AN historic Worcester pub is re-opening this week after a refurbishment gave it a new lease of life.

The Goodrest Tavern in Barker Street will re-open on Friday after been closed since last month for a refurbishment.

Craig Davis, from Worcester, has taken over the running of the pub and is overseeing the re-opening.

He said: “After experiencing first-hand the concern over the closure of The Goodrest, I’m thrilled to be working with Hawthorn Leisure to recreate this true community hub.

“As a Worcester local myself, it feels great to be able to give this pub the new lease of life it deserves.

“I’d also like to thank Hawthorn Leisure for their incredible support throughout this process.”

The Goodrest was left without a landlord in November 2017, and residents feared that was the end of their community hub.

READ MORE: Pubgoers fear for Goodrest's future as landlord leaves

The pub’s future was secured when Hawthorne Leisure and NewRiver took over the site, opening the Co-Op in the Goodrest’s excess parking area.

Hawthorn Leisure also put in £100,000 to help Mr Davis bring the pub back to life.

Believed to have been built in the 1940s, The Goodrest was in desperate need of repair.

Improvements to the pub include them showing live sport in a new, modern lounge bar.

The garden has also been brought back to life with the addition of a children’s play area and a new outdoor heated seating area, which is open year-round.

Mr Davis has also has incorporated a variety of activities for guests to enjoy, including a family games room and facilities to support skittles, pool and darts teams.

Managing director of operations at Hawthorn Leisure, Mark McGinty, said: “We’re delighted by the enthusiasm demonstrated by Craig and his vision for The Goodrest.

“As a Worcestershire local, he understands the community’s values and his experience of running pubs in Worcester over the last 15 years is second to none.

“At Hawthorn Leisure we’re always ready to support partners that are energetic and show a particular zest for the industry, and we’ve found that in Craig.”

Charitable events that have become a regular occurrence at The Goodrest will also continue when it re-opens on November 22.