27th August 2007

Trumpet in Evesham has real spirit and real beer

Sam Cope is the new licensee at the Trumpet in Merstow Green, Evesham, Worcestershire, and she says the pub has spirit. Well in fact Sam reckons the Trumpet has two - she is convinced that a couple kindly ghosts are living in the pub. "Sometimes they are a bit naughty and move something in the cellar or behind the bar, but they've never caused a real problem,” she said. Sam promises a warm welcome to locals and visitors to the historic town of Evesham. She is transforming the pub inside and out - a new menu has been produced and she promises that all the food is home cooked and what it says on the menu is what you get.

The cods is cod and not a lower quality substitute, the lasagne is made to a secret family recipe that has been closely guarded from Dolmio and Ragu’s spies. And she says with a devilish smile - "the cottage pie is made with real Cotswold stone cottages". Inside, an area is being made ready for the pub's many sports fanatics - the active can try darts (the pub has four teams) and pool. The couch potatoes can watch Premier League football on the plasma screen television. Quiz nights happen twice a month and musicians of all styles perform regularly at the Trumpet.

The pub has a wall of fame where the exploits of Dan Dan the Stella man and other customers are charted. Hook Norton beers and a changing series of guest ales feature on the bar. And customers relaxing with a pint or even a cup of coffee can read free daily national and local newspapers. Outside the pretty garden offers a place for families to relax, sitting at the wooden tables.

On Mondays, the normal pub conversations are added to with talk of quads, lats Achilles tendons and training miles as members of a running club stretch and strain prior to a training run before returning to the pub - "some for a pint of Hooky Bitter, "though a lot drink orange squash", says Sam.

Food is served seven days a week from noon till 9pm. "We are a family run, family friendly pub, I just want people to come her and enjoy themselves" said Sam Cope. Situated close to the centre of Evesham's historic heart, the pub offers an ideal place for visitors to the town to chill out.