LOCKDOWN is hard, and we are all missing a trip to the pub.

With restrictions seemingly carrying on until the spring, we have put together our list of five Malvern pubs we can't wait to go back to once they re-open.

1: The Nag's Head - Malvern

Situated at the foot of the Malvern Hills, the Nag's Head is one of the best watering holes in the area.

An independent "proper" pub, the atmosphere and service offered makes it a welcome rest stop for walkers on their way down from the hills.

In December, it was named in the Good Pub Guide's best 10 pubs in the country. Prestigious recognition for one of Malvern's most popular pubs.

2: The Bluebell Inn - Barnards Green

In 2020, Malvern Gazette readers chose the Bluebell as their Pub of the Year, with readers praising its atmosphere, food and friendly staff.

Readers’ praise included that The Bluebell has a great atmosphere and is a “wonderful community pub”.

One voter wrote: “Welcoming, cosy, and fab food, reasonable priced. The pub is involved in many fundraising events for community charities.”

Among its successful events are its regular quiz nights and themed celebrations including Oktoberfest, which raise vital funds for local charities and are a great night out.

3: The Wyche Inn - Malvern

The Wyche is one of Malvern's best-loved drinking spots, and another of the fine independent pubs boasted by the area.

As with the Bluebell, the Wyche is another Pub of the Year winner, having taken home the prize in 2018.

Winning twice as many votes as the second-placed pub, The Wyche Inn was the clear winner

With a great selection of ales and food, the pub in Wyche Road was praised by both regular customers and less frequent visitors.

All of the independently-run pub’s real ales are sourced from microbreweries and all of the meat used is supplied by D.T. Waller and Sons butchers in Ledbury.

4: The Green Dragon - Guarlford Road

Another previous Pub of the Year nominee, popular across Malvern, is the Green Dragon in Guarlford Road.

Shortlisted for the POTY award in 2019, readers praised it for its community feel and friendly staff.

One reader who nominated it was reader Jane Brooks, who said: "This is a lovely pub with a friendly landlord and landlady. It has nice food and a good atmosphere."

With regular live music and events (before the coronavirus pandemic) and a good selection of beers, the Dragon is another of the area's best-loved pubs.

5: The Blue Bell - Callow End

The fifth pub in our list is the recently-reopened Blue Bell in Callow End.

Recently taken over by landlord Keith Swingler, who has been in the hospitality industry for 14 months, and has been running another pub in Ledbury, the Brewery Inn.

A few changes have been made to the pub - such as a new menu and coffee machine.

A jukebox has been fitted along with traditional chairs and tables to fit the theme and new 50-inch TVs with Sky and BT for sports fans in the village.