A pub without good banter has no soul so it is fortunate that this fun and friendly boozer has it in spades whether you're a familiar face or a stranger, stepping inside for the first time.

The New Chequers Inn is a large pub in Astwood Road in Worcester and is now undergoing something of a revival since it was taken over by a husband and wife team eight weeks ago.

This is a  is a place that prides itself on the quality of its craic and the friendliness of its staff and I'm greeted warmly by landlord, Gareth Hughes, a gregarious Welshman from Swansea who, like his customers, feels the place has already turned a corner. 

Mr Hughes and landlady Donna Hughes want to see more customers through the doors of this palatial mock Tudor pub and are doing all they can to bring it back to its best.

SATISFIED: Frank McAuley enjoys a pint at the New Chequers Inn in Astwood Road, Worcester SATISFIED: Frank McAuley enjoys a pint at the New Chequers Inn in Astwood Road, Worcester (Image: James Connell/Newsquest photos)

Their efforts appear to be working as regular Frank McAuley, 77, who has been coming here for around 30 years is impressed by how it is being run.

"It's a nice friendly pub. The beer is good and it's good value," he said.

Now, back to that banter. Rumour has it that one customer returned from the toilet to sip his pint only to find that some form of strange alchemy had occurred and he could not imbibe the no doubt refreshing beverage.

Apparently some joker had put clingfilm over the top of the glass. This is the sort of banter it is hard to come by these days.

SPACE: The New Chequers Inn in Astwood Road in Worcester must be one of the city's larger pubs SPACE: The New Chequers Inn in Astwood Road in Worcester must be one of the city's larger pubs (Image: James Connell/Newsquest photos)

This sort of quality craic brings me back to the good old days when my mates bundled me into the ladies toilets at the Red Cow in Slough and barricaded the door with bar stools in 2004. 

When I visit it is the day of Donald Trump's thumping election victory. One customer arrives and adds his analysis of the result but immediately apologies for having an opinion in typically British fashion.

LARGE: The beer harden at the New Chequers Inn has plenty of space during the spring and summer months LARGE: The beer harden at the New Chequers Inn has plenty of space during the spring and summer months (Image: James Connell/Newsquest photos)

"Sorry, I know I shouldn't talk politics. But you have got it on the TV to be fair," he says with a grin, glancing up at the big screen where a beaming Trump is basking in the full glow of victory. 

Barroom politics aside, Mr Hughes, 48, is clear on his brief. "We have come to try and revive the pub," he said.

POOL: The New Chequers Inn has a pool table and plenty of seating POOL: The New Chequers Inn has a pool table and plenty of seating (Image: James Connell/Newsquest photos)

A pub quiz takes place on Thursday nights at 7.30pm, the pool team meets on Tuesdays and live music returned on Friday, something they want to bring back and make a real feature at the pub.

 The New Chequers is part of the Star Pubs family and sells a wide range of beers, lagers, ciders and spirits.

On offer when I visited was Cruzcampo, Carling, Guinness, Bira Moretti, various Strongbow ciders and John Smiths.

HIRE: The large function room at The New Chequers is available for hireHIRE: The large function room at The New Chequers is available for hire (Image: James Connell/Newsquest photos)

Mr Hughes said: "People are telling me the pub is getting back to what it used to be, a busy and popular pub. Sunday in the day is best as we have football on. Customers like the banter. There's no trouble in here. It's an old school pub where you can have a pint and a laugh."

He added: "We are looking to the future. We are looking to regenerate the place and would love to welcome old faces and new. We're a very friendly local pub and new customers are welcome."

The pub is also open every day: Monday, noon until 9pm; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday noon until 10; Friday and Saturday noon until 11pm; Sunday noon until 9pm.

CHOICE: The bar at The New Chequers Inn in Astwood Road in Worcester CHOICE: The bar at The New Chequers Inn in Astwood Road in Worcester (Image: James Connell/Newsquest photos)

They also aim to show the Six Nations Championship Rugby in the spring but, for the moment it is all premiership football. 

RECOMMENDED READING: Fruiterers Arms Uphampton is hidden gem pub with cheap beer

RECOMMENDED READING: Eagle Vaults in Friar Street flies high for breakfasts

The pub is dog friendly and children are welcome in the day but must leave by 6.30pm. Though the business does not serve food, a wide variety of bar snacks are available.

The pub, which is served by a large car park at the back, has a large bar and lounge and a function room for hire, games machines and a pool table.

We have previously reported how the pub opened on Friday, May 18 1928. One of the curious features of the pub is the so-called 'mystery window' in the upper floor of the building which can be glimpsed outside from the car park. 

Nobody quite knows where it leads or what is on the other side or if there could be some secret room within the pub.