The Imperial Tavern

The Imperial Tavern on St Nicholas Street in Worcester is a traditional Black Country Ales pub that leans into beer, bar snacks, pub games and comfort rather than reinvention. Dogs are welcome inside, so nobody needs to do the pavement-waiting shuffle while someone else props up the bar.

A log fire, garden, function room, sports screens and accommodation give it that practical, multi-purpose feel of a proper neighbourhood pub. Bar snacks — cobs, pork pies and the like — keep things unfussy, and the real ale range runs to twelve pumps with a good mix of Black Country regulars and changing guests.

A reliable shout for classic pub atmosphere and pleasantly unbothered old-pub energy, with paws and people together for the whole visit.