AROUND 10 new jobs could be created in Worcester following the refurbishment of an historic bar and restaurant . The Kings Head in Sidbury has been transformed after its owners completed a £70,000 overhaul, which includes the revamping of a new covered outdoor area alongside contemporary lighting, a complete redecoration and new furniture. The revamp has also seen extensive renovations to the pub’s kitchen and washrooms with new outdoor seating and tables added to its canal side patio area. To coincide with the re-opening of the historic venue, which became a licensed premise in the mid-17th century, a new menu has also been launched as its owners look to attract more people to the bar and its first-floor restaurant.

It is the biggest of three refurbishments the pub has undergone in the seven years since it was acquired by the Worcester-based restaurant group, Scoff & Quaff. Co-owner Stephen Ballard, from Scoff & Quaff, said: “It’s great to have the King’s Head back open and the early feedback, both about the décor and the new menu, has been first-class. Our aim with the refurbishment was to give a modern, relaxed feel to the Kings Head, both inside and in the garden. We’ve achieved that but also kept with the traditions and history of the building. The refurbishment represents a sizeable investment. But we do it because we are always looking to improve and offer the best place possible to eat, drink and relax in Worcester.”

Brian Hulme, also from Scoff & Quaff, added that he is keen to promote the Kings Head as a venue for business meetings and lunches and wants to play a part in helping the city’s economy to grow. He added: “The pub is in a great location just on the outskirts of the city centre and is flexible enough to host a variety of private and corporate events. We’re expecting the business to grow over the next 12 months and in turn I hope we will be able to offer around 10 new jobs, adding to the 30-strong team we already have at the Kings Head."

Mr Hulme added that Scoff & Quaff, which is co-owned by himself, Mr Ballard and Nick Mossop, are ‘actively considering’ opportunities to acquire other Worcestershire pubs to add to their growing portfolio. The trio have grown the business since its formation in 2007 and now operate six venues across Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Gloucestershire, employing some 250 people. Aside from the Kings Head they also own The Swan at Whittington, The Crown & Sandys in Ombersley, The Ewe & Lamb in Bromsgrove, The Leopard at Bishops Tachbrook, near Leamington and Cheltenham’s The Tivoli.