RESIDENTS looking for a meal or a drink indoors can do so from Monday, when pubs and restaurants in and around Malvern welcome back customers after the Covid lockdown.

From Monday indoor hospitality venues can open once more, providing a timely boost to the industry, which has struggled during the recent poor weather.

Under the government’s Covid guidelines, from May 17 most businesses in all but the highest risk sectors will be able to reopen.

Manager of the Bluebell Inn at Barnards Green, James Grant, said he and all his staff were "delighted" to be opening up again.

He said: "With the weather being so unpredictable, being able to open indoors again is a huge boost.

"We're most looking forward to bringing back our Pub Quiz, as so far we've raised £2,700 for the Midlands Air Ambulance.

"We have a lot of older guests who perhaps don't want to sit outside, so being able to have the option to sit indoors is really important for them and we've had so many messages of support from our regulars who also can't wait to be back.

"From Monday, we're bringing in a new menu, so it is definitely going to be an exciting day."

Mayor of Malvern Cllr Neil Morton also welcomed the news, saying: “I think this will be a massive boost to everyone.

“Everyone I talk to is desperate to be able to sit inside again, as the novelty of sitting outside in the freezing cold with a pint has worn off a bit.

"As well as the pubs, people are just looking forward to being able to go inside to a cafe and have a coffee.

“I am really looking forward to it. It is a welcome sign that things are starting to get back to where they were and gives you a sense of normality returning.”