THE WYRE Forest branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has named its ‘Pub of the Year’.
The Chester Tavern in Kidderminster has been awarded the Gold Pub of the Year 2025 title after CAMRA branch members judged local pubs on a range of criteria, including drinks quality, staff knowledge, decor and atmosphere, welcome and service, community focus, and sympathy with CAMRA’s aims.
Last week, Wyre Forest CAMRA chair, Rob Budworth, visited the Chester Tavern to present staff with the award.
In his presentation speech he said: “With more than 120 real ale venues in Wyre Forest, it is a special achievement for the Chester Tavern to come out on top, especially as the pub only reopened quite recently, in August 2022.”
Licensee Andrew Hipkiss said: “Thank you to everyone who voted for us, all our customers, and especially all our team.”
Matthew Lamb, assistant manager, added: “I am amazed and absolutely lost for words, first getting into the Good Beer Guide earlier, and now winning Wyre Forest CAMRA Pub of the Year 2025. Thank you.”
Silver and Bronze
Rob Budworth, from CAMRA, owner and
manager Larni Moore and staff Toby and Chloe from the Bear and Wolf which won the silver award. s
Silver and Bronze pub awards went to The Bear and Wolf in Kidderminster and the Hollybush of Stourport.
The Hollybush licensee Ursula Downes was presented with her certificate by Rob Budworth. s
Also recognised were Cookley Village Hall and Sports Club for Club of the Year and the Black Boy at Wyre Hill, Bewdley, for Cider Pub of the Year 2025.
Cider pub of the Year recognises the best pub or club that promotes and encourages the sale of quality real cider and perry.
The Chester Tavern
A public house was established on the site of the Chester Tavern in 1855.
After declining into a nondescript ‘local boozer’, the Chester Tavern closed in 2019 and was feared to have been lost to residential development.
It reopened in August 2022, completely free-of-tie.
Rob said: “The new owners of the Chester Tavern have shown what can be achieved when you have a vision, a commitment to quality and the determination to see it through.”
The Chester Tavern has a large ground floor with an attractive timber bar.
A central polished timber staircase leads up to a large room and a separate bar.
At the back is a large beer garden, with a Mediterranean style, including table benches, low walls, up-light feature trees, a covered area and a bar hatch.
There is open mic, rock, folk and other genes of music on a regular basis, plus monthly comedy. See the pub’s Facebook page for details.
