Fancy a pint or some grub? The 'proper' pubs Worcester locals enjoy the most
Lots of pubs do food but if you're looking for some 'proper' pub grub or pints, it can sometimes be a bit more difficult to find.
That's why we asked Worcester News readers where the best 'proper' pubs are in Worcester – here's what they said.
Of course, it depends what you think is a 'proper' pub, but you can use this for inspiration for your next pub visit.
On Facebook, The Plough describes itself as 'a traditional drinking den in the heart of Worcester', adding that it's 'a proper Ale House'.
The Plough was popular in the comment section of our Facebook post and visitors can expect live music and a variety of ales on offer throughout the week.
On Google Reviews, the pub has a 4.6-star rating and it's praised for being 'full of character' and 'very cosy' by this person: 'Very cosy bars with friendly mature customers who make you feel at home.
'The bar area is old fashioned and the pub seems old and full of character, very cosy with superb real ales which are kept in top condition, I visited 4 Worcester pubs on this occasion with the Plough being our favourite by far.'
On its website, The Dragon Inn welcomes customers to the pub: 'The Dragon Inn, is situated on the Tythings in Worcester city centre; close to the racecourse it has long been a go to pub for fantastic real ales. A Georgian building; it has plenty of character and we are excited to make it our own.
'The Dragon Inn is now fully open after refurbishment! We have created a relaxing, friendly adult environment and serve a wide range of cask beers, along with a great selection of wines, ciders, lager and soft drinks. We are open to customers old and new, come and drink with us.'
One of our readers said: 'The Dragon Inn – Worcester by a country mile.'
From 46 reviews, The Dragon Inn has a 4-star rating on Tripadvisor with one visitor writing: 'Simply love popping into The Dragon.
'Good beer and gorgeous courtyard to sit in the summer amongst the tubs of flowers and assorted bits of up cycling.'
A popular choice for Sunday roasts, the Paul Pry is well-praised by our readers.
Replying to a local who suggested the pub, one other agreed and said: 'Second this'.
It's important to note that Paul Pry's website explains that food isn't being served currently but you can still enjoy a drink with your nearest and dearest.
Visitors can enjoy live music at the pub so it's worth keeping up to date with the pub's social media pages to see who will be performing. Quiz nights are scheduled twice a month.
On Tripadvisor, the pub has a 4.7 rating with one visitor commenting: 'I had an amazing Sunday lunch at The Paul Pry.
'The cozy atmosphere was just what I was looking for in a pub. Harriette was a fantastic host, super friendly and attentive.
'The food was delicious—perfectly cooked meats and great sides. This place definitely lives up to the hype. I'll be back for sure!'
Looking to test your general knowledge? The Imperial Tavern hosts regular quiz nights so you can gather your mates and try your luck.
The pub also shows sports matches regularly with details being shared on its Facebook page.
A local shared their thoughts on our Facebook post, saying: 'The imperial tavern proper pub'.
With a 4.5-star rating on Google Reviews, The Imperial Tavern has impressed visitors with one saying: 'Absolutely loved this bar. We went on Sunday night and there was a brilliant band on called Witcher. Great beers too.'
Recommended reading:
Most beautiful pubs in Worcestershire ranked
Inside the 'pretty' Worcestershire village named among the UK's greatest
Inside the National Trust cafe with the best views only a stone's throw away
Another pub that was popular among our readers is The Camp House Inn.
The pub has received praise on Google Reviews where it boasts a 4.6-star rating. One visitor said: 'Wonderful atmosphere, warm friendly, lovely beer and rolls, pork scratchings to die for. Beautiful open fires. Gardens with wildlife, river access. Mostly so friendly.. ❤️'.
The pub is known for its scenic settings by the river in Grimley so if you're looking for a place to relax, this could be the one.
A variety of other pubs are considered to be 'proper' ones by our readers, including The Maple Leaf, The Royal Exchange, The Saracens Head and more.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee: Michelin Bib Hokkien mee that promises more than it delivers
Woah, they named our country after a Hokkien mee stall? I'm kidding, of course — but that was the first goofy thought that floated into my brain when I chanced upon Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee on social media. My curiosity was piqued. With a name this audaciously on-the-nose, it would be primed to pop up first for anyone Googling 'Singaporean fried Hokkien mee' at all. I wondered: could this be the Hokkien mee stall to represent all Singaporean Hokkien mee stalls? With a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand to boot, it could very well be. And so off I went, on a quest to Whampoa Makan Place to find out once and for all. Stoked as I was, there was a catch. 'Disappointed', 'bland', 'standard drop'… the stall's recent slate of Google reviews didn't quite see eye to eye with its shiny accolades. Gulp. Still, I wasn't about to turn my back on the mission. After all, the steady queue that greeted me — even during my odd-hour arrival for an early dinner — seemed to send a reassuring nod. I found myself rather amused by the ordering system. Not because it was peculiar or anything, but because the auntie taking orders hollered at the queue from atop a two-step perch. The line moved quickly as she royally addressed each patron, and it was my turn in no time. The one-dish wonder offers its Fried Hokkien at 6 price points: S$5, S$6, S$8, S$10, S$12 and S$15. I went with the sensible S$8 portion, and was presented with a decently sized plate of gravy-clad yellow noodles and thick bee hoon studded with taugeh, prawns, squid and a smattering of eggs. Textbook. Something felt missing, though I couldn't quite put my finger on it at first. And then it hit me: where was the fried pork lard? As it turns out, these golden-brown nuggets are only dished out upon request. Oops, my bad. While the pessimistic reviews had braced me for the worst, I still clung to the hope that this plate of Hokkien mee would blow my expectations out of the water. Unfortunately, my first bite left much to be desired. The noodles, though decent, didn't exactly scream Michelin Bib. The balance between sweet and savoury was off, and the prawn stock's characteristic brininess was frustratingly faint. Most disappointingly, the absence of wok hei (a non-negotiable, if you ask me) stuck out like a sore thumb. On the bright side, I do appreciate a good moist Hokkien mee — and I'll give credit where it's due. The stall had the pleasing creaminess of its broth nailed. 618 Hokkien Mee: Is this highly-raved Hokkien mee worth the hype? The plate was curiously embellished with not just 1 but 3 types of chilli: red, green and the stall's house blend, and the ardent spice lover in me was excited to see how this trio might liven up the dish. If I could sum it up: not as potent as you'd think — perfect for those who can't handle heat. Although I was, once again, hardly wowed, my favourite of the lot was the house blend. Laced with hints of hae bee, this chilli mix added a bright — albeit subtle — umami lift to the dish. That said, they could definitely afford to be more generous with this one. Contrary to the dismal portions some reviews lamented, I was actually pretty satisfied with the serving of 3 plump, crunchy prawns and, trust me, a lot of fresh, chewy squid pieces. Seafood is seldom ever the main draw for me when it comes to Hokkien mee, but I did enjoy the pops of textural contrast these lent the soft, gravy-slicked noodles. Ravenous, I slurped up the plate with ease and landed on this verdict: not terrible, just… largely unimpressive. Let's set the record straight. I'm no Hokkien mee expert, but I'm sure I know enough to tell the excellent from the merely okay. In all fairness, Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee's rendition was far from inedible; I'd even say it edges out your run-of-the-mill kopitiam plate. But decent as it was, it struck me as sorely lacklustre for something that's earned Michelin recognition. So no, I wouldn't go as far as to crown it Singapore's rep. I've had better — and chances are, you have too. Expected damage: S$5 – S$15 per pax Xiao Di Fried Prawn Noodle ($6) vs Reverie ($32): Kopitiam stall or restaurant does it better? The post Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee: Michelin Bib Hokkien mee that promises more than it delivers appeared first on

Business Insider
7 hours ago
- Business Insider
I spent 2 months working remotely in Bali. I didn't unwind until I visited another island nearby.
I had already visited Bali many times, and I'm a big fan. But over the years, as its fame has spread, it has become busier. Bali's iconic charm and unique energy are still there, but they now coexist with big crowds and heavy traffic. During my time there, I relished much of what Bali has to offer: yoga, massages, sound baths, authentic spiritual traditions, gorgeous style, and delicious food. I found pockets away from the crowds in the less-developed regions of Bangli and Sidemen. But after a few weeks in Ubud and south Bali, I found myself craving peace and quiet — specifically, a break from the ever-present sound of motorbike engines. Luckily, I had planned to wrap up my time in Indonesia with a weeklong side trip to the nearby island of Sumba with a friend. Overpopulation was no longer a problem Sumba is a 90-minute direct flight from Denpasar International Airport. It's about twice the size of Bali, has one-sixth of Bali's population, and a fraction of its tourists. It's also known for limited WiFi and cell service across large swaths of its undeveloped territory. There's no signage on the main roads indicating the island's scenic spots, making it hard for visitors to find them without a local guide. We hired a guide my friend found through Facebook, and we're glad we did. Sumba's natural beauty lived up to our expectations. The rock-framed sandy coves, the turquoise lagoon, the landscapes of velvety green hills, and the waterfalls left my friend and me in awe. We were charmed by goats lounging by the side of the road and by horses meandering across expanses of golden savannah. And most of the time, we had the sights all to ourselves. Sometimes, groups of local kids would come over to talk to us. The roads were free of traffic. Along with the absence of tourists and traffic came the absence of extensive food and massage options, which we had grown accustomed to in Bali. I never found wine or cocktails anywhere in Sumba, though I imagine they're available at the handful of 5-star hotels on the island. Most people in Sumba didn't speak much English, including our guide, so we needed translation apps to communicate most of the time. When there was no cell service, we had to resort to hand gestures. And punctuality? We found out that it's not a thing in Sumba. Our driver tended to show up 15 to 20 minutes after our agreed departure time, then order himself a coffee before we left, then stop to pick up his breakfast at a roadside shop or get gas. He was an excellent drone videographer and photographer, though, which helped make up for his relaxed sense of time. A true mental reset Our four-day guided Sumba road trip covered a lot of ground. After the road trip, we spent three nights at a boutique hotel on a deserted stretch of white sand beach in East Sumba, about an hour from the airport, and it was there that we found total relaxation. Shaded by tall cemara trees, the temperature was perfect both day and night. We were lulled to sleep every night by the sound of gentle ocean waves lapping the shore. Our hotel, Cemara Beachfront Suite, was $80 per night and came with great service. The staff brought us tea with little desserts every afternoon and were always ready to provide any extras we asked for to make our stay more enjoyable. Except wine. Next time, I'd bring a bottle or two in my suitcase, along with a good book. The attentive care of the staff and the idyllic setting allowed us to completely unwind and fully enjoy just being there. We could have happily stayed much longer.

Business Insider
7 hours ago
- Business Insider
I spent 2 months working remotely in Bali. I didn't unwind until I visited another island nearby.
After working remotely from Bali for two months, Sonya Moore was craving peace and quiet. She traveled with a friend to the neighboring island of Sumba. The natural beauty, lack of traffic, and smaller number of tourists made for a great getaway. In March, I decided to take advantage of my flexible schedule and spend two months in Bali, working remotely and exploring the island. I had already visited Bali many times, and I'm a big fan. But over the years, as its fame has spread, it has become busier. Bali's iconic charm and unique energy are still there, but they now coexist with big crowds and heavy traffic. During my time there, I relished much of what Bali has to offer: yoga, massages, sound baths, authentic spiritual traditions, gorgeous style, and delicious food. I found pockets away from the crowds in the less-developed regions of Bangli and Sidemen. But after a few weeks in Ubud and south Bali, I found myself craving peace and quiet — specifically, a break from the ever-present sound of motorbike engines. Luckily, I had planned to wrap up my time in Indonesia with a weeklong side trip to the nearby island of Sumba with a friend. Overpopulation was no longer a problem Sumba is a 90-minute direct flight from Denpasar International Airport. It's about twice the size of Bali, has one-sixth of Bali's population, and a fraction of its tourists. It's also known for limited WiFi and cell service across large swaths of its undeveloped territory. There's no signage on the main roads indicating the island's scenic spots, making it hard for visitors to find them without a local guide. We hired a guide my friend found through Facebook, and we're glad we did. Sumba's natural beauty lived up to our expectations. The rock-framed sandy coves, the turquoise lagoon, the landscapes of velvety green hills, and the waterfalls left my friend and me in awe. We were charmed by goats lounging by the side of the road and by horses meandering across expanses of golden savannah. And most of the time, we had the sights all to ourselves. Sometimes, groups of local kids would come over to talk to us. The roads were free of traffic. Along with the absence of tourists and traffic came the absence of extensive food and massage options, which we had grown accustomed to in Bali. I never found wine or cocktails anywhere in Sumba, though I imagine they're available at the handful of 5-star hotels on the island. Most people in Sumba didn't speak much English, including our guide, so we needed translation apps to communicate most of the time. When there was no cell service, we had to resort to hand gestures. And punctuality? We found out that it's not a thing in Sumba. Our driver tended to show up 15 to 20 minutes after our agreed departure time, then order himself a coffee before we left, then stop to pick up his breakfast at a roadside shop or get gas. He was an excellent drone videographer and photographer, though, which helped make up for his relaxed sense of time. A true mental reset Our four-day guided Sumba road trip covered a lot of ground. After the road trip, we spent three nights at a boutique hotel on a deserted stretch of white sand beach in East Sumba, about an hour from the airport, and it was there that we found total relaxation. Shaded by tall cemara trees, the temperature was perfect both day and night. We were lulled to sleep every night by the sound of gentle ocean waves lapping the shore. Our hotel, Cemara Beachfront Suite, was $80 per night and came with great service. The staff brought us tea with little desserts every afternoon and were always ready to provide any extras we asked for to make our stay more enjoyable. Except wine. Next time, I'd bring a bottle or two in my suitcase, along with a good book. The attentive care of the staff and the idyllic setting allowed us to completely unwind and fully enjoy just being there. We could have happily stayed much longer. Sumba's wild beauty and serene relaxation provided the perfect complement to Bali.