This beautiful pub is a waterside paradise for those who love England's idyllic canals and there can be few spots in this green and pleasant land with so sublime a setting.

The Bridge at Tibberton is a picturesque pub that buds in spring and enters full bloom in summer when cyclists and boaters glide through the doors for a cooling pint or even a bite to eat.

A large beer garden at the pub in Plough Road commands a lovely view down onto the canal itself where visitors can watch boats and swans glide serenely by - though not perhaps the ill-tempered beast guarding her cygnets as she waddles towards me with maternal menace, hissing.

Otherwise, there is little to disturb the tranquility here but the occasional dog bark or the distant, inoffensive tinkle of a bicycle bell.

But such minor disturbances in this oasis of calm can only be expected on the busy towpath of the Worcester and Birmingham Canal which makes it easy to reach by bike or on foot from Worcester (particularly from the north of the city, by Sixways). It's not too far along the canal towpath from Droitwich either.

When I enter the pub Lynne Bisset, the landlady, is assiduously polishing the tables so they gleam in the spring sunshine like the freshly painted prows of the narrowboats moored outside.

Bromsgrove Advertiser: WELCOME: Lynne Bisset, landlady of The Bridge Tibberton, prides herself on pulling a good pint of Butty Bach after completing a course at Wye Valley Brewery WELCOME: Lynne Bisset, landlady of The Bridge Tibberton, prides herself on pulling a good pint of Butty Bach after completing a course at Wye Valley Brewery (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Born in Bootle in Merseyside to English parents, Ms Bisset has a northerner's warmth and friendliness (we know our own) but was raised in Johannesburg, the largest city of Gauteng in South Africa, moving there with her family at the age of three, only moving back to England when she was 34, spending a decade here.

She returned to South Africa for 10 years before returning to England once more and is, it seems, now fairly settled after her adventures.

Perhaps it is fitting she still finds herself around boats - her father was in the Royal Navy and was aboard HMS Valiant with Prince Philip. It was there her dad fell in love with Durban and moved the family out there (though they ended up living in Johannesburg). 

Bromsgrove Advertiser: COLOURFUL: A narrowboat moored on the canal by The Bridge pub at Tibberton COLOURFUL: A narrowboat moored on the canal by The Bridge pub at Tibberton (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Ms Bisset, 66, said: "It's a beautiful pub and I love it here. It's beautiful inside and out.

"We get a lot of people off the boats and in camper vans and motorhomes. It's very popular with them. They give me such good write-ups. The location is amazing - right on the canal," she said.

One thing is clear from the outset - this a dog-friendly pub with its own Pooch Station offering free treats. Ms Bisset seeks to make her guests happy, whether they have two legs or four.

Indeed, she calls Tibberton 'a village of dog lovers' so it's only natural she seeks to accommodate them.

Bromsgrove Advertiser: STRIKING: The Bridge at Tibberton viewed from Plough Road STRIKING: The Bridge at Tibberton viewed from Plough Road (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

A feature is the Sunday Carvery, a traditional English affair, with roast beef, pork or lamb (provided there are enough bookings - customers should check in advance) with seasonal vegetables, homemade Yorkshire puddings and roast potatoes for £11.95.

Ms Bisset has been responsible for a dramatic turnaround at the pub. Arriving there just 13 months ago, she has made sure the kitchen now has a five star hygiene rating (a meteoric rise from its initial zero) and has tried to add what she calls 'a feminine touch' to the dining area.

Bromsgrove Advertiser: SPACIOUS: The Bridge at Plough Road in Tibberton, near Worcester, pictured just before opening SPACIOUS: The Bridge at Plough Road in Tibberton, near Worcester, pictured just before opening (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Beers, lagers, stouts, ciders, wines and spirits are served. Popular choices include Butty Bach (Wye Valley Brewery), HPA, Birra Moretti, Carling, Guinness and Stowford Press.

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Ms Bisset proudly displays her Wye Valley Brewery certificate for the 'All About Beer and Cask Ale Care Training including cellar and dispense management' which she hopes will help her pour the best pint for her customers.

Bromsgrove Advertiser: PROTECTIVE: Beware the swan on the canal towpath by The Bridge at Tibberton PROTECTIVE: Beware the swan on the canal towpath by The Bridge at Tibberton (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

The pub is usually open between noon and midnight daily but is sometimes closed on Mondays.

"I haven't had any famous customers yet but we certainly hope we can get some through the doors," she said.

Ms Bisset has previously worked as a chef, including at the King's Head in Upton and then at Café René in Gloucester. The pub has a large car park and even a camper van stop over for passing trade.