The Talbot, Droitwich

We paid a return visit to Droitwich after an absence of almost 10 years in order to visit this Craddock's-owned pub in the town centre. Unlike other Craddock's pubs I've been to in Birmingham and Woreester, there appears to be less of a reliance on the brewery's beers, or perhaps I just happened to visit at a time when stocks were running low. The solitary Craddock's beer was Crazy Sheep. Guest beers were Hobson's Old Spiced Henry, Thornbridge Jaipur, Green Duck Duck The Halls, Titanic Plum Porter Grand Reserve & Renegade Mister Chubb's. The real cider was Broadoak Pheasant Plucker. The pub has a small bar to the front, which was very popular with locals on our Friday afternoon visit. A corridor to the left-hand side of the bar itself leads to the toilets and an outdoor area, as well as a further indoor room, which is much larger. We were the first to occupy this area. But a few others arrived and joined us shortly after. Whilst not as traditional as the public bar, it is a fairly pleasant space that included a bookcase where you could swap books. Apparently the pub also serves food (probably in the rear room), but nobody was eating during our visit. I've been looking forward to finding and trying the Grand Reserve version of Plum Porter for some time. So, I was happy to find it here. Although, I have to say it was a little disappointing. I was to find it again in a better condition the following day. So, the jury is out on the beer quality here. Nevertheless, I guess that this is probably the best choice for real ale in Droitwich.

Still a Craddock's pub. Good choice on the bar and the Saxon Gold was excellent. I am a fan of the Good Intent in Brum and had my loyalty card with me so I picked up a few stamps! Well worth a visit.

Official site of The Talbot - www.craddocksbrewery.com

Official site of The Talbot - www.craddocksbrewery.com

Now a Craddock's pub; and, although refurbished, a good amount of character has been retained in the traditional front bar. Further back, another small bar can be found on the far side of the central servery, with another seating area to be found down a few steps at the back. Good selection of the brewery's own beers on six of the eight handpumps on the main counter, including the Saxon Gold and the Troll.