ONE of Worcester's most popular riverside stop-offs finally reopens on June 21 – under a new general manager.

Debra Jones has been in place at the Diglis House Hotel for a matter of weeks, preparing to open again after months of Covid restrictions.

Like the King Charles II pub in the city, the hotel opted against opening for outdoor service only in April and under the limitations for indoor service set out by the government in May.

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“During that time the business, like many others, took the opportunity to reevaluate,” said the new boss.

“We opened up last summer but we found reopening partly was not beneficial for us as a business, we felt we would need to reopen fully.

“There was also the possibility hanging over us of the government changing restrictions at any time so it was a business decision not to reopen on May 17 and to wait until June 21.

“We will open on June 21 with or without restrictions, we will follow all the guidelines but we will not remain closed any longer.

“Hospitality is all about looking after people and offering good quality service, that’s what we’re good at and that’s what we want to get back to.

“We took the decision not to open in May but everyone has geared towards this date now and we are going to for it come what may.”

Asked whether there had been any regrets over not reopening in May on the back of good weather making the riverside busy during the past few weeks, Mrs Jones replied: “The Diglis thrives on good weather, it is an attraction for the people of Worcester and farther afield, and we love to see the garden and business thriving.

“At the time it was the right decision for the hotel but it will be onwards and upwards from the 21st.”

As well as offering a picturesque place for food and drinks for locals, the Diglis has 28 rooms built in the grounds overlooking the River Severn or the hotel's grounds with Mrs Jones looking forward to business as usual once more.

“I am extremely excited,” she added.

“The Diglis is such a well-known and beautiful hotel and I cannot wait to get started, open up and continue to provide good food and good service in wonderful surroundings for all our customers.”