Bewdley is more than basic ex-Banks pubs; it’s like a Georgian Barmouth by the Severn. On 2016’s summer day, the riverside was packed with day-tripping Black Country folk enjoying chips and beer by the river.
On the walk to the Rising Sun an old couple stopped us on a junction to enquire about a good fish and chip shop. We reeled off three we’d passed, none of which met their approval for odd reasons. Very particular about their chippies here.
I’ve never actually seen the town flooded, but it’s still a regular occurrence. So I wasn’t taking any chances with the tent, and booked into one the few Wetherspoons Hotels (£39 a night) that isn’t fully booked these days. Fans of 1am Prosecco-fuelled arguments and 6am delivery vans will love this place, as did I.
Staying in the centre reminds you how small it really is, just a handsome High Street and a gaggle of streets leading off in all directions into the hills and forests. The number of pubs may suggest a town of 9,000 but the shops don’t. The pubs seem to be surviving as well, though the loss of the Woodcolliers to residential use still came as a blow.
When I first came here on a whim (or steam train) in 1994 it seemed a different world; some of that ancient feel has gone, epitomised by the posher feel of the two pubs on Severn Side North.
We did squeeze in a half in the Great Western, my favourite Bewdley pub in years past. The almost chapel like interior is much modernised, but still provides the upper storey from which to enjoy Everitt-style pub observation. As a year ago, a half of Worcestershire Way was perfectly pleasant, as was the pub.
Spoons porridge this morning, then the real Worcestershire Way, taking in Blackstone Rock and pretty Ribbesford hamlet.
Plenty more great pubs on the way back to the Spoons too.
QUIZ TIME – What’s the Stockport connection ?
A very photogenic place, only lacking a craft bar cheese shop and a 15th Century ruined castle.
retiredmartin 
The quiz answer, which I hope is the answer on the card, is that there is a sign in the window advertising the sale (financial transaction not the eggball team that plays at Edgeley Park) of Trooper. I hope that refers to Robinsons Trooper, which of course is brewed in the Cheshire town of Stockport.
Actually, I hope that is wrong and that the landlord is a chap originally from Watford who bears a hat produced in Stockport.
I admit to never having left the train at Bewdley. One day I may just do that. The lack of cheese shop is a major negative though.
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Close. Stanley Baldwin was born in the same street. During his second term as Prime Ministership he visited Stockport to judge the “Miss Portwood” contest, an event that led to riots and barrels of Dizzy Blonde being thrown into the Mersey.
I thought you’d know that.
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Certainly the gentrification of the two riverside pubs is very noticeable. I remember going in the Mug House years ago when it was a very plain little two-roomer.
Stourport just down the river has a similar “inland resort” character.
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I too have stayed in the George. Lovely little place is Bewdley. So much so I have an unfulfilled promise to take E there. Must do it.
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Is the Stockport connection a low rent version of the film the French Connection?
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A upmarket version, surely. Have you ever been in Winters on football night ?
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No but the chase scene with the viaduct is arguably better and the plot about a now defunct Sunderland brewery is interesting.
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😉
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