THIS grand old jewel of a pub now salvaged from the depths of a decade's worth of dust would not look out of place in Peaky Blinders or on board the Titanic. The Bush Inn in St John's in Worcester has reopened as she emerges Phoenix-like at last from the ashes (or dust in this instance) in which she had languished, unloved, for far too long. In its great favour, this pub in the city's Bull Ring preserves an enviable quality many have lost, retaining a classic Victorian feel not unlike the Queen Vic in EastEnders or The Garrison from hit TV show Peaky Blinders.
So far at least the gangsters and geezers seem thin on the ground at this free house and there's not a pocket watch or a flat cap in sight. BACK: The Bush Inn, Bull Ring, St John's, Worcester is open again (Image: James Connell/Newsquest) The pub, which dates from 1879, is comparatively small but this enhances its cosy charm and fosters (perhaps even compels) conversation. Once the beers are flowing, of course, a spirit of conviviality evolves naturally.
Part of this old world atmosphere is no doubt produced by the fixtures and fittings of the pub itself, particularly the grand bar itself which is a marvel to behold. To say it is ornate would be the mother and father of understatements - the bar seems to push its way into the room like the prow of a magnificent ocean liner. This listed bar would not look out of place in the first class lounge of the Titanic or gracing any one of her sister ships, a treasure in itself.
O.