ABOUT 250 people flocked to an historic country pub for a first glimpse of the £200,000 month-long refurbishment job.

The Hadley Bowling Green Inn, in Hadley Heath, near Droitwich, was "re-launched" on Wednesday night following a make-over by new owner Richard Everton, who bought the Grade II listed pub freehold in December.

The popular 16th Century country hostelry, which boasts an Elizabethan bowling green and a clay pigeon shoot, was closed during January and re-opened "quietly" about a week ago for a week's settling in following the sympathetic restoration.

The pub now has restaurant seating for 170 people in three different dining areas and a re-vamped bar area, and its 14 bedrooms - including three "cottage style" rooms - are also being refurbished.

Mr Everton, whose family business also owns Browns Restaurant, in Worcester, and the recently-extended Crown & Sandy's pub, in Ombersley, near Worcester, said his aim was to create "a traditional country inn with a bit of a modern twist to it".

"We are very pleased with how it's looking and the aim is to open the doors to as wide an audience as possible," said Mr Everton, adding the weddings and functions market was also part of the strategy.

"I think our pricing and style of operation suggests that," he added.