AT first glance the New Inn appears to be like any other Marston’s establishment, however when you walk inside and you’ll find a cosy down-to-earth boozer.

The New Inn, in Ombersley Road, Claines, Worcester, looks like your run-of-the-mill watering hole from the outside, with a rather tired and bland looking cream exterior.

But inside, the pub has a warm, welcoming atmosphere, with Tudor-style wooden beams, a brick fireplace and Christmas decoration already up.

I ordered fish and chips and a pint of San Miguel for just over £11 and sat myself down at one of the few tables available.

The pub was almost full when I arrived at 1pm, yet I still got my food within 10 minutes and the staff could not have been friendlier.

The dish came with tartare sauce, mushy peas - there was an option for normal peas - and a lemon slice.

The batter was crisp and the fish was flavoursome.

The tartare sauce was tasty and tangy, although I would have liked a bit more as I found I’d run out about three quarters of the way through my meal.

The mushy peas were good - not a solid lump as you find in some places - and the chips were crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.

Overall it was a nice meal and pint, although much the same as would expect from any other chain pub.

The real charm of the New Inn is the people.

It is a true family pub, with people of all ages found at its tables.

It also has a homely quality to it and has a record for raising funds for charity, such as a recent campaign for Headway Worcestershire.

The pub even offered a free pint to veterans or serving military personnel on Remembrance Sunday this year.

The prices are also reasonable, with various deals on each day and a specific lunch menu.

For example, the main menu offers up curries for £7.95 and pies for £8.25.

The bar area recently underwent a revamp and it now feels like the rest of the place could do with a facelift.

With a lick of paint and a bit of sprucing up on the outside, the New Inn could be in the running for one of the top pubs in the area.

The overflow car park opposite could also do with a bit of work, although these things are almost inconsequential when you’re inside the pub and enjoying the atmosphere.

In fact, certain elements, like the out-of-date carpet, almost add to the pub’s character.

If you’re looking for a cosy retreat, dare I say a home away from home, just outside the city, then I’d recommend giving the New Inn a go.

I’m planning to go back to try some of the ales on offer or maybe even their three-course Sunday lunch.

I expect the pub is fantastic in the summer as it has a south facing beer garden, with a patio and plenty of tables.

The only downside to the garden is that it is right on a noisy, busy road.

SCORES:

Atmosphere: 9/10

Decor: 7/10

Staff: 8/10

Drink: 7/10

Food: 7/10

Prices: 8/10

Overall: 8/10