PUBS and restaurants across Worcestershire will re-open their doors today after months of being shut due to coronavirus.

Landlords and managers across the county have introduced strict 'Covid secure' measures to make their businesses as safe as possible for customers.

Visitors can expect to see limits on the number of customers at one time, signs, floor markings, one-way walkways and new ways of placing your order.

Despite this, some people have said they don't believe it will be safe to go to the pub, which prompted The Anchor Inn in Malvern to respond: “Seeing a lot of posts regarding pubs reopening and lots of comments off people saying they will not be returning to the pubs. What makes you think it’s safe to go to supermarkets, beaches etc but not to the pub?

“We are under a lot stricter rules than the shops have, therefore making it a much safer environment.

“Once you’ve stood in a queue to get in a supermarket it’s pretty much a ‘free for all to do as they please.’

“No one is inside forcing you to stick to the arrows/one way systems. However in the pub you will be seated at least 1m away from others…

“All surfaces will be cleaned regularly, and once tables are empty they will be cleaned and sanitised for the next customers to use.

“Plus, we have a very limited capacity.

“We have VERY strict rules to adhere to and most of us will be operating at only 1/3 of our usual capacity.

“So, please, think before you turn your back on us so soon. Give your local a chance to show you everything they are doing to ensure your safety. We’ve been there with you all through the good times and celebrations, so help us with these difficult times and show your support.”

Go to www.worcesternews.co.uk to see the pubs that have reopened.

Our Love Local Business campaign encourages our readers to spend their money locally to help traders recover from lockdown. Launched by the Worcester News and sister titles Malvern Gazette and Evesham Journal, our campaign profiles businesses online and in print.

Campaign sponsors now include Crowngate Shopping Centre, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Worcester BID, Visit Worcester, Tom Cook Carpets and Worcester City Council, as well as the University of Worcester.

Any business which wants to be featured, contact Dale Godliman on 01905 742372 or dale.godliman@localiq.co.uk

Here’s a round-up of the pubs and restaurants reopening today:

• The Oak Apple, Spetchley Road

• The New Inn, Claines

• Horn and Trumpet, Angel Street

• The Paul Pry, The Butts

• SUGO and The Lamb & Flag Inn, The Tything

• The Coach & Horses Worcester, Upper Tything

• The Old Greyhound, New Street

• Virgin Tavern, Tolladine Road

• The Swan, New Street

• Drummonds, New Street

• Redhill Social club, Foxwell Street

• Goodrest Tavern, Barker Street

• The Blackpole Inn, Blackpole Road

• The Imperial Tavern, St Nicholas Street

• Farriers Arms, Fish Street

• Mode Sports Bar, Angel place

• Toby Carvery, Bath Road

• Bottles wine bar & merchants- Worcester

• The Feathers Worcester

• The Royal Oak, Broadwas

• The Masons, Wadborough

• Slug and Lettuce, The Cross

• Ounce Bar and Kitchen, The Tything, will open from 12pm on Saturday

• M&S Worcester café

• Spice Fusion Droitwich

• Balti Mahal, Astwood Road

• Miller and Carter, Worcester

• Massalla Lounge, Broad Street

• The Olive Branch, Church Street

• Hickory’s Smokehouse Worcester, Tybridge Street

• Commandery Coffee, Didbury

• Poppins Restaurant, Foregate Street

• Café Cadena, The Cross

• The Holt Fleet, Holt Heath