A HISTORIC pub has re-opened under new owners promising to brew their own ales.

The Paul Pry, on The Butts closed in July last year but The Pope family, which own Pope's Brewing Company in Blackpole, have taken over the site.

The city centre pub re-opened today (Friday) and a restaurant area will be opened next Friday (March 3).

Co-owner Alex Pope said: "We want to renew the old traditions of pubs in Worcester. This is one of the oldest fit for purpose pubs in Worcester.

"Our past is in brewing beer, particularly ales so that will be our main focus, although we will cater for everyone.

"We would like to brew as much as we can on site, at first just for ourselves but we hope to offer takeaway sales for people in the future."

The 200-year old pub shut down under its last owners after just six months after they cited the "recent economic climate" for the closure.

Mr Pope believes that the more youthful look he hopes to create at the Grade II listed building will make the pub a success.

The Pope Family, who sponsored the Worcester Beer Festival two years ago, have kept the old fashioned bar area and a vinyl station.

One of the first through the doors of the pub, Mike Williams said: "We wanted to be the first customers but we were unfortunately beaten.

"In the past we have been here quite often and it was sad to see it shut.

"It is really good to see the pub re-open especially under local owners like the Pope family."

The family secured the lease two weeks ago after approaching the landlord of the pub just before Christmas.

Mr Pope added: "It has been a lot of hard work to get things ready for today, I only slept for two hours last night."

In recent years, the Paul Pry has changed hands several times and has gone through extended periods of closure.