The Castle Inn, Kidderminster

Side street local. Jumbo inflated external Xmas decorations outside and ice blue fairy lights inside at Xmas – I was regretting crossing the threshold but we persevered. Once I got my eye in it was actually not bad and I was taken by the lovely farmyard ceramics on the lower bar. Three cask on over five pumps, a fairly staid (for these parts) choice of St Austell Proper Job and 2x Wye Valley. The Wye Valley Xmas beer was fag end of the barrel but ostensibly fine (NBSS 2.5). I’d like to try it again when it’s not silly season.

The Castle Inn is a small L-shaped pub with carpet throughout and banquettes in the bay windows either side of the central entrance. During my recent midweek visit there were four or five locals sat at the serving counter that runs along the rear wall to the left. In the right rear are some tables and banquettes, on the right-hand wall is a fireplace and the televisions were airing 6pm news muted in favour of some very low random and sporadic music off the unfunded jukebox. Standard keg was available alongside Madri and five hand pumps that were drawing Wye Valley’s Samurai and HPA alongside St Austell’s Tribute and a decent pint of their Proper Job. The service was polite, but I did feel a bit of a cliquey undercurrent, the sort of feeling you get in a place that covers their plugs to stop people charging their phones.

Didnt expect too much from this back street local. Set amongst a row of terraced houses, its a long thin bar room, with equally lengthy bar. Three real ales on - Tribute / Proper Job and HPA. The proper job was in exceptional condition.... as good as ever. Nicely decorated for Xmas. I seem to remember on a last visit a very long time ago they had a nice beer garden around the back but cannot confirm from this visit.

Great little traditional pub a short stroll from the town centre. 4 ales on including Tribute, HPA and Proper Job. With the Weavers just up the road it is well worth a visit.