The Old Bush, Worcester

Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Old Bush

One of two pubs in the village of Callow End (the other was a Marston's pub), this one has dropped out of the latest Good Beer Guide. Yet rather ironically, it was the best out of a disappointing start to our day in Worcestershire.

Our visit coincided with a warm Saturday afternoon. Unsurprisingly, the garden was proving to be the big draw here. There is a large children's play area and we caught a glimpse of the aviary that they have at the back of the garden not far from the pub's own shop which was just across its large car park. Along with some glamping huts beyond that, it appears to be quite a commercial venue at first glance.

The interior of the pub was much more down to earth. The bar is carpeted and has a host of RAF memorabilia with crests, badges and aircraft pictures. A cabinet opposite the bar also features a wealth of Concorde memorabilia. Other items of note included pictures of cricketers above the bar, lots of small gnomes scattered around and a collection of ties.

The corridor to the toilets has a music theme with quite a few guitars and other music posters. At the end is a wall full of banknotes, whilst the gents contained quite a few picture of scantily clad (some naked) ladies. Mrs S confirmed that the ladies had something similar, if not a little toned down!

At the far end of the bar is a slightly raised lounge area with a brick fireplace containing a log burner, whilst at the other end is a dining room with more RAF and Concorde pictures. I do like a pub with plenty to capture your attention and this one has that in spades.

The barmaid seemed a bit overworked, but still managed to be both friendly and welcoming. The regular cask ales across a bank of 4 handpulls were Butcombe Original, Wye Valley Butty Bach & Hobson's Twisted Spire, with the guest beer being Otter Bitter. A further bank of 4 handpulls were unclipped. The craft beer was Butcombe Tall Trees Pale Ale, whilst ciders were Weston's Vintage & Stowford Press & Thatcher's Gold & Haze.

Music was playing. I didn't notice a TV, but a wifi password is available upon request. Children and dogs are also welcome with dog treats provided.

My first impressions of this country pub were positive. It looks the part from the outside. I then got a little concerned at what appeared to be a bit of a commercial venture, but eventually warmed to what is actually quite a cosy village pub with friendly service and a welcoming environment. A more adventurous ale selection and/or a real cider would up the rating for me but I left feeling reasonably impressed.

On 29^th June 2025 - rating: 6
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