Redditch and Bromsgrove branch of CAMRA
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Redditch and Bromsgrove branch of CAMRA |
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We present a "Pub of the Season" award up to four times a year and
a "Pub of the Year" for our very best pub in the year.
Please note that some of the pubs below have changed hands and sometimes beer
quality may have deteriorated since these awards were made.
Consult the CAMRA Good
Beer Guide to find our latest recommendations.
The Weighbridge, Alvechurch
Pub of the Year 2007, 2005, Winter 2004 / Winter 2002
This former private club opened as a pub in 2002 and was described in the local CAMRA newsletter as having everything going for it, except for one thing - real ale! Well now this tiny canalside pub has real ale - Tillerman's Tipple brewed by Weatheroak Brewery a couple of miles away plus two guest beers usually from a micro-brewery. The Weighbridge located in Alvechurch Boat Centres Marina on the Worcester Birmingham Canal was once the old Weighbridge office for offloading coal barges to horse and cart for local deliveries. The pub has three individual rooms each with their own character, a warm welcome and an individuality that has been lost in so many pubs, spoilt by pub companies with standard and tired themes. Excellent food and a friendly welcome from licensees John and Jayne Humphreys make this a little gem. Two beers festivals a year are held.
The Boat and Railway, Stoke Works
Winter 2007
Situated alongside the Worcester and Birmingham canal this pub has a superb waterside patio. An ideal place to site and watch narrowboats getting ready to ascend the longest flight of locks in the UK or alternatively heading south for Worcester. A single lounge bar with a restaurant to the side and a large function room. Banks's Original and Bitter plus one or two guest ales from the Marstons Portfolio.
The Four Winds, Belbroughton
Spring 2007
A smart place to enjoy a pint with restaurant to the side and lounge area to the front. In fine weather, outside seating offers excellent views towards Broome and the Malvern Hills. The Four Winds can be found alongside the busy A491 and serves Wadworth 6X plus three guest beers invariably from local micro-breweries such as Malvern Hills and Sadlers which of course helps the environment.
The Gate Hangs Well, Woodgate
Pub of the Year 2006, Autumn 2005
A smart country inn run by enthusiastic licensee Neil McMahon that is
as welcoming for those popping in for a drink and a chat or those wanting to
dine. A restaurant (look out for beer/food matching) and plenty of areas to sit
in comfort and relax. The pub now brews has its own beers, Scoop and Duck
and Cover Bitter (brewed by Weatheroak) plus four guest beers often from local
microbreweries. The first Free House in the country to be credited with the
Beautiful Beer Award and now the Branch Pub of the Year.
The Gate Hangs Well, Headless Cross, Redditch
Winter 2006
This pub had come to the notice of local CAMRA members as one where five real
ales were on offer along with an ever changing guest ale selection. So
enthusiastic are the licensees about their guest ales that they state "If you're
the unfortunate person on whom the guest barrel runs dry - then we'll give you a
pint of one of our other regular cask ales - free of charge!". A guest beer sits
alongside Ansells Bitter, Tetley Bitter, Hook Norton Old Hooky and Greene King
Abbot Ale.
The Plough, Shenstone near Chaddesley Corbett
Autumn 06, Summer 99
A lovely old countryside pub with two cosy lounges and a public bar. The Plough serves the renown Brierley Hill brewed Bathams Mild, Bitter plus XXX during Christmas. All the beers are served in excellent condition and are keenly priced. Try the pork pies. A bit of the Black Country in our own branch. Bostin!
The Hop Pole, Droitwich
Winter 2006
For great beers in great condition and great prices, the Hop Pole on Friar Street is the place to head for. Wye Valley HPA, Butty Bach plus a guest beer are served in this fascinating building and it's oak beamed interior. The lunches are good value for money as well.
The Talbot, Chaddesley Corbett
Summer 2005
A beautiful 16th Century black and white timbered pub. Three distinct bars and a pleasant patio to the rear. A good range of quality food. Banks's Original, Bitter and two guest beers from Banks's Portfolio.
The Red Lion, Bromsgrove
Pub of the Year 2003, 2004 (Worcs); Spring 2003
Ideally located on the High Street, this is a traditional friendly and cosy pub, one of the last of its kind in the town centre. Run by real ale enthusiasts Richard and Mini Scott, the Red Lion serves Hansons Mild, Banks's Original, Bitter, and up to four guest beers usually from independent breweries. Snacks served lunchtimes. Monday night is curry night - the only evening that food is served. Beer festivals are held in the summer.
The Hop Pole, Bromsgrove
Winter 2004/05, Winter 97/98
Located opposite the Rovers soccer ground, the Hop Pole is a small town pub thankfully saved from the destructive tendencies of the brewers it features a floor made from gravestones. Refurbished in 2004 and featuring Worfield OBJ along with three guest beers.
The Fruiterer's Arms, Uphampton
Summer 2004, Winter 95/96, Autumn 96, Pub of the Year 1995, 1997,
Herefordshire and Worcestershire
Pub of the year 1996 and 1998
A superb country inn situated near Ombersley. The home of Cannon Royall brewery and serving Mild, Arrowhead, Muzzleloader (and occasionally a seasonal Cannon Royall special) and John Smiths all at excellent prices. A proper unspoilt country inn. Good value lunches.
The Coach & Horses, Weatheroak, nr Wythall
Winter 98/99, Pub of the Year 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, Outstanding Achievement
Award 2003
Run by Phil and Sheila Meads, this is a proper free house serving up to eleven real ales many of which are brewed on-site. The unspoilt bar has an open fire and there is a lounge to the side. Weatheroak ales are brewed in a small building at the front of the pub. The Light Oak and Weatheroak ale are particular favourites. The pub is the only one to have won "Pub of the year", four years running.
The Fox, Chaddesley Corbett
Summer 2003
The Fox at Chaddesley Corbett serves an interesting guest beer alongside Enville Ale and Theakston BB. A comfortable, roadside inn with excellent food and a popular carvery.
©Redditch & Bromsgrove branch of the Campaign for Real Ale
