The Norton Grange, Evesham

Nick Davies left this review about The Norton Grange

Huge Marston's pub on the original line of what is now the A46 and built/converted, I suspect, as a roadhouse. Its website makes out it is all cosy olde world oak beams, which is rather ambitious. The reality, as you enter from the car park, is a huge canteen, all tables laid for eating (well a knife and fork on a paper napkin, bottles of ketchup, tatty menus), complete with a carvery station emitting the sour smell of incubating gravy. Further on there's a separate pubby area, darts and pool and furnished like a social club.

Despite it still being a holiday for many there were all of six punters in at 4pm on a Thursday, finishing their late lunches. Half an hour later there was just us and two school-age staff left to hold the fort. Only one working pump clipped for Wainwright, but I doubt it had dispensed anything all day, so stuck to expectantly served eurofizz.

This is one of Marston's more downmarket efforts, similar to a Hungry Horse. You know what to expect, and it's fine for what it is.

On 4^th January 2025 - rating: 4
[User has posted 578 recommendations about 570 pubs]