The Fleece Inn at Bretforton is located near to Evesham in Worcestershire around 5 minutes away from the A46.  It holds a very special place in our hearts, soppy I know but it was where Graeme & I went on our first date 14 years ago.  So even though it is not right on our doorstep, we try and visit at least once a year. So what is so special about the Fleece? Well where do we start, firstly it is steeped in history.  Originally it was built in the 15th century and since 1977 it has been owned by the National Trust.  Yes a National Trust pub, can you believe it? As for awards it has bagged them all, Country Pub of the Year 2016 (Good Pub Guide). Visit England Tourism Pub of the Year 2016. Entrepreneur of the Year 2016-Nigel Smith (Landlord) so that’s pretty impressive. On Saturday whilst visiting Broadway, we thought it would nice to pop in for a pint and a late light lunch whilst on our way home.  One of nice things we like about the pub is that there is always something going on and on this occasion there was no exception. We were greeted by a jolly wedding party who were in full swing enjoying their celebrations. The pub has a barn which is used as a function room which is very good for hosting these types of events. Throughout the year they like to hold festivals to celebrate traditional English events for example Wassail, the Pagan tradition of walking the trees to encourage a good harvest for next year’s cider. It is great to see these old traditions still in operation.

In the Summer it is lovely to sit outside in the large orchard garden.  On one occasion when we visited in the past we saw lots of old vintage cars parked up and we enjoyed talking to the owners about their vehicles. The pub itself is very quaint, small and cosy with flag stone floors. It really is like taking a step back in time and entering someone’s lounge when you walk through the door and it has that olde worlde feel.  It is full of old antique artifacts and willow pattern, pewter plates, old jugs and tools. The pub is also dog friendly too. Graeme ordered a pint of Pigs Ear from his favourite Uley Brewery and I had a diet coke because I promised to drive him home.  There is a good selection of real ales and cider available.  Initially, due to the wedding party we had to sit on an old chest behind the door but after 15 minutes a lovely table for two became free beside the log burning fire so we grabbed it straight away. There is not a lot of room inside the pub so do definitely call ahead to reserve a table if you wish to eat.

The menu is a gastro menu with all food cooked to order.  Some of the things I noticed being served were lovely pies, fish & chips and Gammon and steak with a delicious hearty/homemade pudding menu.   We only wanted a light lunch so I opted for home cooked honey and mustard ham sandwiches, homemade coleslaw & salad and Graeme chose the homemade parsnip soup and bread.  Both of our lunches were absolutely delicious we couldn’t fault the prompt service and portions. The owners of the Fleece like to source their ingredients locally and in addition we noticed on the menu local fruit juices, cheeses and sweet wines. So in summary do pay The Fleece Inn a visit, we promise you will not be disappointed.  This pub get’s the big thumbs up from us.