Trumpet Inn, Evesham

Just off the side of the main town centre, round the corner from Ye Olde Red Horse. Expected great things from this GBG listed Hooky pub but in actuality it's a bit weak. A botched refurb inside - some chairs from a 1990s social club, stark red and white interior; come on, this isn't the environment to shift traditional family-brewed cask. Talking of cask there were three Hooky beers on and to be fair the HN IPA was absolutely GBG worthy and probably the best kept cask of the day (NBSS 4). However, the feeling of it being like a Sunday and the toddler wailing like an air raid siren drove me out fairly quick. Feels like a wasted opportunity, Evesham has some excellent pubs but the brewery best placed to compete seemingly can't be bothered to put the effort into the ambience, a bit like their outlet in Oxford. Would have scored 6 but a grudging 7 due to the excellent ale quality.

Hook Norton Tied house - so the full range of their beers on. Good Beer Guide 2024 entry. Community local, with people queuing to get in at midday and then rapidly filling with regulars through my visit. Everyone knew everyone. Obviously a good sign. Honest food at very reasonable prices. £4.50 for a fish finger baguette.