12/12/16 - Imperial Tavern, Worcester

Following an afternoon spent decorating a Christmas tree, Mrs Mappiman announces that she needs some new reading material.

In an unusual twist, Worcestershire has actually invested in Libraries - provided you are prepared to travel.  The Hive in Worcester is a £60m joint investment between the public bodies and the university.  We visit once every three months or so and come out with more books than we can comfortably carry.  It's like a ram raid on Waterstones and almost worth the monthly Council tax contribution.

To make the most of the journey, we try to knock off a new pub - with the Camra Good Beer Guide usually providing the inspiration.

The Imperial Tavern, St Nicholas Street, Worcester

Random BeerintheEvening Quote - "For decades this place has suffered from a chronic identity crisis with each version seemingly worse than the last. At last it's been returned to the splendour of a traditional Victorian pub, courtesy of the Black Country Ales concern"

This is another one of those pubs that you need pointing out to you.   It's in a prominent traffic jam spot, one that I have been stuck in many times, yet it has taken the GBG to reveal its whereabouts.

The Imperial Tavern

Its a Black Country Pub establishment.  We have one of these in my town (The Hollybush) and I have knocked off a couple in the Black Country.  They stock their own beer but always have a large and eclectic range of others from around the country.   Almost certainly beers that you would not find easily elsewhere and no-one could ever accuse them of being LocALE.

The Landlord of the Hollybush showed me how selections are made.  They get an A4 catalogue of beers with the description, price and tick off which ones they want to order.  Considering myself something of a beer expert, I offered to help him choose once.   I had not heard of 90% of the choices and just made it up, ensuring there was a range of colours.

Mrs Mappiman is more concerned with the lights.  Full on illumination and curtainless windows mean that its very, very bright.  Once on the foyer, she asks if we can just knock it off without entering.

We'd be cheating no one but ourselves.

So in we go.  Central island bar with several open plan rooms fanning out around.  Lots of photos of old Worcester pubs on the walls and a rather festive display that is good, but no competition for Chez Mappiman.

A look at what's on offer at the boards and I go for a Exmoor Dark - largely because I know the brewery.  As you would expect from a real ale pub, its in fine condition.

Dark beer - Bright Lights

The only other punters are a group of middle aged men, all clutching volumes of books.  We wonder if this could be an example of the lesser spotted all male book club?  If so, I am joining.  I have 3 months of reading material in the boot.

Just the Wetherspoons to knock off in Worcester now, where I am sure the lights will be even brighter.  Maybe a breakfast blog is required.