The Postal Order (JD Wetherspoon), Worcester

I must admit to being quietly impressed by this slightly imposing street corner ‘spoons, housed in an attractive brick building, which was a telephone exchange in a previous life. Essentially, it’s a large L-shape with the addition of a small alcove opposite the bar. Even allowing for the fact it was fairly quiet when I called, it still had a spacious and open feel, undoubtedly helped by the high ceiling. Dark wooden panels, a lovely solid old bar and some decent fittings made it feel quite grand in a hotel / club-like sort of way. The muted colour scheme of browns and greys only added to that, as did the tall round-topped windows. As my visit coincided with the autumn beer festival, I was pleased to see that they had six of the listed beers on the go at any one time, unlike some other JDW venues. Quality was actually pretty good, but with my usual caveat of the temperature being too cold. I found the bar-staff to be polite and on the ball, with one barman in particular very chatty and friendly, obviously a beer fan himself. (Mind you, if you can’t be bothered to make an effort with the punters at 6pm, on a Monday, when can you?) Although almost certainly not typical, there was a mature, restrained crowd of drinkers on my visit, giving the place a pleasant early evening buzz. I wouldn’t claim to have huge experience of JDW venues, but of those I’ve visited I thought this was one of their better efforts.

JDW near to Foregate station, usual 'spoons layout, furnishings and beer range, Abbot, Ruddles and a selection of locals. One of those with panels showing historical information of local interest. Usual mix of punters in search of value for money but not too many low rent or smokers on the door. Short staffed but not very busy even though an England world cup game was on, there were no bouncers unlike most other Worcester city centre pubs. There is a useful alcove to one side.

Huge JDW converted from a telephone exchange. There's a long bar in the main room and a smaller room to the left. When we visited there was also a bar set up on the left which was going to have some of the festival beers on stillage. There are 10 handpumps on the bar and as they were having their own Halloween beer festival there was a decent selection of spooky brews on. I had 2 beers from Blackwater Darkness and Voodoo both were very good. One of the better JDWs in our opinion as the beer was good as was the service.

Not one of the gems of the Wetherspoon's estate in my opinion but has a decent location near to Foregate St train station. Standard JDW fayre with a decent range of guest beers and plenty of space to enjoy them

JDWs second place in Worcester,the other being the Crown (Lloyds Bar).A typical spoons,popular day and night, cheap food,ale lager. Its a large room with the odd nook .Wheel chair access at a side door but it can be difficult getting the customers to move. Ales always been good when I have visited.