Members Archives - Worcester CAMRA

Crown Hotel Worcester: Embracing Real Ales & Welcoming CAMRA Members

Mark Griffiths — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 21:22:00 +0000

Join the Celebration of Real Ales at The Crown Hotel Worcester - Worcester's Premier Wetherspoon Establishment!

In response to the recent closure of the Postal Order pub in Worcester, the Crown Hotel in Crown Passage, another reputable Wetherspoon establishment in the city, has taken the opportunity to emphasise its commitment to real ales. As part of their welcoming approach, they are keen to extend a warm invitation to CAMRA members.

Eight of our esteemed members participated in the pre-festival tasting event, where we were warmly greeted by Matt Adams, one of the Managers at the Crown Hotel. Matt thoughtfully provided each attendee with samples of six carefully selected festival brews, ensuring a diverse and delightful range of flavours to experience.

The selection of beers presented during the tasting showcased a captivating array, ranging from a flavorful Belgian-style export brewed by Banksʼs to a refreshing hoppy pale ale hailing from the picturesque region of Hawkshead in Cumbria. To enhance the tasting experience, Matt generously shared his tasting notes and passionately explained the distinctive beer styles, enriching our understanding and enjoyment of each brew.

While the closure of the Postal Order pub was disappointing for the branch, we are pleased to acknowledge the Crown Hotel’s commendable efforts in filling the gap left behind. Their renewed focus on real ales and dedication to catering to the preferences of CAMRA members have not gone unnoticed.

As the national beer festival at Wetherspoon unfolds, we extend our best wishes for the Crown Hotel’s success in its festival endeavours and future business ventures.

We wish to express our sincere appreciation for the warm hospitality displayed by Matt Adams and the entire team at the Crown Hotel. Their commitment to ensuring an enjoyable pre-festival tasting event was evident, and the CAMRA community eagerly looks forward to continued engagement and memorable experiences with this welcoming establishment.

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Discover the Tranquil Charms of Hopshed Brewery: A Haven for Beer Enthusiasts

Mark Griffiths — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 14:40:00 +0000

Worcester CAMRA Hopshed Brewery Trip

Brews, Hops, and Nature’s Beauty Await

Nestled serenely between Worcester and Bromyard lies a quaint spot that’s an absolute treat for beer enthusiasts and nature admirers – Hopshed Brewery. Situated on a functional hop farm in Suckley, this brewery offers a unique blend of sensory delights and insights into the brewing process.

Stepping into the brewery is like walking into a haven of earthy scents – the unmistakable fragrance of hops hangs gently in the air, instantly setting the mood for what’s to come. But there’s more to Hopshed than just its setting. Every Friday until 9 pm and Saturday until 6 pm, the brewery’s tap bar opens to visitors seeking a relaxed and flavorful experience.

A recent visit by Worcester CAMRA, a group of beer enthusiasts, was a delightful journey for their taste buds. On September 30th 2022, a Friday, they embarked on a journey to sample the brewery’s lineup of beers. From session IPAs that go down easy to hearty porters, the variety offered something for everyone. A pint starting at just £3.60, the prices make it a budget-friendly destination for exploring craft brews.

What sets Hopshed apart is the beverages themselves and how they’re presented. The friendly staff behind the bar are happy to guide you through the different styles and flavours available. Their insights benefit those who might be new to the world of ales. One beer that stood out was the Green Hop Pale Ale, boasting the refreshing essence of Emperor hops and a gentle 4% ABV – a true crowd-pleaser.

It’s not just about the drinks – a culinary surprise awaits outside. A mobile Sri Lankan curry van offers an ever-changing menu of meat and vegetarian dishes, a perfect companion to the beers.

As the sun sets, the tap bar transforms into a hub of activity. Laughter and clinking glasses fill the air as patrons bask in the welcoming atmosphere. If you’re planning a visit, make sure to arrive early to secure a seat, as the popularity of Hopshed is a testament to its charm.

In conclusion, Hopshed Brewery isn’t just a place to savour finely crafted beers; it embodies the art of brewing, nestled in a picturesque corner of Suckley. From the alluring scent of hops to the diverse range of flavours, every aspect of Hopshed Brewery invites you to appreciate the craft. So, whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or just looking to explore, visiting Hopshed Brewery promises a relaxed, flavoursome, and memorable visit. More information at Hopshed Brewery

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A whistle-stop tour of the Black Country’s finest pubs

Alan Grainger — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 12:49:00 +0000

A fantastic Black Country Pub Tour

Worcester CAMRA Social Trip

On Saturday the 19th of March at 11.30 am on a beautiful sunny day,16 intrepid members of Worcester CAMRA set off for a visit to half a dozen of the most amazing pubs to be found anywhere in the country – I am talking, of course about the classic Black Country hostelries to the north west of Birmingham.

The first stop was the Beacon Hotel in Sedgley, home of the Sarah Hughes brewery. It was necessary to visit here first as it closes between 3 and 6 pm. The interior of this magnificent pub has been totally unchanged for as long as I have known it, but why change excellence?
The brewery had 3 of their beers on the pumps, of which I had the Ruby Mild – a 6% dark ale with a unique flavour. There were also 2 guest beers from the Bristol Beer factory – highly unusual to see these in our part of the country.

The next stop was only a few minute’s drive away – the Jolly Crispin at Upper Gornal. This is a fantastic locals pub with a massive choice of beer – 9 on handpump ranging from pale ales to 6% IPA. I had the Titanic Stout on key keg, which was in good condition and full of roast malt flavour.
The staff at the Crispin are very friendly and welcomed us warmly, as did all the pubs we visited.

The Bulls had a fine selection of their own beers and guests, of which the Titanic Cappuccino stout took my fancy (it may be becoming clear that I am fond of dark beers!). The beer was accompanied by very large rolls, which went down well with all who bought them. Again not far away in Lower Gornal are two more classics – the Old Bull’s Head, brewery tap for the Black Country brewery, and the Fountain, which is just 200 yards up the same road.

The Fountain is another permanent beer festival in a pub with 10 handpumps, giving an extensive range of beer styles and ABVs.

Last but by no means least was the Vine at Brierley Hill, generally known as the ‘Bull and Bladder’ for reasons unknown to me! This is Batham’s brewery tap, and the dark mild was in excellent condition as one would expect.

A brilliant day out to be thoroughly recommended to anyone who hasn’t been to the area (or to those who have but just want to repeat the experience!)

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Getting to some of our best Worcestershire Rural Pubs on the bus can be difficult.

Neil Berry — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 16:25:22 +0000

Worcester CAMRA Members Article

How to get to some of our best Worcestershire Rural Pubs on the bus

Although First Bus Company has cut back a lot of rural services in recent months, some of the smaller independents have altered their routes. These routes include some of the villages who have lost their middle of day services. First Bus have in some cases retained an early morning and a late afternoon service but of little use to the daytime pub drinker. Sadly, evenings and Sundays are still pretty well a no go area.

One of the areas within the Worcester CAMRA branch that has suffered is the rural villages around Pershore. However, as mentioned, Astons have altered their routes. It is now possible to leave Pershore on their Village Hopper 565 service at 11:40 and arrive at the excellent award winning community GBG listed Queen Elizabeth at Elmley Castle, just after lunchtime opening at 12:05. They have 4 real ales, 2 of which are usually from far flung independents, the other 2 from small local breweries and serve food. The return bus (564) leaves at 3:05 and arrives back in Pershore half an hour later.

Pershore town centre is quite a walk from the railway station but LMS run a regular hourly bus service called PlumLine from the station to the town. First Buses popular hourly X50 service from Worcester to Evesham stops in Pershore town centre and Cropthorne. The Bell Inn at Cropthorne usually offerings some local ales.

The Astons Village Hopper service offers the chance to visit other rural pubs such as the Old Bull Inn and Bulls Head in Inkberrow, Boot Inn and Flyford Arms in Flyford Flavell, Dolphin Inn community pub in Bishampton, the riverside Anchor in Wyre Piddle, the historical Old Chestnut Tree in Lower Moor, The Wheelbarrow Castle in Radford, the delightful Swan in Birlingham and The Bell and The Anchor in Eckington.

The rural bus companies are trying very hard to offer a service and the pubs certainly need us as well. As a reward the Pickled Plum in Pershore offers a great range of beers and a rest on the walk back to the railway station.

With a little pre-planning it’s good news, we can still get to some excellent Worcestershire Rural Pubs Worcestershire Rural Pubs.

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A most agreeable Worcester CAMRA Survey trip

Alan Grainger — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 15:11:32 +0000

Worcester CAMRA Social Events

Worcester CAMRA survey trip on 12th January 2019

The Worcester branch of CAMRA held a survey trip to visit some of the less well-frequented pubs to the west of the city, showing some support for our rural outlets.The Mini-bus left Worcester with 15 on board and headed off to Suckley where we hoped to visit the Nelson. We were frustrated, however as we pulled up at 12.10 to see the opening time listed as 12.30 despite the website giving a 12.00 start.

Oh well, onward we went to the Fox & Hounds at Lulsley. This is a lovely big pub with four real ales and a good-looking menu. The Swan brewery ‘Ruffled Feathers’ went down well and I made a note to visit their upcoming beer festival on the 24th to 26th May.

We couldn’t pass the Talbot at Knightwick without a visit to this classic brewpub and the Teme Valley porter was splendid. On to Admiral Rodney next – a pub which had changed hands quite recently and has had a very grand make-over. Very much a food-oriented pub they nevertheless had 3 ales of which the Woods Born & Bred was in good nick.

Another recently renovated pub was next – the New Inn at Clifton-on-Teme, which is sited just outside the village up a small track. Smart and comfortable inside with a friendly welcome and beers from Wye Valley made it a great addition to the trip. For anyone visiting the area, it is well worth finding the New Inn and giving it a try.

Into the village centre and the Lion which is a traditional pub with 3 beers of which I had Hobson’s Best accompanied by a very tasty Scotch egg..

Over to Stanford Bridge and the Bridge Hotel which I have to say is rather a shadow of its former magnificent self! The Ludlow Best was fine but the beer choice was considerably reduced from my last visit – ah, well – times change.

The Fox at Hanley Broadheath has also changed since the JHS brewery is no longer in operation. The pub itself, however, is still a traditional country pub with a lovely pint of Bathams for sale.

Just down the road from the Fox is the Tally Ho – a large roadhouse of a pub with splendid views over the countryside and a good selection of beers. The Ludlow Gold was excellent but my favourite was the hard-to-find Greene King Abbot Reserve.

Last on our trip was another Fox – the one at Monkwood Green. This is another unspoiled gem of a pub with local ales and more than enough character. The Malvern Hills Feelgood rounded our day off nicely.

In short, there are great rural pubs in Worcestershire just waiting to welcome you so go out and support them when you can – definitely worth the effort.

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Salopian Brewery Trip

mark.griffiths — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 14:33:09 +0000

Worcester CAMRA Social Events

Salopian Brewery Trip

Worcester CAMRA Worcester CAMRA would like to send a big thank you to the staff of Salopian brewery in Shrewsbury who hosted a visit from 16 of us on the 4th of March. Since our last visit to Salopian some years ago the brewery has moved to a new, larger site on the outskirts of the town which has enabled them to produce a lot more of their superb beer!

We were met by Wilf and Jake in their very well appointed bar and shop and treated to a range of beers which covered a full spectrum of tastes and colours.

Wilf then took us on a tour of the brewhouse and we discussed the different styles and ingredients which form their range of ales. They are also about to start bottling in house, a process currently subcontracted out.

Salopian’s products are very well respected and popular in the market as evidenced not only by the increased production but also by the huge number of awards on the walls of the brewery – extremely impressive.

After leaving the brewery we went on a crawl of some of the pubs of Shrewsbury of which there are a great range serving both local and national ales; the Salopian bar and the Loggerheads being highlights – all in all, another splendid day out for Worcester branch.

Once again many thanks to Salopian for their generosity and kindness – if you get a chance to try their beers (the Plough in Worcester often serves them for example) then I highly recommend you do so.

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Worcester CAMRA gets nautical

mark.griffiths — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 11:26:40 +0000

Worcester CAMRA Social Events

Taking to the River

Picture the scene; a balmy sun-kissed August evening, a stately riverboat trip up the historic Severn to a river-side hostelry to sample fine ales and engage in friendly conversation, before drifting slowly back downstream to the City. And apart from the weather, that’s pretty much how the latest Branch Social went.

Under lowering skies, that threatened more rain, thirty-one intrepid CAMRA members and partners boarded The Earl. The Earl is a historic 50-seater former launch ferry run by Worcester Boat Trips ,at Worcester South Quay.

Welcomed aboard by Andy and Captain Jake we were soon making our way upriver, out of the City and into the Worcestershire countryside. The on-board sideboard that serves as the bar housed a range of bottled beers, including offerings from Bathams, Holdens, Enville, Sharpes, Fullers and Indian Runner, together with a selection of bottled ciders. Even under grey skies, the river-side scenery was wonderful, a reminder of how fortunate we are to live in this part of the world.

The landing stage at the Camp Inn, damaged by Storm Doris in February, has not yet been repaired. We all still managed to disembark without mishap and proceeded to form a long but orderly queue at the tiny bar of the Camp Inn, Grimley .

On tap at the bar were Bathams Best Bitter, Wadsworth 6X and Wainwright (Marston’s), together with Thatcher’s and Robinson’s ciders. The rain, mostly, held off allowing us to sit in the garden overlooking the river, careful to avoid the free-roaming geese and predatory peacock.

As dusk fell we were shepherded back onto the boat for the 40-minute trip back to Worcester and a raid on the sideboard. On arrival, many of us made the short stagger up to The Plough, Worcester to complete the evening.

A great time was had by all with talk of this becoming an annual event. Many thanks to Andy and Captain Jake and a special thanks to Griff for organising the trip.

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