The Fleece Inn my favourite local watering hole. Ok so some of you may ask why I tend to refer to this as my local, when in fact it is a fifteen minute drive from where I live. Reason being that this is my fiancé's local public house and our shared friends, so it is an easy meet and greet location for us all. Plus in all admiration for the place, I truly love it inside and out and have made some very special friends and memories here. When you finish reading this article you will understand my adoration and want to find out for yourself in any rate.
The Fleece public house is situated in the heart of the quaint, picturesque village of Bretforton. It has for it's beauty and history drawn a lot of attention from travellers, passers by and tourists.
The building itself was built back in the 15th century by a farmer who went by the name of Byrd. Coincidentally my best friend Sam Byrd is a distant relative of the farmer, so I am told but will sadly not be inheriting this little gem as it was sold on to new owners in 1977. Sadly this owner later passed on, leaving the building to the National Trust, who keep it together and as it was today.Inside the inn boasts warm charming characteristics with it's dark beams, cotswold stone walling and flagstone flooring. In wintry periods this is a perfect hideaway with a warm glass of mulled wine seated by the warm open fire which makes for a perfect cosy day or evening. Come the summer you can enjoy a cold ale or cider sat outside in the pubs' garden and apple orchard, whilst children can play happily in the vast open space and play area.
The staff here are incredibly friendly and will welcome you with open arms and happily describe and explain the local produce and ales on offer. Fortunately I have been very lucky to meet them and be able to call some of them good friends of mine now. If you are a real ale lover or enjoy a traditional cider this historical pub is right up your street and a wonderful place to enjoy it too. Pigs ear ale is one of the most popular with the locals, however my preferable tipple is a cold pint of Stowford Press cider with a dash of black current.
Other than the offering of fine ales, ciders and wines the food served here is out of this world. Whilst menus are seasonable and change, you will find traditional country English food made with local produce available. For winter you can enjoy a warming dish of sausage and mash or locally made faggots. When summer comes you can enjoy and tickle your taste buds with a fresh ploughman's or the huge Fleece Burger which is a feast for the eyes as well as the belly. With either menu at the Fleece you are spoilt for choice. Obviously during the summer season, the Fleece serve their locally grown Asparagus during the months of May-June. They also like to participate the famous asparagus festival held towards the end of May, where visitors can come to taste the produce and enjoy family entertainment. The famous chef Jamie Oliver ventured down to Bretforton to sample the local asparagus and used it as a feature in one of his cook books and cooking programme. My favourite choice off the menu if I am looking for a quick bite or a light lunch, is the Stilton potatoes. Hand cut chips from freshly grown potatoes, served with melted Stilton and crispy bacon. I never liked Stilton before and now I am addicted to this flavour of cheese.
The Fleece offers everything you would want to take from a pub experience. Other than supplying their customers with fine beverages and dining, they also offer fabulous entertainment which can be enjoyed by all. During October time there is the Apple and Ale festival, which sports 40 real ales and ciders to quench your thirst and you will no doubt find something to your pleasure. On the side of The Fleece is the barn which comes into play for large functions/private events such as New Years. Cosy and warm, again with their beautifully carved beams, long wooden tables that look like they belong to a Tolkien Hobbit novel and simply decorated with hops It truly is a beautiful little cove with a deceiving amount of space. There is a small bar in there, enough seating space, plus room for dancing the night away. Also keeping within it's English traditions you can find Morris dancing to watch, which the landlord participates in. It is lovely to see the involvement the landlord plays and how he likes to make sure his customers are happy and looked after.
The Fleece really is a sight for sore eyes and is gorgeous no matter what time of year. I highly suggest looking at this for a venue, especially if you have ideas for a country, vintage wedding.
If you wish to prolong your stay and enjoy what is on offer at the Fleece or maybe to enjoy country village life, the public house offers a comfortable luxury stay with bed and breakfast. Keeping to it's country, historic decor the double bedroom offered is very cosy and warm, perfect for unwinding after a long day of rambling or perhaps resting aching arms from lifting ales.
I hope you enjoyed my review of one of my favourite local retreats, I clearly am not the only one who enjoys it here. Recently The Fleece received a Hollywood visitor - Drew Barrymore who popped in to try the local Ales.
You can find The Fleece in from the signposts in Bretforton, which is in the vale of Evesham, Worcestershire. Hopefully I will see you there, until then I will enjoy my pint of Stowford and say cheers to you all.
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