FOODIES will be able to return to restaurants this Saturday as the coronavirus lockdown restrictions are slowly eased.

The Worcester News is putting together a list of restaurants which will be reopening this weekend, and asks any not yet on the list to email grace.walton@newsquest.co.uk to be added.

Balti Mahal, Astwood Road, has continued to deliver food throughout lockdown and will welcome customers through its doors on Saturday, July 4.

Manager Mazedul Shakil said: “We feel rather emotional seeing our reservation book filled with names of our lovely customers.

“Three months ago, we didn’t know whether we would even open again or whether we could even survive until now.”

Here is a list of the eateries reopening, which will be updated as more restaurants announce they are opening:

  • Miller and Carter, Worcester
  • Massalla Lounge, Broad Street
  • The Olive Branch, Church Street
  • Hickory's Smokehouse Worcester, Tybridge Street

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

Amongst the eateries not reopening on Saturday is Chesters Restaurant and Bar in New Street.

They posted on Facebook: “After much thought and consideration we have decided we will NOT be opening for dine in service on Saturday 4th July.

“Whilst our door remains open for takeaway collections (and we are still on just eat) we want to make sure that when we do open fully as a restaurant that we do it in the right way, in the safest way, for both our staff and for you, our customers.”

Valentinos Restaurant in Foregate Street will re-open for takeaways only.

Staff posted on Facebook: “Here at Valentinos our upmost concern is the safety of our staff and customers.

“From Saturday the 4th July we will be open for TAKEAWAYS ONLY. We will inform you all soon on when our doors are open again for in-house dining, but for now we appreciate your patience during this transitional period.”

Friar Street Kitchen are planning on reopening on July 16.