HICKORY'S has thanked regulars who helped them after being hit by recent flooding.

The restaurant based in Cripplegate Park was forced to close over a total of 10 days, on the first occasion for four days, and then the second time for six days.

A spokesman for the restaurant said: "On the night the defences breached, the water kept rising and came right up to the front door.

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"The restaurant was full that night, people had to be piggybacked to get out, with the help of regulars.

"Staff worked hard to keep the restaurant from flooding.

"We lost a lot of stock.

"The garden is ruined, we will have to replant the garden, replace garden furniture. It is an important area for customers, we want to have that reopened by Easter."

The spokesman stressed that the restaurant was now back to normal, after reopening early last week.

Although the restaurant was hit by the flooding, staff did receive some good news last week after scooping a national award.

The pub was crowned Best Brand & Concept at the Publican Awards, held during a glittering ceremony recently in London.

Judges were impressed Hickory’ ethos and brand values.

General manager Emma Humphreys said: "The whole team are so proud of the award.

"It’s so humbling to be recognised nationally and I know the team here in Worcester are all over the moon with the news.

"The local community here have been amazing since we opened and their support during the flood has meant so much to us all.

"We are looking forward to a busy spring and summer and can’t wait to see some familiar faces back in the restaurant."

Hickory's founder Neil McDonnell added: "We are so humbled to receive such a prestigious award.

"It’s been an amazing journey for us so far and this award is really testament to the hard work, dedication, creativity and sheer passion of our team."