The Firefly, Worcester

Thought I knew worcester but this was only discovered thanks to the Good Beer Guide. A very decent real ale oasis - more on the trendy side - beautiful interior and good music. Found on my walk - blogged at http://bit.ly/2dOOmYn

Outside The Firefly is an imposing Georgian building complete with winding, railed steps up to a porticoed entrance. Inside it's a modern and trendy bar with a live band playing on the first floor on our visit. The atmosphere in here is good and the staff friendly but it isn't your traditional pub. Nonetheless, the beer selection is good, the live band wasn't too intrusive downstairs and it's a pleasant spot to enjoy a pint. Beers on were: Tiny Rebel Cwtch and SNAFU, Crouch Vale Mosaic, a Firefly house beer and Firefly Hogans Cider with one handpump empty. A small but decent selection and the Cwtch was tremendous. Not to be missed for the ale seeker.

Last pub before the train home after a very heavy weekend, boarded floor, leatherette benches to one side with spirits bottles over, a fireplace had a deers head mounted above. Venetian blinds, lilies in a vase on the corner of the bar, fancy twinkling ceiling lights, posh armchairs. Food is served, floral wallpaper, dog friendly, some mutt was mooching around. Good beer and cider selection, Gloucester Gold and Cascade, Oakham Inferno and something from Tiny Rebel, cider from Barbourne. A band were setting up for later in the half split level area. Apart from that it was all a bit hazy I'm sorry but I recall the pub being definitely on the A-list.

An imposing townhouse, with noticeably large windows at ground and firs-floor level, that is not obviously a pub until you get to the front steps. Strange mix of styles, decor- and furniture-wise, inside the main bar and lower side seating area. Good choice of real ales and ciders from six handpumps, including a decent pint of Buxton Moor Top. Slightly out of the city centre, but well worth seeking out.