"It's not just a pub, it's one big family," says the landlord of one city watering hole which offers everyone a warm welcome.

The Brunswick Arms in Malvern Road, St John's, has become a popular destination for people not only in St John's but from all around the city and even further afield.

Worcester News: CHERISED: The Brunswick Arms in Malvern Road, St John's, Worcester CHERISED: The Brunswick Arms in Malvern Road, St John's, Worcester (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

People come from Warndon, Blackpole, Powick and Hallow whether it is to watch the sport, attend a birthday party or join Matt Peplow at 8pm on Thursday for the quiz.

But it is a pub with a big heart, raising £8,000 for good causes last year, including St Richard's Hospice.

Worcester News: BRIGHT: The bar at the Brunswick Arms in St John's BRIGHT: The bar at the Brunswick Arms in St John's (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Shane Griffin, 37, is the operator of the pub, working on behalf of the Craft Union Pub Company, describing how he fell in love with the Brunswick as soon as he saw it.

Growing up in care in Worcestershire, running a pub had always been a dream and he is proud of how far he's come.

Mr Griffin, who took over the pub in November 2022, said: "It's about community and value for money. It's more than a pub - it's a family. The Brunswick is at the heart of the community - and we have a very strong community who support the pub.

Worcester News: SPACE: The interior of the Brunswick Arms SPACE: The interior of the Brunswick Arms (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

"The people in here are very accepting. Everyone falls out occasionally but everyone still comes back together and has each other's backs. It's a proper locals' pub."

Within five minutes Mr Griffin believes anyone who walks inside will have struck up a conversation in the Brunswick.

"You're not lonely in here. It's very welcoming - from my side and from that of the customers," he added.

Although the family is front and centre (they recently hosted a birthday party for a one-year-old), there is a strong emphasis on sport - large screens show every kind of sport from horse racing to football, rugby and, of course, darts, which has come to the public's attention in a big way thanks to the phenomenon that is Luke Littler. They now have their own darts team which meets on Wednesday and is joint top of their league (division three).

The pub has three beer gardens and one will be ready with an outdoor TV to show the Euros in the summer.

A pub is only as good as the man or woman who runs it. Here, too, the Brunswick scores top marks. One local even pulls me aside to heap praise on Mr Griffin.

Worcester News: PRAISE: Sandy Frise and husband Dave Frise love it at The Brunswick Arms in St John's in Worcester PRAISE: Sandy Frise and husband Dave Frise love it at The Brunswick Arms in St John's in Worcester (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Dave Frise, 68, of Hallow said: "The landlord is so obliging and makes you feel very welcome. It's a lovely place and, as far as landlords go, he is one of the nicest we have met."

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His wife, Sandy Frise, 67, said: "It's great. It's friendly. Everybody welcomes everybody. We came here for a wake. That's how we found the place. We have been coming back ever since."

Ant Collier, 39, who moved to St John's two years ago is originally from Liverpool. He is now a regular at the Brunswick and pops in to see The Reds play. 

Worcester News: CHEERS: Ant Collier raises a glass to a job well done at The Brunswick Arms pub in St John's CHEERS: Ant Collier raises a glass to a job well done at The Brunswick Arms pub in St John's (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

"Shane has done a great job taking it over. My kids love coming in here. Everybody is friendly and accommodating. You feel safe in here," he said.

Beers and lagers are reasonable - £3.65 for a pint of Carling and £4.10 for a Guinness. Indeed, the most expensive pint - Madrí Excepcional - is still under £5 (£4.70).

"It's one of the quality establishments in Worcester when it comes to Guinness," said Mr Griffin, pointing to an award he got (Guinness Quality Approved 2023-4) which has pride of place on the wall.

He says the pub continues to go from strength to strength with records for numbers through the doors tumbling, including during Christmas week and over the New Year while live music brings people in at weekends. Karaoke is on once a month which means regulars can stretch their vocal chords.