14/05/23 - Return to the Queen Elizabeth, Elmley Castle

 A Community Owned, Good Beer Guide Stalwart

The answer to the questions "Best Sunday Lunch" in Worcestershire can be answered by the Queen Elizabeth, Elmley Castle.

Returning to the Queen Elizabeth, after the walk

The reason for this..... Good value, lamb is an option and cauliflower cheese is standard - not a charged add on.

And it's now a regular in the Good Beer Guide.

A bit of history - my first walking visit to the village found the place closed up. A desperate appeal was on a hand written note on the front door "when will this pub re-open?". In 2014, the locals decided to do something about being a dry village. After all, at one point in pubs hey-deys, they were served by 3. 

36 residents clubbed together and purchased the lease, re-opening the doors in the December of that year.

It's now the heart of the village - offering not only booze but a tea room/cafe opening from 9am, a library, a takeaway and running many theme nights. Quiz nights look good, with a £10 entry fee covering fish and chips.

To work up an appetite for lunch, a puppy friendly route is found from one of my many guide books. This was written in 1993 and describes a fast disappeared world of pub hospitality. An interview with the long term landlord, Tony Howells, revealed the following rather quaint thoughts;

• There was no need to advertise, as business was so good.
• The only food available then were crisps, the guide book writer at pains to point out the unusual "ham and mustard" flavour on offer
• Bar games are available - darts, shove halfpenny and quoits (anyone?)
• Opening hours are 12-3pm and 7-11pm..... but flexible if the cricket team are at home
• Dogs are welcome but not children

Build me a time machine!

1993 will do... no need to go back to when Elizabeth I visited

You simply cannot go wrong for the walk - head up the flanks of Bredon Hill and dependent on your energy levels, pick up any of the myriad paths to circuit the top. Today, we pick the shortest possible. One of our team is only six months old.

Puffing and panting up Bredon Hills

Walk Details

Walk Inspiration - Pub Walks in Worcestershire, Walk 26

Distance - 3.5 Miles