IT’S only days until the foodies and drinkers can enjoy a pint and nosh at their favourite local pub.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that pubs, bars and restaurants can reopen from Saturday, July 4.

All of the venues will have to put safety measures in place to ensure social distancing can be maintained.

Mark Griffiths, Worcester CAMRA chairman, said he estimates around 50 per cent to 70 per cent of pubs around the city will be re-opening on Saturday. However, the organisation could not provide a list of pubs that are reopening.

Mr Griffiths said he has been talking to Worcester pubs that are struggling.

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He told the Worcester News: “The Cricketers, hit hard by the economic environment, has sadly closed and we know of a few more that we need to confirm.

“Big pub players such as Marstons, Wetherspoons and Greene King pubs generally will be opening on Saturday but with local independent pubs it’s a more mixed picture.

“Small pubs are struggling with strict restrictions on the number of customers they are allowed in their premises and are currently questioning the viability in the opening.

“Pubs that are not quite ready, my good friend Robert Wintrip at the Oil Basin is working hard to get his small premises compliant with the government guidelines.

“Landlords such as Chris at The Bull Baiters Inn wish to open but are being careful and missing Saturday due to safety concerns.”

The Bull Baiters Inn posted on Facebook: “The Bull Baiters Ale and Cider House will NOT be opening on July 4.

“Covid-19 has certainly not gone away and easing lockdown is a commercial rather than a public health decision so we have to remain vigilant.

“Most of you know that I am personally in a particularly vulnerable position so I will, at least, wait to see whether hordes of beer-hungry people force a second lockdown in other, less cautious, pubs.”

Other venues that are reopening include:

  • Ounce Bar & Kitchen, The Tything
  • Horn and Trumpet, Angel Street
  • The Paul Pry, The Butts
  • SUGO and The Lamb & Flag Inn, The Tything
  • The Coach & Horses Worcester, Upper Tything
  • The Old Greyhound , New Street
  • Virgin Tavern, Tolladine Road
  • The Swan New Street
  • Drummonds, New Street
  • Redhill Social club, Foxwell Street
  • Goodrest Tavern, Barker Street

If your pub is reopening, contact grace.walton@newsquest.co.uk and we’ll add your name to the list