ON a rainy day this weekend, Pub Spy enjoyed a pleasant trip to the newly refurbished Alma Tavern.

The Alma Tavern in Worcester has recently opened following a £260,000 refurbishment.

The pub was closed for 17 months and left unoccupied, until the Heineken-owned Star Pubs and Bars took it over in 2018.

I had never been to the former Alma Tavern before it closed. Therefore, not knowing what to expect, it was starting with a clean slate.

Having previously driven past the pub, it always seemed a bit dull and outdated from the outside, so it was certainly pleasing to see that the exterior of the venue has had a big makeover.

Jon Dean and Will Bradley, who now run the pub in Droitwich Road, have spruced up the place and made it feel much more inviting.

When my lunch companion and I arrived at the pub it was chucking it down with rain so we couldn’t get in quickly enough. The first thing I noticed after walking in was the roaring fire at the corner of the room.

We got there around 1pm, an hour after opening, and the pub was already filled with punters. It was mainly families sat at tables or people nattering at the bar.

It’s a very cosy venue and has a family-friendly feel to it.

I couldn’t help but notice all the Christmas decorations that were dotted around the pub.

It’s clear by the interior that the staff are already in the festive spirit. Personally, I don’t put my decorations up until we are well into December. However, I don’t mind those who are particularly fond of the festive season.

As I had to go back to work after my lunch I ordered a Coke. Meanwhile my lunch date ordered a Guinness with their meal.

I went for the British beef and ale pie, which is priced at £8.75. Just reading the description, “shortcrust pastry pie with chunks of prime British beef in rich Theakston Old Peculier gravy”, made my mouth water.

My friend ordered the cod and chips, which cost £9.45.

Our meals arrived swiftly – we couldn’t have waited any longer than 10 minutes, if that.

My pie was piping hot, as it should be and smelt delicious.

As I cut into the pastry, the beef and gravy came oozing out – it was stunning.

There was so much flavour packed into the meal. It was much-needed comfort food on such a dreary day.

My friend said the batter on the fish tasted like that you would get on chicken balls from a Chinese restaurant.

An odd comparison, however the batter did look scrumptious. Unfortunately my friend devoured the lot and didn’t give me a spoonful to try.

The staff were friendly and couldn’t do enough for you. One waitress was attentive to our table and made sure we were both content during our visit.

All in all, I was very satisfied with my visit and I’m sure I will return one day.

With it only being a few minutes’ drive from the city centre, it makes the pub a good spot to be in.

The bill total came to £24.65, which I think is reasonable for two drinks and two meals.

SCORES

FOOD: 8/10

DRINK: 8/10

DECOR: 8/10

ATMOSPHERE: 9/10

STAFF: 10/10

TOTAL: 8/10