A POPULAR village pub at the heart of Kempsey near Worcester has reopened after a major refurbishment and creating 10 new jobs.

The Anchor Inn on Main Road was closed for about a month at the start of the year while its owners – Punch Taverns – invested £290,000 on transforming the interior with new floorings, soft furnishings, fixtures and fittings, as well as improved lighting, signs, garden furniture, landscaping and planters outside.

The company’s aim was to create a contemporary, comfortable environment to bring the community together in a local pub with a warm welcome, offering entertainment and serving traditional food and drink. It is planning to launch a new menu in March.

Publican Brynn Hazelwood said: “I’ve lived in the area for seven years and was a regular customer of the Anchor Inn. I could always see its potential and was delighted to be given the opportunity to work with Punch on this major investment.”

Craig Taylor, Punch’s openings manager, said: “Our main priority was to restore the Anchor Inn to its rightful place at the heart of the community, with a clear focus on delivering a great pub experience for local people.

“We’re confident that our customers will be delighted with the refurbishment. It’s still a true local pub with a strong food and drink offer together with a regular programme of events to bring the community together.

“It’s been great to work with Brynn on this investment. The fact that he’s local and knows the area and the community well has been invaluable in shaping our plans for the pub.

“We’re looking forward to continuing to support the team as they build on the launch and develop their plans for the future.”