WITH a name like The Dragon Inn, Pub Spy feared he (or she) may perhaps have stumbled into an enclave of Celtic nationalism and was about to be besieged by a marauding horde of Welshmen.

Mercifully the Six Nations is over and Pub Spy discovered what appeared to be a quintessentially English pub and rather a fine one at that.

It must be said that this pub perhaps needs no recommendation (let alone approval) from me. After all, this excellent boozer in The Tything was already named Worcestershire Pub of the Year in 2018 in the West Midlands Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) competition. The accolades are framed for all to see and rightly so for the competition here is exceptionally strong so this is something staff and managers at the pub can be proud of.

So, in a way, it seems rather superfluous to proffer my endorsement for I would be only echoing the sentiments of my betters. Nevertheless, I do humbly put forward my most resounding approval and add my small voice to the chorus of enthusiasts.

The Dragon has a reputation for the best beer in Worcester and, after a pint of Ruby Ale (nectar from the gods indeed), I can confirm this reputation is richly deserved. The ale was a rich, tasty, aromatic and most refreshing beverage.

The Church End Brewery beers have titles every bit as quirky and downright peculiar as the most eccentric Englishman could wish for.

Titles, slipping off the tongue like macabre hymns, include Grave Digger, Stout Coffin, Vanilla Jack, Goats Milk, Fallen Angel and What The Fox’s Hat and, though I could not sample them all, I’ve been reliably informed that each is as unique and unusual as its name would suggest.

The range of food on offer is not as broad as in many other pubs in the city but this is absolutely fine. The Dragon is all about the beer. Too many other features and flourishes would only detract from this focus and specialism.

However, the pub does offer sandwiches and there was also a choice of pork pies and scotch eggs for £3 or a sausage roll for £2.50. I went for the pork pie and found it both tasty and filling.

The total price of the beer and the pie came to a very reasonable £6.50.

Comfortable leather seats line the walls and this way of structuring the room naturally seems to favour conversation between strangers. The lack of any music further enhances the pub’s social quality - this is the perfect place to meet new people or renew old acquaintances.

However, there are cosy nooks and crannies if one wanted to tuck oneself away. A large beer garden at the back is a welcome surprise, making it a go-to pub in the summer if the Fates see fit to bless us with one. Books and board games mean there is a pleasant, homely atmosphere away from the anodyne bars Pub Spy so wholeheartedly detests. I noted that the pub had a five star hygiene rating which is always reassuring. The toilets were also clean and well-maintained.

A large framed portrait of the Duke of Edinburgh hangs on the toilet wall and he seems to overlook the Dragon with an approving smile.

SCORES

Atmosphere 9/10

Decor 8/10

Drink 10/10

Staff 8/10

Food 7/10

Prices 9/10

Overall 9/10