The Bush Inn, St Johns, Worcester

One of Worcester's most famous heritage pubs, recently back in business (albeit with restricted opening hours and subject to a partial residential conversion scheme). The angled bar-back, with its venerable central clock, dominates the main room, but other features have lost their lustre. The rear room was open for inspection although not seemingly in use, and part-completed works were visible further back. Although three of the five handpumps were working, the Prescott Track Record (£1.25 for a half) wasn't in good condition. Worryingly quiet, so hopefully the trade will build up again soon; but, on the evidence of our visit, its future must still be in some doubt.

Thankfully The Bush has reopened which allowed the PuG crawl to inspect the national inventory interior.The main corner door gives access to the bar room,with fine etched glass windows.The wooden bar back and Victorian tiled real fireplace are features while the bench seating running around the walls fits in well.A side door has been covered by plasterboard and the flatscreen above the fireplace was trasmitting The Jeremy Kyle show when I pitched up,never a good sign.The juke box, modern lighting and cables detracted a bit from the ambiance.To the side of the bar there is a charming smoke room ,unlit on my trip but the most original part of the pub with a further door through to the rear corridor.Here there was a pool room,the loos and two further rooms undergoing building work,kitchen in future ? At the bar there were 5 handpumps but only three working dispensing Wye Valley HPA,and Prescott Track Record and Hill Climb.Ale quality a bit variable. The new team here should be applauded for the reopening but I am not sure whether they will return the interior to it's Victorian splendour.It felt like a work in progress .However enough survives to warrant a visit if crawling around the historic pubs of Worcester.