The Paul Pry on The Butts in Worcester is a nationally recognised Grade II listed Victorian public house. Designed by architect Frederick Hughes and rebuilt in 1901, it was originally intended to serve the busy local cattle market. Today, it is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved interior and its unusual namesake, a notorious comic character.
Origins and Name
The pub takes its name from Paul Pry, the meddlesome, eavesdropping and gossiping character from John Poole’s hugely successful 1825 comedy. His famous catchphrase, “I hope I don’t intrude”, became widely known throughout Britain. The site has operated as a licensed premises since at least the 1830s, beginning life as a beer shop before obtaining its first full victualler’s licence in 1856.
The 1901 Rebuild
The distinctive wedge-shaped red-brick building standing today was completed in 1901. It is regarded as a rare and important survival of late Victorian pub architecture and has been awarded CAMRA’s highest rating for national historic significance.
Stepping inside offers a glimpse of a bygone era, with many original features still intact, including:
- A striking entrance hall with a terrazzo floor and multi-coloured floor-to-ceiling tiling.
- An almost completely unaltered drinking room on the right-hand side, featuring original mahogany bar fittings, mirrors and columns.
- A traditional Victorian fireplace, panelled dado and Lincrusta-moulded ceilings.
Recent History
In 2017, the pub was taken over by the local Pope family, founders of Pope’s Brewing Company. Under the stewardship of Alex Pope, it became a popular destination for local ales, craft gins and food sourced from the family’s own farm. Following Alex Pope’s tragic death in early 2024, the Worcester community rallied around the family, helping to safeguard the future of this much-loved historic pub.
Today
The Paul Pry remains one of Worcester’s most distinctive heritage pubs, combining historic character with a warm, traditional atmosphere, alongside quality locally sourced food and drink.
