THE Alma Tavern has recently welcomed a new gaffer in experienced pub landlord Tim Churchman and so the time felt right for Pub Spy to pay a visit.

Sitting on Droitwich Road, just north of Barbourne, the little pub has a quaint and friendly atmosphere, “like a home-from-home” as one regular told me.

I went along on a Sunday afternoon, with the Alma, which has been spruced up since Mr Churchman’s arrival with a refurbishment, busy with the lunchtime rush.

Having rang up the night before, I was advised to book as Sundays apparently often prove popular.

On arrival, the crowd was certainly several years older than myself, though were all very chatty and keen to recommend their favourite choices – one lady telling me she comes every week for her roast dinner.

With the Beatles playing on repeat, the tone was certainly set, though definitely not a negative, but not a place where you can pop in to watch any weekend football.

The Sunday menu certainly lacks the variety of the rest of the week – which features pub favourites like fish and chips and burgers, as well as Thai green curry.

Instead, there are only slight variations on the traditional roast dinner on offer, meaning anyone who doesn’t fancy roast beef and Yorkshire puddings or loin of pork, should probably come on a different day.

That’s not to say the selection wasn’t appetising, and with extra cuts of meat available for just £4 and a vegetarian option of brie, wild mushroom and cranberry tart quite tempting, I couldn’t complain.

After some deliberation, I selected a Steak and Ale Pie, which came with mashed and roasted potatoes, as well as a hearty portion of green vegetables and red cabbage in separate dishes.

The food and the service by owner-cum-waiter Mr Churchman could not be faulted.

He was friendly and never pushy, and neither were the rest of his hardworking staff.

And, despite how many customers were there, the order arrived very briskly, and at just £11.95 for two courses was extremely reasonable.

There was also a decent selection of ales and lagers, as well as bottled beers to choose from, while other customers raved about the after-meal coffee.

Having polished off my pie and mash, along with a very tasty homemade gravy and a pint of Carling, I opted for a chocolate cheesecake with ice cream for dessert.

The piece of cheesecake was fairly large; I would have been pleased with something half the size after such a main, but I couldn’t complain.

The eating area could possibly do with a slight re-arrangement, as depending on where you’re sitting, people are often needing to squeeze past, but it’s not a major issue.

The decor in the dining section is also a little dated and not as homely as the bar area.

Furthermore, the pub’s car park is fairly small, and I can only imagine the majority of the clientele are within walking distance, but if Sundays are anything to go by Mr Churchman has found a gem. The Alma is well worth a visit for the food and service alone.