HOSPITALITY businesses are looking forward to "Freedom Day" - when Covid restrictions are finally lifted.

From July 19, face masks are no longer required and pubs no longer need to provide only table service.

Despite this though, one Malvern pub is continuing with the system as is.

The Bluebell in Barnards Green will be continuing with table service, with manager James Grant saying it provides a nicer experience to diners.

He said: "We are going to stick with the current system and go with table service inside and out.

"It is a much nicer experience for our guests compared with standing at the bar in a big queue.

"It is a slightly more personal experience too to have table service, and there are also people who might not be comfortable with going up to the bar and ordering, so we have to think of them too.

"We used to get great long queues with people coming from outside to order, so it just makes more sense."

Mr Grant also confirmed the Bluebell will be welcoming back live music from "Freedom Day" along with regular events to raise money for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

From Friday, July 23, local bands will again be performing at the pub, with a charity auction on July 31 at 10am with prizes including a signed Worcestershire CCC cricket bat, a tour of the Morgan car factory and much more.

Elsewhere in Malvern, the Old Con Club bar will be reverting back to the old system, with manager Joe Warriner saying he too is excited for restrictions to be lifted.

He said: "We are most certainly looking forward to serving from the bar and freedom day.

"Great Malvern Hotel is kindly donating some barstools to us and we very much look forward to chatting to people at the bar.

"Although there are some benefits to table service, a return to normality will be much welcomed.

"Seeing as we are such a large space it will be nice for people to wander round and mingle.

"Considering the situation that we have been in, things are going pretty well.

"I’d like to think that more people will be visiting us, and we aim to have big old party on July 31 when local band “Dead Dads Club” can play to a full capacity crowd.

"Tickets are available via the event on our Facebook page."