Ghostly Goings on in the Good Beer Guide
I'll never get around to visiting every pub in a Good Beer Guide, but I can set myself a target of keeping my home county of Worcestershire "greened". 2026 saw five new entries.
The Mug House, Claines, becomes my latest quarry.
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| Now part of the Marston's chain |
It probably comes as no surprise that this pub is detailed in two of my other books. Worcestershire's Historic Pubs and Haunted Pubs of Worcestershire. Let's deal with the stories.
Book 1 incorrectly claims it is the only pub on consecrated land in the UK. It is indeed housed within the Churchyard of St John the Baptist but book two says it is one of two, without providing details. AI confirms that the Ring O'Bells in Kendal is the other. With a name like that, it certainly sounds plausible.
Both books agree that during 1947 renovations, the silver head of a bishop's crozier was recovered, hidden in the walls. Handed to the Bishop of Worcester, it has been used in annual celebrations since.
Ghost tales? The usual hysterics in Haunted Pubs of strange noises, dogs that won't settle, and the tapping mallet going missing. Both books comment on a haunting by a ghost from the English Civil War - who goes to the front door, shouts "Beware!" and then heads to the church to play the organ.
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| No organ playing today, but it was "doors open". |
The pub is as higgledy-piggledy as you would expect. The front room packed with solo men drinking. No photos from there, but it is the obvious place to see the wares and order. HPA and Butty Bach are a rather pedestrian offering for this part of the world.
A rear dining room offers fine views of the Malverns and a large mural painting by someone whose main career wasn't art.
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| The distant Malvern |
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| How the pub looked in 1745 |
Finally, a smoke room/snug - where mugs hang from the rafters and a fox's head is nailed to the wall.
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| Butty Bach in fine condition |
A perfectly good GBG recommendation and surprisingly easy access to public transport. Waiting for the 303 back to Kidderminster, every other car is flashes me as I look out for the bus.
The drivers of Worcester giving it to the man. Speed traps ahead.
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