WORK IN PROGRESS
28th February 2026
Ian Rogers
The Real Ale Tavern is located on the main road just up from where it passes over Bewdley Bridge on the River Severn. The building is approximately 250 years old and its last commercial use was as a Barclays Bank branch (indeed the door of an old Chubb strongroom can be seen to the rear of the pub, but not in its original location) until it was converted into a pub by Black Country Ales in 2017.
Entering from the street, there is an open carpeted lounge area, with an open fireplace, which can have a real log fire and there is also the first of large screens displaying the current drink availability.
Moving further into the pub, on the left is a long bar, which has twelve hand pumps, with up to three being for ciders. The remaining pumps, which were all in use at the time of visit, are a mixture of regular Black Country Ales and changing guest ales, both local and national. Each handpump is numbered so it is possible to order using the numbers displayed on the screens, rather than remembering the name of the drink.
Whilst I only had time to sample the Atlas by Welbeck Abbey Brewery which was excellent, I was able to observe many other pints being served which all looked in good condition.
Beyond the bar is a further screened off seating area as well as containing a dartboard and a TV.
Just before passing the Chubb strongroom door is a side entrance, leading out onto a one way street leading to a public car park. Further on are the toilets and also the route to an exterior staircase which leads up to a terraced area, with metal chairs and tables with umbrellas.
The pub has an entry in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2026.
Quiz Night is on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month and on Wednesdays from 7pm is Cheese night which is complimentary.
Traditional Bar Snacks are available – Cobs, Pork Pies, Pickled Onions, etc. Hot Pork Rolls on Saturdays only.
Important Information:
Real Ale Tavern, 67 Load Street, Bewdley DY12 2AW. Tel: 01299 660649
Web: blackcountryales.co.uk/pubs/the-real-ale-tavern
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 11.00–23.00
Bewdley Station is a 15 minute walk but is only served by the preserved Severn Valley Railway on their operating days.
The nearest mainline station is Kidderminster approximately three miles away.
Buses: 2, 125, 291, 292, 292S, 296, 302, S15