The Old Wharf Inn

The beloved Old Wharf Inn has been ‘a staple part of Stourbridge’ since reopening its doors in 2019 following an extensive renovation. The name and the location overlooking the Stourbridge Canal basin might summon up nostalgic echoes of heavily laden barges and the Industrial Revolution, but the wooden-floored interior now has a stylish contemporary look. The menu offers an appealing blend of modern pub food and Mediterranean-accented flavours, and the kitchen is renowned for its mighty portions. Punchy snacks such as spicy devilled eggs open proceedings, ahead of, say, monkfish and ‘nduja stew or Devon White chicken leg with parsley sauce, pickled girolles and charred Evesham corn. For afters, affogato and sticky date pudding await. ‘Breakfast is great, but Sunday lunch is fantastic,’ declares one local fan, no doubt musing on the Aubrey Allen striploin of beef. Given that Stourbridge wine merchants Nickolls & Perks are co-owners of the pub, it’s no surprise that the compact list has been carefully curated; otherwise, four rotating hand-pulled ales please the beer brigade. ‘Efficient, welcoming staff’ are regularly mentioned in dispatches.