THE Lamb and Flag in The Tything, Worcester, was apparently frequented by composer Sir Edward Elgar and it certainly hit the right note with Pub Spy this week.

If you haven’t been for a while you’re in for a pleasant surprise because it has been completely reinvented. An Italian restaurant called Sugo has opened on the first floor, complementing a varied bar menu with a more up-market feel than the standard pub grub available elsewhere in the city. The menu offers the likes of deep fried fresh squid rings and courgette ribbons, baked Camembert with onion chutney and toasted ciabatta bread and marinated lamb kebabs.

The menu is not the only things to undergo a renaissance at The Two Crafty Brewers pub. The pub itself has been extensively refurbished with a launch party held last August, giving this little gem a fresh polish, new lustre and more than a little sparkle.

This time I arrived on foot so unfortunately I won’t be able to wax lyrical about the car park. I don’t actually think it has one, at least not for patrons. One of the first things that strikes you about the pub is the narrow façade which makes it look like it’s been squashed between the two buildings either side of it as though it were the middle part of an enormous concertina. But do not let that deceive you. This is a pub with hidden depths.

The pub stretches a long way back with seating at the front and a beer garden at the back with yet more seating, ideal in the summer months. The bar area blends harmoniously traditional and more contemporary features. I liked the use of timber which gave the place a minimalist yet undeniably homely vibe. If you’re anything like me you sling your empty beer bottles into the recycling bin but here they have been fashioned into chandeliers, a thoughtful and creative feature.

I ordered a beef burger. Perhaps it was remiss of me to sample the extensive Italian dishes but the quality of the burger was so good I will be sure to return and try them.

Quite simply, the burger was the best I’ve had in Worcester. The meat, which seemed of very high quality, was cooked beautifully with a deep, rich flavour. It was served with Edam cheese, crispy bacon, tomato, gherkins, salad and homemade chips.

The portion was generous and the chips were delicious with a rustic, home-cooked taste. My only small criticism was that the food was served on a sort of platter when I prefer a plate. I’m sure if I’d asked for a plate the polite and friendly staff would have provided one. My natural reticence prevented me from raising the issue. Instead I launched into a grumbling internal monologue while food slipped unimpeded from said platter. I enjoyed the evocatively named Golden Beast, as fine a pint of beer as I’ve had in Worcester and very reasonably priced.

The total cost was £13.20 - £10 for the meal and £3.20 for the pint.

I think this was a very reasonable price to pay considering the exceptional quality and I would recommend this pub to anyone with a love of great food and real ales. They really have a winning combination here.