KING Charles House has a unique and unusual claim to fame as the place the future King Charles II fled for his life after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester, the last battle of the English Civil War.

Such is the antiquated décor of the pub in New Street, Worcester, with its dark oak panelling, tapestries, creaking floorboards and crooked overhead beams, it would not seem entirely strange if the bedraggled king popped in for a swift pint before making a last desperate run from the Roundheads.

But this, in a nutshell, is the appeal of the King Charles. It has the old world atmosphere of an English tavern in Tudor, Elizabethan or Stuart England.

One can imagine all manner of intrigues and Machiavellian plots taking place in one of its many nooks and crannies and, if it hasn't ever formed the backdrop to a period drama, perhaps it should.

So many trendy pubs and bars zealously solicit modernity. The King Charles, in stark contrast, has an eye on Worcester's rich past and makes a bold feature of its place in that dynamic and sometimes bloody story.

Where many new bars can look bland, generic and soulless, bludgeoning the senses with their retina-searing lights and ear-splitting music, the King Charles is more subtle in its appeal with an abundance of soul.

It has a dim, cosy atmosphere with a wood burning stove ready for winter, comfy arm chairs upstairs, books, board games, mysterious portraits and photographs recounting the pub's past, including a fire which gutted the bar.

There is even a plaque outside which recounts the king’s escape from the city via 'this house' on September 3, 1651 as he tried to elude his enemies, no easy task for a man said to be 6ft 2ins tall.

Since that fateful day the pub has been a judge's residence, a furniture makers, an antiques shop and a restaurant.

Upon entering there is table for newspapers, among them the Worcester News, a clear sign that the management and clientele have impeccable taste and no little discernment.

The choice of ales is excellent and the quality very high. The pub has been the home of Craddock’s Ales since 2013.

The ales bear such evocative names as Crazy Sheep, King’s Escape, Monarch’s Way, Saxon Gold and Troll. The King Charles is known as much for its pies, however, as its ales. At £9.50 each they’re affordable though there are, of course, cheaper options in Worcester.

Pies include Fungi Chicken, Chicken of Aragon, Kate & Sidney, Matador, Mexicow, Troll Pie, Moo & Blue, Heidi, Deerstalker, Saag Pie-neer and Free Ranger.

There are also a selection of sandwiches and gluten free pies, salads, a Ploughman’s and a pork sharing platter. So, if you don't like pies, there is still some room for manoeuvre.

Admittedly this is not as broad a range of dishes as may be available in other pubs but when the pies are this good, who cares?

I had the Moo and Blue with mustard mash and garden peas. But it's worth pointing out there are several types of mash to choose from - plain, garlic, cheese, horseradish and cheese. You can also have mushy peas if you prefer.

For a pint I chose the King's Escape. It felt like treachery not to. The cost of the meal and pint was £12.70. I would certainly recommend the King Charles, especially if, like me, you have a passion for England's history.

Scores

Atmosphere: 10/10

Decor: 9/10

Staff: 8/10

Drink: 9/10

Food: 8/10

Prices: 7/10

Overall: 8/10