King & Castle, Kidderminster

Railway station lounge bar. Accredited for beer quality 2023

Atmospheric recreation of a refreshment room on a GWR terminus station modelled on Ross-on-Wye, gateway to the Severn Valley Railway, and next to the main line station. In winter a warming fire adds to the ambiance.

Handpumps dispense up to eight beers including regular ones from Hobsons, Bewdley, and Bathams. Changing beers are usually from regional breweries. Those coming up are displayed at the back of the bar. Paddles of three thirds are available, and three craft taps are on the back wall.

The bar can get busy when trains arrive but the rush soon subsides.

Bottled beers from Bewdley Brewery are served on trains. Real ale pubs near stations along the line and at Bridgnorth are an attraction for locals and visitors using the railway. The Railwayman's Arms on Bridgnorth Station is an attractive watering hole after a trip up the line and serves Station Porter from Bewdley Brewery (William Mucklow's Dark Mild).

Reduced opening days and hours are due to the rise in the cost of energy and other economic factors, but extended during gala weekends, bank holidays and events.

It won local CAMRA Gold Pub of the Year 2019 for its ambiance, friendly welcome and excellent beers, and Bronze in 2020.

Cycles can be locked to nearby railings at the front of the pub.