The Chase Inn, Worcester

12 years since I was last in Bishop's Frome, I returned to visit the Chase Inn for the first ever time. Most of my previous visits have been for meals in the nearby Green Dragon. In truth, the Chase was a big disappointment. With just one other customer sat at the bar when I arrived, the landlord disappeared out the back just as I walked in, leaving me to wait a few minutes for service. Given it was so quiet, whatever was so important to do could surely have waited until after he'd served me. That immediately gave me a bad impression. Apart from a couple of stools around the bar, the area near the front windows contains just low sofas. To the rear was an area made out for diners. Faced with such a choice, I opted for the sofas. Only, they were pretty much in darkness. The pub was also quite cold. In fairness, the landlord did come over to try to get the wood burner going but he kept the lights switched off. Perhaps it was supposed to be mood lighting, but it was more likely an attempt to save costs and didn't create a particularly welcoming environment. Food options advertised were fish & chips, a curry night and a pie & mash night. Meanwhile, one notable feature was a well near the entrance to the toilets. One other customer did arrive and sat at the opposite end of the bar from the other. The two of them and the landlord were happy watching Deal Or No Deal, until somebody arrived to check into a room. I decided to bid the landlord farewell at this point and was predictably ignored. I pity the lady who was staying there. With such an unwelcoming environment, the choice of beers is almost academic. However, the 3 beers on were Wye Valley HPA & Bitter & Ledbury Gold. A spare handpull can apparently offer a guest beer at times. Ciders were Stowford Press & Old Mout. If you ever find yourself in Bishop's Frome, do yourself a favour and don't stop at the first pub you find. With a little more effort, you'll hopefully get a much more welcoming experience at the Green Dragon.

Called in while visiting another in the area, and found it to be a large pub with dining and drinking areas. Comfy sofa area by a wood burning fire. 3 cask ales available, 2 from Wye Valley which we chose and enjoyed and the other was Otter Bitter. There is another room at the back where there is pool, TV and darts.