THE newly-refurbished Foley Arms Hotel opened its doors earlier this week.

Customers were welcomed to the J D Wetherspoon pub and hotel from 7am on Tuesday (December 7).

The £2.2 million re-development of the former coaching inn has retained much of its Georgian character and the crest above the door.

Manager Chris Symmonds said: “We certainly expect it to be busy in the run up to Christmas. It’s a big project but I am looking forward to it.”

Mr Symmonds has 13 years experience of working at J D Wetherspoon pubs having started at the Postal Order, in Foregate Street, Worcester. He has since worked across the Black Country and in North Shropshire and Banbury.

The pub now features a bar on each of its floors with 23 ensuite bedrooms located upstairs and has created 62 jobs.