ONE of Worcester's top restaurants has held a business briefing to discover exactly what companies in the city centre want from a dining establishment.

Brown's Restaurant, on South Quay, was taken over by Evertons of Ombersley last September and managing director Richard Everton is keen to connect with the business community.

"We are business people as well as restaurateurs and we are keen to work with the business community," said Mr Everton, who also owns the Hadley Bowling Green pub, in Hadley Heath, near Droitwich, and holds the lease on the Crown & Sandy's pub, in Ombersley, near Worcester.

Menu

"We have introduced a new mid-week lunchtime menu that is lighter and quicker so people can get back to work. We have also introduced a pre-ordering service where people can fax through their orders in advance. This is in addition to our a la carte and table d'hote menus."

Mr Everton said even though people may want to while away a few hours looking over the River Severn, it was not feasible for many busy working people.

"At lunch time it's the speed thing more than anything. They haven't got three hours spare for a big meal."

Evertons is well-known for its wine wholesaling business and its delicatessen, in Ombersley, near Worcester, and started branching out into the on-trade about four years ago.

Its most recent acquisition is the Crown @ Martley, in Martley, near Worcester, which has been acquired on a lease agreement with Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries.

A £300,000 face-lift is due to start next month, with the opening scheduled for October.