Worcestershire's Village Pubs: A Rising Trend Amidst Industry Struggles
By Caroline Gall
West Midlands
In a heartening turn of events, residents of Clent, Hagley, and Belbroughton, three quaint villages in Worcestershire, are toasting to the opening of new pubs and restaurants in 2025. This development comes as a surprise, given the recent struggles within the hospitality industry, which has seen more than half of the UK's job losses since the previous budget. So, what's behind this unexpected surge in suburban dining?
A Mile-and-a-Half of Excitement
Mike Livsey, the 20th publican to take on The Fountain by Clent Hills, fell in love with the place after months of searching. He agreed the lease with Marstons and opened the upper, mid-market restaurant celebrating British food in early December. Livsey, a former recruitment company owner, has assembled a talented team, including two chefs who competed on BBC's Masterchef: The Professionals and a former Harvey Nichols wine expert. The restaurant prides itself on making everything in-house, from stocks to sauces and pastry desserts, aiming to offer high-end quality at human-sized portions and prices.
Livsey envisions a vibrant community hub with a kitchen garden, an upstairs pub serving cheaper food, a skittle alley, and discounts for locals. Despite the competition, he believes new pubs can thrive, describing the recent additions as forming a "mile-and-a-half that's really exciting for everyone." He adds, "I think fine dining is struggling in the UK. But value-led is alive, and people need a venue for birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas."
The Hill Tavern: A Revived Gem
Just a short uphill walk from The Fountain, The Hill Tavern has been transformed from a closed pub to a bustling establishment. Chris Massey, who bought it with a business partner, now runs it with his daughter, serving traditional pub fare. Massey, previously in engineering and stockholding, spotted an opportunity after walking past it daily with his dogs. The pub has seen a surge in business, especially on weekends, thanks to pet owners frequenting the area.
Massey attributes the success of the new pubs to their unique offerings. He says, "They're all different animals. There's no conflict. I believe in synergy; the more things in an area, the more you attract."
The Woodman: A High-End Steakhouse
The Woodman, once a coaching inn, has been transformed into a high-end steak and cocktail venue. With American influences and a family-oriented approach, it has quickly gained popularity. Ryan Deegan, the general manager, explains that the team's decision to open in Hagley was influenced by the area's variety. The pub's success is attributed to its unique offering, with people tired of traveling into Birmingham for dining finding quality in other areas.
Cobs and Pies: A Traditional Boozer
Darren MacDonald, or Mack, who runs tyre and exhaust centers, turned his dream of running a pub into reality with The Holly Bush in Belbroughton. He and his brother Jamie bought the "dead on its feet" pub in January, investing heavily in a refurbishment. They opened in June as a traditional boozer, serving cobs, pies, and fish and chips. Their commitment to "doing simple food done right" earned them the CAMRA Pub of the Season award from the Redditch & Bromsgrove branch.
MacDonald attributes their success to offering something alternative, catering to a specific age group's preferences. He says, "We're giving people what they want at a reasonable cost, done well."
As these villages embrace the hospitality industry's resurgence, they offer a unique blend of traditional charm and modern culinary delights, providing a refreshing contrast to the urban eating experiences that have dominated the landscape.
