WORCESTER’S bars and restaurants are featured in the current edition of the men’s fashion magazine GQ.

The Neighbourhood section of its February edition describes Worcester as having “a genuine sense of swagger – with new bars and restaurants a palpable sign of regeneration – and a fresh generation of entrepreneurs is creating a vibrant alternative to the more resolutely urban hot spots of the Midlands”.

The Worcester venues include the Brick Room in New Street, which is noted for its cocktails; The Firefly in Lowesmoor, which offers a cheery atmosphere and unusual beers; and a trio of bars in Foregate Street – Tonic, No 35 and Bolero, which GQ says offers some of the finest food in the city.

The magazine’s reviewer concedes that Worcester’s Achilles heel is in the hotel sector and had to travel to The Wood Norton, near Evesham, for up-market accommodation and fine dining. By contrast, the reviewer also made a visit to The Crown & Sandys at Ombersley for an impressive lunch.

Of course the locals know there are many more excellent eating places in Worcester depending upon your taste, but it is satisfying to know the city’s eateries received such praise from this high profile magazine.