The Fleece Inn, Evesham

Fantastic ancient country inn not too far from Evesham. Its a victim of its own character slightly, had been closed the last few days for the filming of Father Brown and renamed the Red Lion & the orchard was fenced off for a charity pop concert. However, my early doors pre-food visit in the summer sunshine meaning it was quiet and the quality of the Hobsons beer available and the total character were spot on.

I came here with my grandparents in the late 1970s - they had a weekend house nearby in Mickleton. My first visit since then, and my first since a fire devastated parts of the building. The person who served me described how villagers came in and removed a lot of the furniture before the fire got a real hold, which both preserved some of the pieces which are now back on display and in use, and gave the fire less fuel. Looking around me, I could get a vague memory of being in the same room 45 years before, though I can't remember what beer I drank. On this occasion it was North Cotswold Jumping Jack Flash, a 3.8% pale ale in the modern style, which was among seven hand pumps on the bar (see photos). It was good to be back in this iconic pub. Date of visit: 15th September 2023