The Cardinal's Hat in Worcester

Always a nice experience here,great bar manageress

We were a group of 5 x 50+ year olds school friends for 40 years out for a reunion evening. We walked from Singapore restaurant to The Cardinal Hat to grab a quiet beer on the evening of Saturday 23 November. When we reached The Cardinal Hat entrance the lady at the door refused us entry, we asked why, we were told the pub was too busy, we looked through the windows and it was clear they were not busy and there was another reason for the refusal. We asked the lady again why we were being refused entry when we could see there was plenty of room inside. She reiterated the same response. We were perfectly polite and civil in our requests and engagement. The disappointing thing here is we suspect the concern was that a small group of gentlemen of a certain age were not desired in the pub that evening at that time. Whether this was the decision of the lady unilaterally, the interpretation of her instructions from her employers or as a result of direct instructions from her employers, it was disappointing and hence we would like to make other potential customers, as we will do across a number of review platforms, that if you are of a certain age you may be subject to refused entry @The Cardinal Hat at certain times so perhaps there are other pubs, hotels in Worcester who may be more accommodating.

Stayed at the Cardinal Hat in Worcester and loved the cozy beer by the fire, the charming Tudor History Room, and the delicious full breakfast. The staff were exceptionally kind—highly recommend!

Couldn't put a zero. Been few times but never refused a drink after 1. Our party had 5 and 4 over 60 causing no trouble. Will not be going back again Let down.

We really enjoyed our night staying at The Cardinal’s Hat. The room (The Elgar) was lovely, the staff were very helpful and the location couldn’t have been better for exploring Worcester. We were very grateful to be able to check in early, and the continental breakfast hamper in the morning was such a nice added touch as well. The pub downstairs was also a great place to enjoy a drink.

Called in for a drink on Sunday afternoon while on a day trip to Worcester. Lovely old-fashioned pub, I believe dating back to the 14th century. Several small rooms and an outside drinking area too. Lovely period featured pub stocking some interesting beers, including a great wheat beer on tap. The beer list on the wall suggested that they stocked Belgian beers too. We'll be calling in again when next in Worcester.

The pub really has gone down hill. Very funny smell, the food is awful and the staff are really rude. The beer is also quite average and the prices seem to have increased a lot since last year. Definitely sad to see this place doing so badly. So many better establishments in Worcester. Avoid!!

Horrible experience - was there for 1 night and there was no wifi (overseas visitors so need wifi), room was freezing all night - no heating and the bathroom floor is a death trap - nearly broke an ankle several times. Oh, the quilt barely covered the bed. Just an awful experience overall.

Excellent beer choice and ambiance. 100% would come back!

A must see and visit the oldest pub in town

Early Wednesday evening 14th August and  we met up with some friends for a pre-dinner drink. As it was a rather warm evening we sat outside in the beer garden to the rear of the pub. Went indoors to the bar to order our drinks, the young guy serving behind the bar was so helpful, friendly and good at his job. The Pub is so qwerky and full of character and comprises of numerous rooms off rooms, each with their own features. In the main bar, not very big, dark wooden panels are around the walls, a large stone fireplace take pride of place, with it's log burner and dried hops hang from above the bar. There are leaded windows with colour glass panels and wooden beams are around the walls. Across the corridor their is another room with a piano in it and more seating. Further down the corridor is another room with another stone fireplace, log burner, with a coat of arms above it. Every where you look there is something to attract your attention. Really did enjoy walking from room to room absorbing the atmosphere of the place. Too be honest it almost appears that having a drink and chatting with friends was secondary to exploring the premises. We learnt that, from the large sign on the outside wall , that this is Worcester's oldest pub. It has retained an old world atmosphere in a modern age.

Great pub, but a shame there isn't a wider range of ales, not everyone wants light hoppy ales. A little overpriced, even for it's location.

Late decision to go to Worcester Races, so booked to stayfor the night. On booking I was informed that on a Monday they don't open until 4pm, so couldn't check-in until then not a problem.Parked in the NCP car park,directly opposite, £11.95 for 24 hours(£9.95 if you have the NCP app). After the races, checked -in at the bar,where I was greeted warmly by the girl serving,who was very charming all evening and who showed me up to my room, The Sandon, on the first floor. This was reached via a staircase, some people may find steep, fine for me. The Sandon was a cosy double, had a real good night's sleep. Personally I think it could have had a little less furniture, to open up the room plus the inner door couldn't shut due to a problem with the lock. I had a slight issue with the tv, due to my stupidity, sorted out quickily by the helpful manager, Holly.Plenty of tea and coffee available. Bathroom looked to have been updated recently, very neat and the shower had ample hot water. A hamper is left by your door with the continental breakfast for the morning, a Full English is available for a additional £5. I found the the hamper, inside a bit stained, to be ample with yogurt,muesli, croissant jam/marmalade and pear juice. This is a pub with rooms, be a very old pub that full of chartacter manned by affable staff. This is my sort of place stay, I know where I'll be staying to, on my next visit to Worcester, highly recommended.

Stayed at this quirky old inn for three nights. Wonderful atmosphere, helpful friendly staff, and excellent hearty breakfasts. Lots of stairs, but we’ll know to ask for a room on a lower floor next time (we’ll definitely go back) and I’ll try not to sprain my ankle the day before arriving…No parking on site, but there’s an NCP right opposite (the entrance is round the corner on the main road), and there’s so much to see of medieval Worcester literally just yards away.

Lovely small boutique place. Excellent location, friendly attentive staff and supper rooms. Highly recommended. Breakfast is great too

This inn is in a central but quiet location. The room was spacious and comfortable, the bathroom clean but the light comes on when you open the door, which is not desirable in the middle of the night. The bar / sitting areas are comfortable. They didn't serve dinner, but breakfast was good. I especially appreciated the covered outdoor sitting area. Parking is in a garage across the street, so it's convenient but there's a charge.

Really friendly staff and great drinks!

Great pub. Great selection of taps. Great staff.

Lovely pub my go to stop for a pint now,they sell twiglets and the smoking area has heat lamps,indoors the rooms have wood burning fires staff are friendly and helpful.The pub is the old hook house or fire house and was used to store hooks to pull down thatch in the event of a fire all on all a great place to go

Very handy for central Worcester. Very comfortable and friendly. Good selection of beer.

Wonderful old pub. Good beer and a good atmosphere of local drinkers. Rooms quiet and comfortable. Good English breakfast

Maintaining its individuality, however Cardies had lost its atmosphericness and the lights inside are far too bright.

Disablism is the discrimination or prejudice against disabled people. Being refused a drink as residents of the Cardinal Hat because one of our party has a disability after the bar staff accused her of being drunk is totally unacceptable. We are in our 50s and we're merely enjoying a drink, being told we weren't being served again for no other reason than believing a disabled person is drunk is outrageous. We were made to feel victimised in a full bar and only after speaking to the manager who understood the situation were we served again. Nice pub but the staff could do with training on disabilitys and discrimination.

Great ambience of oldest pub in Worcester. Good beer.

Great place for a beer and to step back in time. My all-time favourite pub in town.

Very clean and cosy room. The staff was amazing, looking after us throughout the 3 nights. Was very dog friendly, good beer, good breakfast and would come back again when visiting the area. Thank you peeps for the brilliant stay.

Lovely place , gunniness was shocking ,ill be back soon

Warm and cosy great beer good atmosphere

Needs some bar snack finger food, pies, pasties, scotch eggs etc. Can't fault the beer or the pub or the staff tho, -great see

Still a great pub, serving excellent and well kept cask ales from local breweries. Well done to all concerned.

Had to make an overnight stay but had my best mate(cockerpoo dog)with me so places were limited. We had a lovely overnight stop in a warm/clean/friendly pub with rooms, everything was excellent. With or without a dog I can highly recommend the ‘Hat’, thank you for make us so welcome!

A good selection of beers, and a very interesting building. Friendly service, and clientele. We only popped in for a pint, so never managed to try the rooms - that may change in the future.

Great as ever. If you haven't been, give it a try. The Butty Bach is always exceptional

We booked a room here close to Christmas. We chose it because we could stay with our dog. Price wise it was about £30 more than the Travelodge but it included two full English breakfasts and a surcharge for the dog which is fair enough. Location is great, everything is on your doorstep. The pub was bustling and our room was warm, clean and cozy. Would happily stay again.

Great Beer and great atmosphere. Nice place for a drink or 2

Lovely little place, great selection of ales, but got told to shut the f up when we tried to sing a Xmas song 😁

Atmospheric ancient hostelry. Great choice of beers.

Very beautiful hotel with a lovely pub downstairs.

Busy, cozy town centre pub with good choice of beers.

My husband and I are big fans of real ale and looked forward to visiting The Cardinal's Hat. It absolutely did not disappoint! A classic English pub with several cozy rooms and an outstanding selection of ales. We loved it so much we returned each evening that we were in Worcester. Great staff, friendly customers. A pub's pub!

First timer and really liked this pub. Had a great vibe, really friendly staff and we met some really lovely people just sitting g there enjoying a pint.

Exceptionally cosy wood-panelled pub in a Georgian building just across from the cathedral on Worcester’s most beautiful street.

Choice of beers nice beer garden

Lovely ale and cider. A good atmosphere and reasonable price for the area

Lovely old city centre hotel with lots of charm and character. Friendly welcoming staff that did a great job of checking us in and looking after us. The room was amazing and as we stayed on a Sunday night, the Sunday night discount offered fantastic value for money.

Loved our room two flights above the hotel. Built in bed was extremely comfortable but not good if you have mobility issues. Breakfast served in a picnic basket and was delightful. I will definitely stay again if in area.

Gluten free beer on draft. Winner for me. Great staff. Great beers. Great venue

We visit the Cardinal's hat inn a few times a year as the serve a good range of real ales and excellent pies. As we were meeting up with friends visiting from Ireland we decided to book a table for 28.09.2023 and confirm that there would be pies on the menue that night When we arrived our table had been reserved, but we were told the kitchen was closed and no food would be served that night We complained and a duty manageress arrived, she said that they had to give 24 hrs notice to their supplers and as we had not preordered the type of pies we requied when we booked they had no pies. We know this is untrue as we have walked into The Cardinals hat without booking and been served with real ale and excellent pies many times. We did not receive any apology or given a reason why we were not contacted to say the kitchen was closed ( we left our phone number when we booked ) I do hate it when staff Fob you off with any old tale, because you are old and over 80 they think you won't complain.

Nice old pub for a drink. Food limited mainly to cobs. Friendly place. Good sles

Amazing pub, great bar staff and lovely food.

Great city centre pub with good ales, chance to escape for a while.

We stopped for a drink with family. The atmosphere was great. Lots of people sitting in the rear beer garden, people checking into the accommodation and a wonderful selection of craft ales in on tap. Well worth a visit.

Popped in on Saturday night for a drink , service from the staff was spot on . Lovely pub quaint little rooms , loved it would revisit and try the food next time

Great place to stay in Worcester. Rooms were clean and had everything you needed.

An absolute must. Live in Worcester and love trying as many pubs as possible but the Hat is always the last call. Staff are fantastic, great selection of drinks, unique architecture, and brilliant beer garden. Never stayed so can’t comment on the rooms but so worth a visit, Worcester local or visitor.

Friendly staff. Breakfast hamper a lovely touch. Good location.

The oldest pub in Worcester. A bit of history decent beer, helpful staff

Beautiful old pub. Very popular and can be hard to find a seat but has a really lovely outside space. Great beers and ales.

Well kept Beers with a excellent choice 👍👍🍺🍺

I've always enjoyed coming into the The Cardinal's Hat (and the Fleece in Evesham). Good selection of beers and friendly staff. No longer living in Worcester we needed accommodation and stayed at the Cardinal's Hat - the Elgar suite was really well designed, had a nice freestanding bath in the room and we had a 'hamper breakfast' delivered to the room (included in the price), which was a nice touch. We're looking forward to returning again in the future!

Not bad, it had been over 20 years ago since I last been there, a bit pricey but it's town.

What an amazing pub! This rustic old time pub is so delightful. The staff were amazing especially the manager she made us so welcome and cooks a mean breakfast. The room was delightful, clean and kept in with the tradition of the pub. The bathroom was very modern with a double shower and roll top free standing white bath! The pub itself is in the heart of Worcester along a beautiful atmospheric street with lighting and colourful umbrellas hanging above the road. Within easy walking of the cathedral and shops.

Amazing little pub! 3 rooms nicely decorated rooms to sit and drink, good selection of beers and wonderful staff!

Stayed at the Cardinal Inn - very busy (sell good choice of beer) stayed here one night - good location and beers. Close to 20+ restaurants. Stayed in one of the rooms. A contrast in each room between quality and cheap fittings. Bathroom fittings, flushing system was cheaper and light weight. Hence broken when we arrived. Tap on sink ‘cheap’ wobbled. Spend the money on quality products, less likely to break down. Curtains and bed top quality. Don’t skimp you will get return on investment. Staff superb AAA. You have a lot of positives. Spend some money on other things that are important.

Great, unnoisy, cosy proper pub in the heart of Worcester. Great place, great beer, nice people

We really enjoyed our stay here. Great rooms in a prime location with very helpful and friendly staff.

Fantastic traditional pub and B&B in heart of Worcester. Gorgeous room, very quiet and decorated beautifully. Comfy bed and very clean. Great full English.

Lovely atmosphere Lovely staff hollie is fantastic and lovely to talk to very helpful gose out of her way to help and greet you show's you round and explaining everything to you even night time entry when place is closed so you know how to get back in very very nice place

Only called for a drink very good range of real ales friendly bar person very helpful well worth a visit

Nice traditional pub, friendly staff. I had a good "chin wag" with the off duty ladies and their baby. As the kitchen was down that day they allowed me to bring in my Singapoor takeaway from the restaurant next door

Popped In while having a weekend in Worcester. Old pub, bit tired but comfy. Staff were lovely.

Selection of alcoholic drinks amazing. Food looked lovely but we didn't eat. Only negative ugly multi storey car park opposite.

Friendly staff, great atmosphere and brilliant selection of beer and cider. Cheese and Onion cobs are yummmmmm!

Staff always friendly, good scrumpy and outside area is top notch

Charming pub in the heart of Worcester with lovely staff

We arrived late as we were travelling and the staff were so helpful in making sure we would arrive before the bar closed. We were welcomed and shown to our accommodation by friendly staff member and arranged a basket for our breakfast. The room was comfy although the decor was tired. Out breakfast basket was lovely, much more than we expected with fresh juice, milk, cereal, croissants with jam and apples. The room had tea/ coffee making facilities.

We found this little gem of a pub, stayed overnight rooms very clean , the staff were all so very friendly, breakfast in the morning was lovely will definitely stay here again for a few nights next time. Price was very reasonable.

Great historic pub, staff friendly, good selection of drinks.

We have visited the Cardinals Hat many times and always get a warm welcome and now all the staff call us by our first names it's the sort of pub that you go in as a customer and leave as a friend. The mangeress is very friendly and always helpful with customers choosing what drink they would like as she knows her beers well . Looking at the Web site the photos on there are very outdated and don't give the true insight of a great pub it is .

Holly's doing a cracking job running this place. Worth dropping in. Enjoy!

Historic pub in the middle of Worcester. Always lots of different beer to try. Not some modern swanky pub, but great if you're looking for will kept beer and something more traditional

My friend and I called in on a rainy Friday evening. We had a dog with us and everyone was so lovely with him , making sure he had snacks and water . The staff were so friendly, my phone was out of charge and they kindly put it behind the bar to charge We both had pie , mash and peas Just about finished it , huge portion , freshly made . Also offered vegetarian gravy which was very welcome. Super atmosphere, open fires , lots of rooms 100% recommend and cannot wait to return

Our 1st visit and a flying visit but hope to return soon. Loved it. Top staff, beer and surroundings. Decent pub with loads of character. The Nightjar stout was quality 👌

Very welcoming and friendly pub in the city centre. Exceptional choice of real ale, local cider and other beer. Great choice of spirits too! We didn’t eat but the food being served to the next table looked delicious! The bar staff were friendly and chatty and there was a good mix of people in the bar, great drinks and good atmosphere 😎

Lovely place, really nice beer choice and food was top notch, staff were friendly and helpful, definitely return

Olden historic pub loads of choice for beer. Really handy for the Vue cinema. There's plenty of room inside. Great atmosphere.

It's nice that you can tale your dog in here, and the pints are good to 👍

Was £100 a night.. I didn't book glad I didn't... Walked in for a drink. It smelt was dirty dark small cramped. Beer garden was untidy and dirty. Appre are oldest pub In Worcester but.. Na! Opposite a ncp... Didn't see the rooms but im glad I didn't stay

Nice place . But well, overpriced dearest priced beer in Worcester

Quirky place, close to shops and restaurants

Great real ales and ciders with hearty tasty food. A real gem. Just be prepared to wait for a while to get served as it's a bit cramped by the bar. Worth the wait.

What has happened to this great pub. Staff looked stressed, drinking wine out of gin glasses and tumblers. Not the same happy place as it was.

so friendly on the few occasions I have been. Nice welcoming place to start your evening 😊

Nice and quiet little soot. We enjoyed the outdoor area at the back. Staff very friendly and helpful.

Quirky, cute pub, cosy snug room to enjoy a great choice of drinks. Dog friendly, kind service.

A nice pub to stay in. Cosy bar, snug & back room. Room was absolutely roasting though. Had to have the window open during the night for my stay

Great ambiance. Excellent selection of beers, a bit pricey though. Excellent staff.

The bartender was fantastic, so thoughtful understanding I was driving so recommending the zero alcohol versions of beers I like. Highly recommend it.

Buonissimo. Relassati e non troppo affollata

Quirky old Inn. Our room (tilly) was real cosy and full of character. Friendly staff and very helpful. If you visit , you've gotta try their pies. Fantastic.