentation made by Lloyd Evans.

Update 28/02/2022 – Since the Queens Head in Sedgeberrow was sold this is now the most westerly tied pub in the Hook Norton estate. There are four handpumps currently offering Hooky Bitter, Hooky Mild and Old Hooky along with the now permanent Off the Hook with has replaced Hooky Gold as this is now intended to be a seasonal option only. It is also worth looking out for the Pie nights on a Wednesday where prior booking is advised due to their popularity.

Valkyrie, Evesham
Update 30/10/2023 – A recent visit found one handpump selling Sharp's Solar Wave, which had been selling well.

Harvington

Coach and Horses, Harvington
Update 12/09/2024 – A third hand pump is now in use. Customers can choose from a list of available beers, which includes beers from the Gower Brewery.

Update 06/03/2024 – We understand that new licensees are now in place at the Coach & Horses.

Update 07/11/2022 – After a long period of closure, the Coach re-opened on Friday 26th August under the direction of Martin and Sara who have previous run a number of pubs in the area. Food offerings are limited at the moment, as they start to build up the trade, but Sunday lunches are currently available between 12 – 4. They have also introduced a pool table into the function room which is currently being advertised as free on a Wednesday.
Beer offerings presently available are Wye Valley Butty Bach and HPA with occasional appearances noted of Timothy Taylors Landlord.

Update 03/01/2022 – At long last “To Let” signs have appeared on the front of the pub. Even after a number of phone calls to the Pub company asking for information they seem to have now taken six months before taking this action. We are hoping for good news in the near future regarding the tenancy of this previously multi award winning pub.

Update 01/10/2021 – The pub has now been closed for the past couple of weeks as the latest Landlord, Pierre, moved out. We are trying to find out from the Pubco (Star Heineken) regarding future plans for this once Worcestershire CAMRA pub of the Year. It is currently listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

Golden Cross, Harvington
Update 16/11/2022 – News has reached us that Rob has recently taken on the running of the Bulls Head in Inkberrow which is just outside of the Shakespeare branch area. Current reports suggest that he will continue to operate both pubs.

Honeybourne

Gate, Honeybourne
Update 28/11/2021 - We understand that a lot more live music sessions are being planned for this pub.

Thatch Tavern, Honeybourne
Update 01/10/2021 – Has been registered again as an Asset of Community Value in order to maintain the status it first achieved five years ago. Whilst still being a Heineken owned property the lease was taken on by “The Honeybourne Pub Company” about three days before lockdown in November last year. In the interim a great deal of internal improvements have been made. Since reopening the pub has been seen to be serving Abbot Ale, Wye Valley Butty Bach and HPA with a fourth pull for another ale. They are open early for coffee and cake and all day for everything else.

Iron Cross

Queen’s Head, Iron Cross
Update 07/11/2022 – Queens Head Iron Cross, Salford Priors, Evesham. New people have taken on the lease at this pub and whilst it is still trading primarily as an Indian restaurant the new owners are trading under the TAJ name - https://queensheadinn.net/

North Littleton

Ivy Inn, North Littleton
Update 28/02/2022 – Offered a 15% reduction on food orders for February having had a similar 25% promotion for January.

Update 01/10/2021 – A gastropub located in the heart of the picturesque village the Ivy Inn is now under new management as of October 2020, with the new management keen to breathe some life back into this magnificent village pub.

Offenham

Bridge Inn and Ferry, Offenham
Update 01/10/2021 – Opened again on the 21st June by Alistair who used to run the Royal Oak in Evesham. There is a lovely refurbished outside drinking and eating area by the side of the river Avon and on social media they stated that they are hoping to have 3 or 4 different real ales on offer. A recent visit by one of our members found that the beers available on that occasion were Brains Reverend James and Ludlow Gold. Plans are also believed to be in progress to reinstate the ferry across to Twyfords (the Village) country park.

Fish and Anchor, Offenham
Update 20/08/2023 – The pub has reopened under new management.

Sedgeberrow

Queen’s Head, Sedgeberrow
Update 11/01/2023 – We understand that a second handpump is now in use.

Just out of the branch area

Update 07/11/2022
- It has been noted that the CAMRA multi award winning pub the Bell at Pensax was seen as being for sale by auction on right move in October.
- The Rising Sun in Redditch is available for sale on the Wetherspoons pub lists. Also within the extended region was the Bank House pub in Cheltenham.
- It has been reported that the Weatheroak Tap and brewery is being advertised as being for sale, but the good news is that both are still trading which can be confirmed by a recent visit from some of our branch members.