THIS beautiful pub in the heart of Elgar country is a symphony of sight, sound and taste which promises a premier fine dining experience in an idyllic spot.
At first glance, what impresses most about The Dewdrop Inn in Bell Lane, Lower Broadheath is the colossal amount of effort that has gone into crafting the interior - and it does not miss a single note.
This must rank among the most jaw-dropping interiors of any pub in Worcestershire and its many fine decorative touches pays tribute to the area's unique connections to one of the county's most celebrated sons, Sir Edward Elgar. It is slick, polished and elegant like a finely tuned instrument.
Everything seems to work together in perfect harmony like the musicians in an orchestra at one with the vision of their conductor. If it's not overstepping the mark, one cannot help but think the great man himself would have approved.
Portraits of the composer adorn the walls and everywhere there are virtuoso nods to the world of music including violins mounted on the walls. But the musical connection does not stop there - the Dewdrop plays host to a modern musical talent, 33-year-old Emma MacLaren.
She is part of the front of house team but also a professional singer in her own right who will be singing at Love Night on Wednesday, November 27.
Elgar was born just a stone's throw from the pub and restaurant in Lower Broadheath and many on a pilgrimage to The Firs, his birthplace, continue to visit the Dewdrop.
However, this pub is not merely a proverbial 'pretty face' and it is for food which the family-run Dewdrop has forged its reputation and attracted a loyal customer following.
The pub has a 4.5 rating on Trip Advisor after 308 reviews and 4.7 rating on Google after 467 reviews, something staff say they have worked hard to achieve and maintain and are rightly proud of.
Ed Burgoyne, one of the managers said the pub had been under the care of his family for the last decade and the team itself was an extended family.
"People really enjoy coming to work here. The most important part of the business is the people - that's who our customers come to see," he said.
The 24-year-old said Azolo Tawfiq, the general manager, had earned a reputation as an excellent host and team of 38 staff prided themselves on the customer service they offered.
"He makes everyone who comes here feel like family," said Mr Burgoyne who is originally from St John's in Worcester.
The pub and restaurant was taken over by Peter Burgoyne, Ed's dad.
"We have high end, high calibre food. We like to think of it as fine dining in a pub atmosphere. We have a very strong following of people who dine with us, week in and week out," said Ed Burgoyne.
The quality of the dining experience is in no small part down to two experienced head chefs, John Goodby and Stuart Foreman, who help bring 'well crafted pub classics' and roast dinners to the fore.
The Sunday roasts are particularly popular and the Dewdrop typically sits between 150 and 250 people every Sunday.
"We like to think we have the best Sunday roast in Worcestershire," said Mr Burgoyne.
All the ingredients are locally sourced from Knightwick Butchers and Three Counties Produce. 'Supporting local businesses' is a big part of the ethos of the Dewdrop.
However, because of its location, out in the broad sweep of the Worcestershire countryside, not everyone is aware of the Dewdrop and, despite a loyal following, staff are keen to see new faces through the doors.
Mr Burgoyne described the Dewdrop as a 'hidden gem' but is keen that new visitors should have the opportunity to savour its sparkle.
Some of the food on offer includes a grill and burger menu (10oz rib eye or rump steaks, a marinated pork steak, lemon, thyme and garlic chicken breast) and a main course menu (including fish of the day, smoked feather blade of beef, roast breast of Gressingham duck, pan fried chicken supreme, ale battered haddock and chips, Korean Galbi-jjim, the Dewdrop pout pie and more).
A range of small plates and sharing dishes are also available and there is a specials menu too.
The lounge area was enhanced about a year and a half ago by interior designer Kwan Pitman but shaped to the specifications of the owner while the carpets and flooring were created by Jamie Marshman of JGM Carpets and Flooring.
An orangery is available to book for parties, wakes, Christenings and other social occasions.
The Dewdrop has nine rooms as part of a bed and breakfast and a large garden which, though now covered in a shroud of snow, is described as being 'gorgeous in summer'.
A customer, Dick Hinton of Leigh Sinton, is one of those who appreciates the Dewdrop's quality.
He said: "The garden is beautiful and the staff are both friendly and efficient. I just feel comfortable here."
Not all the customers are here for fine dining. When I'm there a gentleman arrives for a coffee.
One of the perks for the customer is that the Dewdrop is open seven days a week and a much wider range of hours than many pubs because of the other aspects of the business.
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Food is served between noon and 8.30pm Monday to Thursday, between noon and 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays and between noon and 7pm on Sundays.
Because the pub is independent they can get in the beers they want and customers love.
When I visit, there are Wye Valley Brewery beers on - Butty Bach and HPA. Also served are Carling, Purity Bunny Hop, Peroni and Stowford Press apple cider as well as a wide range of wines, sprits and a wide selection of hot and cold drinks. The Guinness, says Mr Burgoyne, is worthy of special mention.
Though he remains somewhat mysterious when pressed, he maintains they have discovered 'the secret of pulling the best pint of Guinness'. The Irish among you may wish to put this to the test but certainly a down-to-earth Mr Burgoyne does not seem to have kissed the proverbial Blarney Stone.
But don't take my word for it. You need to experience the Dewdrop for yourselves.
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