Worcestershire is making waves on the pub scene! Three local gems—The Walter de Cantelupe Inn in Kempsey, The Old Bush Inn in Worcester, and The Halfway House in Powick—have earned top billing for their cosy atmospheres and warm, welcoming fireplaces.
These pubs stand out in GG.co.uk’s latest analysis, which highlights the UK’s cosiest pubs with fireplaces. The study ranked 73 towns and cities across the UK, with Worcester itself securing the 42nd spot.
How the Rankings Work
The analysis was conducted using Google ratings and data from UseYourLocal.com for towns and cities with populations over 100,000. The pubs were scored on their “cosiness factor,” based on:
- The number of pubs with real fireplaces.
- Features like large TV screens.
- Accessibility to live sports such as football, rugby, cricket, or horse racing via Sky Sports or TNT Sports.
The UK’s Cosiest Pub Towns
Gateshead clinched the top spot with a nationwide cosiness score of 98.99%, boasting nearly 33 pubs with fireplaces per 100,000 residents. Blackburn, High Wycombe, Chesterfield, and Huddersfield completed the top five.
Surprisingly, larger cities like Edinburgh, Manchester, London, Glasgow, and Birmingham lagged at the bottom of the list. Steve Chambers, editor for GG.co.uk, summed it up perfectly:
“You just cannot beat that cosy pub feeling that only smaller towns can offer. Big cities cannot compete with the warmth of less busy towns when your favourite team is playing.”
Local Highlights:
1. The Walter de Cantelupe Inn, Kempsey
Nestled in the picturesque village of Kempsey, this pub offers a perfect blend of tradition and comfort. Its fireplace adds to the inviting ambiance, making it a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike.
2. The Old Bush Inn, Worcester
With a history steeped in charm, The Old Bush Inn offers a quintessential pub experience. Whether it’s for a pint or catching up on sports, its fireplace sets the stage for a cosy evening.
3. The Halfway House, Powick
Located just outside Worcester, this pub is known for its rustic vibe and roaring fire—a must-visit for anyone looking to unwind with great food and drink.
Why Smaller Towns Shine
While major cities offer variety, they can’t match the cosy allure of smaller towns. With fewer crowds and a focus on community, pubs in places like Worcester exude warmth and character that’s hard to find in urban hotspots.
Plan Your Next Cosy Escape
Whether you’re a Worcestershire local or planning a visit, these pubs are worth adding to your list. Don’t forget to explore other top-rated pubs across the UK using GG.co.uk’s cheat sheet—it’s your guide to finding that perfect cosy spot wherever you go.
Warm fires, hearty ales, and the joy of live sports await!
