Masons Arms lunch review

Countryside pub catering to all tastes.

Castle Hill, Wichenford, Worcestershire, WR6 6YA

the pub

This Masons Arms lunch review took me to a traditional country pub a couple of minutes’ drive from Martley. It pretty much has everything – beautiful setting, car park, children’s play area, outdoor seating, bar seating area, restaurant, disabled facilities, and a variety of menus and deals.

Owned and run by Laura and Nibs since 2012, they have created a relaxed and friendly eatery. Inside it is warm and charming, with period features and good views over the surrounding fields. Outside, there are tables to the front of the pub, overlooking the road – the sort of pub garden that will be packed on summer evenings. To the rear is a children’s play area.

The service was friendly and efficient with just the right level of input. The waitress could see I was happy to take my time and didn’t rush me. Having booked the table in advance, I was greeted by name on arrival – a nice touch.

The mobile phone reception is not great, but wifi is available.

the food

To help me choose what to eat, I ordered a half pint of Butty Bach, a premium ale from the Wye Valley Brewery.

I had to try the Ham Hock Terrine starter as I reviewed this dish at Saffrons Bistro (since closed) one week earlier and thought it would be interesting to compare them. They were slightly different in that the Masons Arms’ version is served with piccalilli and with Saffrons it is red onion chutney. Both were very enjoyable.

I then went on to review the ham hock terrine at four other Worcester pubs. You can see how the Masons Arms compares with the other pubs in my blog post the best ham hock terrine in Worcester.

My main course was Herefordshire Pale Ale Battered Fish & Chips. There was a generous portion of succulent fish in a thin, crispy batter along with the chips. And it was served with the obligatory peas and tartare sauce. Two small issues with the chips – really small issues. The fish was served on top of the chips making it difficult to get to them – I’m an old-fashioned fish one side, chips the other kind of guy. And the chips today were normal chips, which is fine, but I do like the thick, crunchy triple-cooked version. I noticed later that triple-cooked chips are available on the à la carte menu and I’m sure they would have been upgraded had I asked.

Dessert for me was home-made cheesecake. It was delicious. What else can I say?

special offers

Today’s lunch was from the fixed price menu of two courses for £13.95 or three for £15.95. I do believe that some restaurants give smaller portions for their fixed price meals, but not the Masons Arms. These were full portions, of good, tasty, home-cooked food.

It is worth viewing their excellent choice of menus before visiting. In addition to the a la carte and fixed price menus, there is also a senior’s, children’s, and vegan menu. For you older ones, the senior menu offers two courses for a superb £8.95, 12-3 pm Monday to Saturday.

the drinks

Robinsons Cider from Tenbury, Wye Valley Pale Ale and Butty Bach, Oldfields Berry Cider, and some of the more common names are available along with a selection of wines. Of no interest to me, but perhaps to you, is their claim to have over 360 different gin combinations which is pretty much one for every day of the year.

dietary requirements

The menus state that you should ask a member of staff for allergen advice. They have a book they will bring to the table detailing the contents of every dish. As all food is made on the premises, dishes can be adjusted to suit your dietary requirements.

things to do near the Masons Arms

Situated in the Worcestershire countryside, the Masons Arms is roughly one mile from St Peter’s Church in Martley. It is from this church car park that you start on the Martley Circular Walk. At just over six miles, this is a good stretch for the legs, and it takes in some beautiful countryside and excellent views. The waymarked walk takes you through fields, country lanes, along riverbanks, and though an apple orchard. For a few minutes, the walk follows the ridge of a hill from which there are wonderful views stretching far to the west of Martley.

The famous and very popular Witley Court and Gardens is just under six miles to the north.

Five miles away you can enjoy a visit to The Firs, the birthplace of Sir Edward Elgar.

An 8-mile drive will take you to The Knapp and Papermill Nature Reserve. This is a Worcestershire Wildlife Trust reserve, and my view is that this is one of the best walks in the area. There is a circular route around the reserve that takes in an apple orchard, meadow, woodland, the old papermill cottage, and returns alongside Leigh Brook.

facilities

parking

There is good-sized car park at the rear of the pub.

disabled access

This restaurant is suitable for wheelchairs with a slight ramp at the front entrance. There is a disabled toilet.

children

Children look to be very welcome. There are highchairs available, a children’s menu, and a play area at the rear of the pub. I particularly like the look of the children’s menu which has eight choices of main course.

toilets

The toilets were clean.

take-away

Take-aways are available and there is a take-away menu.