A WORCESTERSHIRE pub group has taken over an historic country inn near Stourport-on-Severn, in a deal that it says will ‘breathe new life’ into the once-popular venue.

Pub and restaurant operator Scoff and Quaff has acquired the lease for the Old Beams, a 16th century building situated just off the town’s Dunley Road.

As part of the £150,000 refurbishment programme, they plan to transform the grade two listed inn into a 130-cover gastro pub and launching a new menu that will feature locally-sourced produce.

A newly designed terrace and a new £5,000 stone pizza oven will also be installed before the planned reopening on Friday, April 3.

The takeover will also see the creation of up to 30 jobs as the pub group recruits an experienced team of front-of-house, kitchen, bar and table service staff.

Nick Mossop, director of Scoff and Quaff, said: “The Old Beams is a landmark in Stourport and our aim is to re-establish it as a country inn which locals and visitors to the town can’t wait to try.

“It has fantastic potential.

“We have already started a detailed refurbishment that will breathe new life into the pub – inside and out.

“We are really excited about creating a new-look menu and a comfortable, relaxing pub that appeals to couples, families or people looking to celebrate a special occasion.

“We are also delighted to be offering a variety of new jobs. We want to piece together a great team and I think there are some fantastic career opportunities. It’s important to us that we will be helping to support the local economy when we reopen.”

Mr Mossop, who co-owns the group with fellow directors Stephen Ballard and Brian Hulme, added that once open, the Old Beams will be offering breakfast, lunch and evening menus.

They will also launch a loyalty scheme for customers, an initiative already popular at the group’s other pubs and restaurants.

He added: “We want the Old Beams to be renowned for the quality of its food, the range of drinks on offer, and for its atmosphere. We can’t wait to get going.”

Scoff and Quaff own and operate five pubs and restaurants across Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire.