The Vernon

The Vernon, quite simply, is the pride of Hanbury. Dating all the way back to the 1700s and having been known by a fair few names, there’s one thing that has remained unchanged: The Vernon is a classic country pub and hotel, steeped in history and well-loved by its community. Today, after a gorgeous renovation, The Vernon of Hanbury serves all of the pub classics you would expect, as well modern, really quite refined gourmet plates. There are local ales and speciality wines, complemented by more than a few cosy corners to sit and drink them in. A beautiful building on Droitwich Road in the Worcestershire countryside, The Vernon simply can’t be missed.

Originally built in 1740 and first known as The Vernon Arms in Worcestershire, The Vernon maintains a rich, fascinating heritage. Most notable is The Vernon’s accolade as the birthplace of The Archers, the bar where the famous show’s creator, Godfrey Baseley, would often drink – it’s even said many of The Archer’s characters were based on villagers of Hanbury. Today, after a long renovation in 2012, The Vernon is as popular a venue across Worcestershire as it ever was – keeping details such as the rings for tethering horses to back in the 1800s – having added luxurious and modern touches to its decor. You can find it on Droitwich Road, right in the heart of Hanbury, where we know you’ll eat, drink and stay for far longer than planned.

Choose from a number of stylish dining or lounging spaces and indulge in what is a classic yet bang-up-to-date pub menu – there’s the best of British as well as favourites from afar. To start, you’d struggle to go wrong with the chicken liver, sherry and balsamic parfait, or the portobello mushrooms topped with bacon and stilton. As for mains, and the butcher’s choice sausage and mash with a hearty red onion gravy is, of course, a winner. If, however, you’re only stopping by for a light bite, there are gourmet sandwiches and burgers from the bar menu – the pulled pork with rocket and BBQ sauce being our favourite – that you can wash down with whatever fine ale happens to be on tap. The Vernon of Hanbury is marvellous and, to be frank, we love. Make the trip through the Worcestershire hills and reserve a table now.