Weavers at Park Lane, Kidderminster

Late on a recent midweek afternoon I opened the front door of Weavers at Park Lane to be met by the eyes of what felt like an army of locals who were sat in the front living room space nattering away. I stumbled my way through to the rear where a couple of steps descend to the small tile floored bar area with walls plastered with old clips and boards advertising the bar food. The counter runs across the rear while supporting twelve hand pumps. The six hand pumps on the left were drawing Wye Valley’s Butty Bach and HPA, Hop Back Brewery’s Summer Lightening, TT Landlord, Titanic’s Plum Porter and Batham’s Best. The six hand pumps to the right were all drawing real ciders and the keg options were Fosters, Stella, Guinness and Robinson’s Cider. The very friendly landlady left the group of locals to serve me a nice pint of the porter before returning to the discussions. To the left of this busy room is a not dissimilar room that was empty, but I did note the dartboard on the wall. I decided to exit through the side door rather than walking through the locals again, although the landlady spotted me supping up so bid me a cheery farewell. Outside, to the left of the pub, is a marquee full of picnic tables and towards the rear steps lead down to canal side seating. I liked it in here and would definitely return, but be aware that the doors open late and close early and children are not permitted, which is for the best because the air was very blue at times.

Proper old-fashioned pub in the good sense, thankfully left unspoilt by the current owners (with the enclosed side marquee being the only modern feature that I noted). Comfortable front room with a welcome, blazing log fire, the compact bar down a couple of steps at the back and more of a snug back round to the other side of the entrance. Six cask ales - including an excellent Batham's Best Bitter (£4.20) - from one bank of six handpumps and six ciders available from the other.