BLACK Country Ales has opened a new pub in a former bank in Bewdley's high street.

The Real Ale Tavern opened its doors at the former Barclays Bank, in Load Street, earlier this month and has so far proved a popular choice with residents and visitors to the town.

The new pub also stocks beers and ales from Black Country Ales' brewery in Lower Gornal, as well as guest beers from a number of breweries around the UK.

The pub sells simple food to compliment the traditional real ale theme - with a choice of cobs, pork pies and scotch eggs.

Angus McMeeking, Black Country Ales director, said: "The brand new pub in Bewdley - the Real Ale Tavern - opened on November 16 and we have been very pleased with the reaction of customers.

"We have had very positive comments about the beautiful open fire, with Chesterfield settees around it and the fabulous choice of 12 real ales and ciders too.

"One of the really nice things is that so many people who used to come into this historic old building when it was Barclays Bank have come back to look around again - without having to fear the wrath of their bank manager."

Martin Wilkins, brewery director, said: "We had to deliver three times in the first week to cope with the demand of the thirsty public of Bewdley!

"The feedback has been tremendous. A great deal of positive comments on the pub itself from the open fire, comfortable atmosphere, range of beers and how nice and professional our licensees Jerome and Tracey Ganne are.

"The town seem to have really embraced the work that has been carried out on the old history ex-Barclays bank building. We have retained the old bank vault door which is sited against a wall inside the pub. It took a great effort by our contractors to move the 1.5 tonne door to its resting place as a memento the previous use of the building."

Tracey Ganne, the Real Ale Tavern licensee, added: "It is going really well and the feedback is all very positive.

"We have 10 real ales, three from our own brewery Black Country Ales and have been really popular with the customers. The other seven are guest ales which change all the time and are purchased from micro breweries by Black Country Ales

"We offer our customers a wide range of gins and malts which can be enjoyed by the real fire.

"Jerome and I are very excited and proud to be managing the Real Ale Tavern and have been warmly welcomed by the people in Bewdley."