Pub Rules
The most epic bus journey from Kidderminster. The 292 still runs hourly, taking you through Bewdley, Cleobury Mortimer, Clee Hill before dropping me off outside the Ludlow Brewery. Over an hour after setting off.
The Ludlow Brewing Company
A civilised 11am opener on the days that it is open. Even though I am early, I'm not the first in. Which is encouraging.
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| Next to the railway |
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| Somehow, the advanced party ignored the wood burner next to my seat |
I have the feeling that I have peaked already. There is food. There is atmosphere. Constant movement from the staff actually making the stuff we love. And as you would expect, the beer is in absolutely perfect condition. My Stairway - a 5% IPA - as good a pint as I have ever had.
I loved it and the bus journey is already a distant memory.
The Feathers
The architecture cannot be ignored and the first clue for my adventure lab cache.
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| Formerly the Griffin Inn, which may help future ALC-ers |
A timber framed coaching inn from 1642. Trust me, all the beauty is on the outside and there is little need to explore the internals. Even if liveried waiters were poised to bring you Ludlow Gold.
The Charlton Arms
My exploration took me downhill to the ancient bridge. On the other side is the Charlton Arms. A sticker on the door boasting that it is in a "Top 50 Gastropub 2025".
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| The Charlton Arms - Across the Teme |
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| A view from a bay window |
For a gastropub - it's OK. There is a separate bar for the drinkers - and the Ludlow Gold was in fine condition. The comfy seats (and wall sockets) are in a pre-dining area, where the hungry wait to be called into the dining room. The view from the bay window is a joy. Recommended? Well, it's a bit out of the way and there are plenty of other options.
The Wheatsheaf
Chosen for its external architectural interest. It's literally built into the City Walls, with a narrow gateway where you can watch drivers of SUVs try and squeeze through the narrow gap.
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| With bravery, you can drive through the gatehouse |
One old fella who couldn't finish his chips inside. I looked hopeful when they came to collect his plate, but I needed to be more vocal with my desires. My pub instincts proved excellent and I have never been as grateful to order only a half. Timothy Taylor Landlord with the sharp smell of vinegar.
The Old Street Tavern
My Google Maps has the Green Dragon saved - and it was this I was looking for. God knows why or when I saved it but it is now a private house. Although a private house that has thirsty pub bloggers staring through the window.
It's only a short walk to the Old Street Tavern - a small but multi-room, multi-floor proper boozer. Friendly staff and locals propping up the bar but I could not ignore the wood burner in a small room to the side.
Siren Memento in fine condition.
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| Worth a look?.... |
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| ..... Definitely |
The Church
My real quarry is the Blood Bay - a Good Beer Guide Tick - but this does not open until 3pm. With half an hour to spare, there was time to hang around for a half in The Church. A freehouse dating from the C14th, its mainly geared for pub dining.
The major thing of note is the church bell housed in a recess by the bar. Commandeered from some redundant church, it is still used today to call last orders.
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| The Church |
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| A decent half of Ludlow Gold, to show you the church bell |
The Blood Bay
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| Shop Conversion |
I'm still processing my thoughts on this place. Let's provide some details, so you can make up your minds;
Very limited opening hours - the 3pm Friday opening is a recent trial.
Its a micro in a shop but they have gone for a Victorian Pub experience. This means authentic, repurposed hand-pulls that have no branding on them. The drinks selection is geared to beer and cider drinkers, with very limited other options. They stock a pale, bitter, stout and a cider. Uley Brewery appears to be popular, from a chalkboard detailing what's on and what's coming.
There is a strictly enforced no-mobiles rule. Which goes as far as browsing. I am a solo, retired pub explorer who was chastised for looking to see how the 192 bus was doing on its journey to take me home. Do I need telling "to turn it off or take it upstairs"? As a result, you will need to see a more brazen, professional pub blogger's work for internal photos.
My pet hate is pubs with signs detailing obscure rules that make little sense to the outsider.
But having said that, this was a pub where conversation flowed and strangers were included. I think the success of this depends on the landlords/landlady's ability to be a host and facilitate this conversation. The Blood Bay's landlady was very keen to chat in-between the real work of running a bar.
The online consensus is that people love it, citing the mobile, laptop, music ban as a positive. I can see where they are coming from but I doubt it would make my top 100 pubs.
I set off for the anticipated 4pm bus. It was 24 minutes late.
If I had access to my phone, I could have stopped for a second pint.
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