FROM MAY 17, pubs and other hospitality venues will be able to open their indoor areas to the public.

Many people are excited to finally get back inside a pub, away from the elements and the chilly British weather.

However, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to fantastic pub in Worcester and it can be difficult to decide which pub to book or visit in the coming weeks.

Using Google reviews, we have tracked down 10 of the best reviewed pubs in Worcester.

These pubs are either open right now- or will be from May 17 if restrictions continue to ease as planned.

Here are 10 pubs with the highest ratings and reviews- and what commenters have been saying about them:

The Alma Tavern, Droitwich Road
Rating: 4.8 based on 20 Google reviews

The Alma Tavern opened up their outdoor area on April 12.

Customers will also be welcomed back inside later this month.

The pub is known for serving great food and drink- while also providing some top-notch entertainment for customers too.

One reviewer wrote: “Great ambience, good selection of beers and  it's clean which is obviously important in these strange times.

“There is a great garden at the back that is like a little oasis of calm in the middle of the city.

“The bar staff are excellent, really friendly, it's just a nice place to take the wife and have a quiet drink.”

Another remarked that it was a “great little pub”.

The Arch Rivals Brewing Company, Infirmary Walk
Rating: 4.7 based on 131 Google reviews

If you want to try some unique ale and lager flavours, then this micropub should be your first stop.

It’s open right now and there is even a small beer garden for customers to take advantage of.

One of the newest reviewers said: “Given the circumstances it was very well laid out- couple of excellent ales on tap too. Plus, very friendly staff as usual.

“Great pub underneath the Arches of Worcester,” wrote another. “Serving a big variety of local beers by a great pub keeper.”

The Wheatsheaf Inn, Henwick Road
Rating: 4.7 based on 57 Google reviews

This is a mid-18th century riverside pub on the outskirts of Worcester.

It serves a wide range of local and popular Ales, Ciders, Lagers and Wines.

One happy commenter said:  “The Wheatsheaf is having a makeover and the present landlord is all about music and art.

“He's upgrading the gardens and on the inside he will be displaying work from local artists and photographers (including mine)- no longer an old boys pub.

“Also good for dog walkers, as you can gain access to the garden from the river. A must go pub!”

Another said: “Walked up river to this pub, was a winter visit but there is a balcony high above river level that I will visit in the summer. Nice friendly community. Definitely return there.”

While they do have outdoor seating areas, The Wheatsheaf Inn will be reopening its doors from May 17.

They will be open from 12pm, seven days a week and they are accepting booking from May 10 onwards.

The Cardinal’s Hat Inn Hotel, Friar Street
Rating: 4.6 based on 512 Google reviews

The Cardinal’s Hat reopened its covered beer garden to the public on April 12.

Overnight stays and inside tables are available from 17th May.

One reviewer went as far to say it is “simply one of the best pubs in Worcester.”

They added: “Great service and range of drinks. Pie menu is incredible.”

Another wrote: 'The Cardinal's Hat' is a beautifully quaint little pub offering fantastic customer service, friendly atmosphere and delicious award winning savoury pies.

“It is always a pleasure to visit here as I know the staff are friendly, professional and always knowledgeable about the drinks on offer.

“Be warned about the pies on offer however, they're incredibly addicting!”

The Firefly, Lowesmoor
Rating: 4.5 based on 566 Google reviews

Firefly specialises in craft beers, real ales and street-style food- and the venue is open right now.

Commenters have high praise for the warm atmosphere, ‘amazing’ food and attractive décor.

One person wrote: “I absolutely adore this pub. Dog friendly. Great music, amazing food, usually got great (if expensive) beer.

“The decor is very appealing and the many levels and rooms mean there are a lot of opportunities for a more private atmosphere.”

“Cannot express how tasty their food is,” Lia Norman wrote. “They have a fab gluten free burger. Loaded chips and nachos are great. Great beer too!”

The Dragon Inn, The Tything
Rating: 4.5 based on 324 Google reviews

Posting to Facebook, the company wrote: “Beer's back! We're very excited to welcome drinkers back to our beer garden from 12th April. “

“This time there's no silly rules about food so we won't be accepting any table bookings, so just come along take a seat and we'll serve you at your table.”

The award-winning Church End brewery pub specialises in ales, quality wines as well as spirits and soft drinks.

They also have an impressive beer garden- but don’t just take our word for it.

One reviewer said: “Good pub with nice garden, considering the restrictions they do seem to be running it well.”

Another wrote: “Very welcoming pub with fabulous beer from Church End Brewery.

“This has a great outside area as well where we noted the local wildlife hangs around for the chance of a decent drink!

“In my top 3 pubs visited and a must if you are in Worcester.”

Heroes, Friar Street
Rating: 4.5 based on 286 Google reviews

This alternative bar is situated in a 16th Century Tudor; it’s the place to go if you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere.

While they are currently closed, they will be reopen from May 17.

One happy customer said: “This was definitely my favourite place in Worcester.

“The bar is lovely and I really like how the inside is decorated.

“The music was so good as well and the drinks are nice… we went here two nights in a row.”

Jon Sattler commented: “The feel of this bar is second to none. Nestled in an attic, the whole spot feels like you're separated from the rest of the world.

“The music and beer is amazing, the staff is relaxed and clearly enjoys their time there.

“If you're looking for a bar to relax and grab a few drinks, meet up with some friends, and just enjoy yourselves, this is the spot to go.”

The Imperial Tavern
Rating: 4.5 based on 238 Google reviews

According to their Facebook page, The Imperial Tavern "is the country pub in the center of the city with real open fires, ten real ales and ciders and a very warm welcome."

They will be opening on May 17.

One happy customer wrote: "This was in my top 3 pubs in Worcester.
"It's friendly and welcoming and felt like a really homely place to sit down and chill.

"A 'must' when in Worcester but bear in mind the outside space is small."

The Chestnut Tree Inn, Lansdowne Road
Rating: 4.5 based on 222 Google reviews

You can visit this pub’s impressive beer garden right now and enjoy their real ales and cider which are on tap.

One of the most recent reviews reads: “Brilliant atmosphere friendly staff nice beer garden.”

Another person wrote: “Really impressed with this pub. Heard a lot of good reports so thought I'd give it a try.

“Really good atmosphere, it was open mic/jam night. Will be back.”

The Berkeley Arms, School Road
Rating: 4.5 based on 59 Google reviews


The Berkeley Arms is open right now- and they have outdoor heaters to keep you nice and toasty until you can come back inside later this month.

There is no need to book a table as they are accepting walk-ins. 

One Google review read:"A fantastic pub. We were greeted with a warm welcome by the staff.

"Very friendly atmosphere. Will certainly be visiting in the future and recommending others do the same."

Another wrote: "Didn't even know this place existed but what a lovely find. Great pub and the girl serving was very pleasant."