Tewkesbury. An amalgamation of historic buildings from the 15th and 18th centuries, originally known as The Crown during the time of Henry VIII, later the New Inn, and then the Hop Pole. The "Royal" part of the name was added after a visit from Princess Mary of Teck (later Queen Mary), Royal Consort to George V, in 1891. The pub's historical significance was cemented by its mention in Charles Dickens' first novel "The Pickwick Papers".

The entrance has an ornate portico dating from 1921, having replaced a wide gateway leading to the yard and the stables at the rear. Above the portico is the royal coat of arms of Princess Mary. Inside features lots of wood paneling (check out the carved figures on the bar back) and a Medieval Banqueting Hall uncovered during recent restorations. In the rear is a beer garden which leads to the banks of the Avon River, with picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and the Malverns. A J.D. Wetherspoon pub, there was an impressive selection of beers from Ruddles (Suffolk), Hop Union (Bristol), North Cotswold (Moreton-In-Marsh), and Mauldons (Suffolk) Breweries. Lots of tasting done here!