Worcester pubs and restaurants that have been refurbished in lockdown

However, things are starting to look up; as of this Monday (17 May) customers can sit inside pubs and restaurants- or they can stay outside and enjoy some of the areas newly re-vamped gardens.

Some local businesses have made the most of their spare time, making both large and small changes to their indoor and outdoor spaces.

Here are the local pubs and restaurants that have had a makeover during lockdown:

The Holt Fleet, Holt Heath

The Holt Fleet caused quite a stir on social media when it revealed its new VIP 12 seater river pod.

VIP 12 seater river pod (Photo: The Holt Fleet)

In total, it now has 12 river pods which customers can hire.  

They all boast views of the river and are in a great position if you want to enjoy food or drink with a view.

Four and six seaters cost £20 to hire- and for this price you get full table linen, blankets and cushions

You also get a bottle of Prosecco a jug of Pimms or a jug of lager

The 12 seater VIP pod is £50 to hire with two bottles of Prosecco or Pimms or lager or a mix-and-match.

A spokesman for the company said: “We originally saw the river pods on a Facebook page during the first lockdown. 

We ordered four  to see how they would appeal to our customers when we were allowed to reopen on July 4, 2020.

They were an instant hit, especially with all the government guidelines hospitality has had to follow so we purchased three more.

(Facebook/ @theholtfleet)

“Upon opening after the latest lockdown we now have 11 and now also our VIP 12 seater River pod available to hire

"Customers love them they are great in any weather which is ideal for British summertime.”

Horn and Trumpet Worcester, Angel Street

The Horn and Trumpet looks like the place to be for the Euros and other sporting events.

As well as seven additional televisions they have also installed a 100 inch television; new carpets have also been fitted throughout.

The Old Greyhound, New Street

This pub has been painted throughout, with brand new lights, pictures and two new televisions. 

(Facebook/@TheOldbutNewGreyhound)

Posting to Facebook, the pub wrote: "We’ve had the paint brushes out once again to brighten the place up!

"We’ve even put up an extra TV for all the sports that we show, plus extra pictures and sports memorabilia. Can’t wait to welcome you all back in May."

The Paul Pry, The Butts

Plenty of tweaks and changes have been made to The Paul Pry pub.

(Facebook/ @paulprywr1)

However, one of the most notable changes comes from the artwork which now adorns the walls.

Local artist, Catt Standen Artist is behind the creations.

Posting to Facebook, the pub wrote: “She is the talented artist behind our new Worcester map feature wall in the bar that a load of you commented on last night!

“… she’s done a few bits around the pub for us since we first opened as we just love her style!”

(Facebook/ @paulprywr1)

One of her creations is the Worcester map feature wall that is situated in the bar.

The Boot Inn, Radford Road

Before and after renovations (Photo: Boot Inn)

The Boot Inn has a fresh new look and their new and improved ‘Boot Room’ is not to be missed.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We have made quite a few changes over the past year whilst in lockdown.

“We removed the pool table and fruit machines to create our ‘Boot Room’ which is a relaxing space with sofas.

“Our bar has had a complete makeover. New paint, furnishings and fireplaces. We landscaped the front garden , removed all the overgrown shrubs and created a lovely garden area for when we could only open outdoors. I have a few photos if you need any

The Talbot Tything. Barbourne Road

(Facebook/ @talbot.barbourne)

The Talbot Tything’s changes might seem minor- but they will mean a huge deal to sports fans and those hoping to watch games on the big screen.

It has installed 82 inch 4k HD TVs around the pub.

Posting to Facebook, the pub wrote: “While we've been shut we've been getting upgrades for the pub!

“Say hello to the new TVs we have ready for the Champions League Final, Europa League Final and the Euros.”

The Wheatsheaf Pub, St Johns

Tony Gibbon owns The Wheatsheaf pub in St John’s and his pub has been closed since the last lockdown- and he has made some refurbishments and changes since then.

He said: “We have refurbished the inside of the pub and spent the time repainting everything.

“I’ve had a rethink as well, the whole dynamic in pubs has changed over the last 12 months – outside areas are crucial now as is making the most of what you have indoors, and showcasing local artists’ work.”

He added: “We are now displaying local artists work on the walls and have new furniture- also, our new and improved terrace will be re-opening in the coming days.”

Berkeley Arms, St Johns

(Facebook/Berkeley Arms)

Ashley Walton is the leaseholder of the Berkeley Arms pub in St John’s, Worcester, which he took over in July.

he said: “During the lockdown from January to April we did four months of refurbishing, including the garden and the car park.

“There’s electric heating out there now, and we’ve redecorated the pub inside and out. 

“Before, the clientele were generally older, but since we’ve taken over it’s completely changed; we get a lot of families in with kids on the weekends, as well as a younger audience, people in their 40s and the older generation as well.”

The bar, lounge and snug have been redecorated for functions and guests can also look forward to brand new toilets. 

Impasto, St Swithin's Street

This is one of the Worcester's newest restaurants officially opening in February.

However, we have been in lockdown since then so people haven't been able to see the pizzeria's interiors and renovations. 

(Facebook/@impastoworcester )

This pizzeria's indoor seating area opened for the first time yesterday (18 May).

The interiors look incredibly chic and modern.