The Imperial Tavern, Worcester

A cosy looking Black Country Ales house done out in their traditional decor. You enter into the tap room ,L shaped following the bar with upholstered bench seating and a glowing real fire at one end.Along the long side of the bar are more benches in sections while the rear area is larger .Flatscreens were showing World Cup football but with muted sound. There was a very friendly welcome from the Irish landlady and the ale choice was Black Country Fireside,BFG,Pig on the Wall (NBSS 4),Plum Pig (NBSS 4),Citra Sublime with guests Brew XI,Salopian Oracle and Hop Back Entire. That a decent line up and mix of styles so this pub should not be missed on any ale tour of the city.I would happily return to this proper,comfortable ale house.

A friendly barmaid welcomed us to this traditional boozer, our penultimate Worcester stop on the final stretch to Shrub Hill station. It's a Black Country Ales pub, with various boards around listing the excellent choice of ales and ciders. Although, I'm not convinced that the boards were completely up to date. The selection I could see was Black Country BFG, Fireside & Pig On The Wall, Sharp's Atlantic, Oakham Inferno, Titanic Plum Porter, Coach House Blueberry, Gloucester Gold & Bosun's King Neptune. Ciders were Gwynt y Ddraig Black Dragon, Happy Daze & Farmers Pride, Lilley's Mango Cider & Tropical Cider, Abrahall's Ruby Tuesday & Thistly Cross Whisky Cask. A decent place that I wouldn't have minded staying longer in. But we had one more pub to do and a train to catch. Maybe next time, we'll start here....

Official site of The Imperial Tavern - www.blackcountryales.co.uk

Official site of The Imperial Tavern - www.blackcountryales.co.uk

Really fine old city-centre pub, given a new lease of life by Black Country Ales. Four different seating areas wrapping around the central servery: the main bar at the front, a smaller side section with an alcove opposite, a live music performance area - in entertaining open-mic use when I visited - on the far corner and a lounge at the back. Excellent selection of ten real ales - including a rare Worthington's White Shield in cask form (£3.60) amongst the six guests, plus four of the brewery's own beers - on the various handpumps plus nine boxed ciders.