Cross Keys, Tewkesbury

Whilst being situated just outside of Tewkesbury, the village of Bredons Hardwick is in fact within Worcestershire. It opens every evening at either 6 or 7pm and also opens at lunchtimes on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. We arrived shortly before the published 3pm closing time on a Sunday, only to find a very busy pub with dozens of locals in the two fairly small rooms inside and with others spilling out into the nice-looking garden at the rear. Locals seemed a fairly friendly, albeit rowdy bunch. The highlight was one old boy falling backwards off his stool. Thankfully, he was able to get back up fairly swiftly! Bar staff were busy, but handling the customers well. There was no sign of the 3pm last orders being adhered to and rightly so considering how busy it was. Neither was there any sign of the parakeet that is supposed to reside here. Although we didn't look too closely, considering how packed it was. I'd noticed that the pub's Facebook site tends to promote some fairly unusual beers. However, the 2 on for our visit were St Austell Tribute & Butcombe Citra. I chose the Citra, which was more bitter than citrusy. Although I can't say I've ever found a decent Butcombe beer. Weston's Old Rosie cider was also available. Despite the fairly disappointing beer, I enjoyed my visit here.