PUBS in Worcester faced a rather grim Bank Holiday Monday with rain threatening to wash out trade.

Despite this, landlords who kept their pubs open say the business was good regardless.

Nigel Smith, landlord of both The Cardinal's Hat in Worcester and The Fleece Inn at Bretforton, said they remained open, but that he was still looking forward to May 17 when they will be able to allow customers in.

He said: "We were definitely quieter than normally on a Bank Holiday, but because we have a lot of cover, we were able to remain open.

"Because of the heaters and coverings, the decision to stay open was definitely worthwhile.

"We do takeaway too so even if people didn't want to sit down, they could take food away.

"Although it was fairly quiet, it wasn't unusual for a Bank Holiday because we do usually get some unusual weather."

Mr Smith added everyone at the two pubs he runs was looking forward to May 17.

He added: "It is going to be really important for the industry when people can come back in.

"Hopefully the weather will be a bit nicer too by then, so people can sit outside or inside.

"The reopening is all good news for the industry as we all need to get back on our feet.

"We have invested in technology to help keep people safe - the first few weeks back were extraordinarily busy.

"We had the same amount of visitors as we normally would in an August weekend in both pubs.

"I think people were understandably keen to get out after lockdown and to enjoy themselves.

"Even with this, we keep one eye on covid-safety at all times."

Not all pubs opened however, with rain and strong winds hitting the county for much of the day.

In Worcester, the Alma Tavern did not welcome alfresco diners due to the inclement weather, but did remain open for deliveries and takeaways.

A post on the pub's Facebook page said: "Due to the weather we have too the decision to close alfresco, but we are doing deliveries and collections until 2pm."

Also in Worcester, the Olive Branch in Church Street could not open due to the weather, with the restaurant posting on Facebook to let customers know.

The Bluebell Inn at Barnards Green was another affected by the adverse weather, with the outdoor seating at the pub having to be closed on both Monday and Tuesday.

A post on their Facebook page said: "Due to the poor weather again and lack of sheltered seating, we have made the decision to stay closed today.

"We are in the process of contacting guests who are booked in to rearrange. Apologies for any inconvenience."

The rest of this week will see more of the inconsistent weather experienced in Worcester over the last week.

Intermittent sun and showers will dominate most of the weather, with more uncertainty likely for anyone planning to eat outside this week.

Thursday will start with patchy cloud and sunny spells, with a scattering of showers.

Showers will become more frequent in the afternoon.

Friday morning will be mostly dry with plenty of sunshine, but some heavy showers will develop in the afternoon. Turning cloudier from the southwest overnight.

Heavy rain will move in on Saturday morning, but clear to the east later.