A POPULAR Stourport pub will re-open under new ownership on Wednesday, May 11.

Ye Olde Crown Inn, based in Bridge Street, was one of 34 ale houses across the country facing an uncertain future after it was put up for sale by JD Wetherspoon in November last year.

Yet its future was saved by new owners Hawthorn Leisure in April after they acquired it in a transaction that saw the company take control of 11 pubs from JD Weatherpoon’s portfolio.

The pub will now close for four days from Saturday, May 7, ahead of its relaunch with a new menu.

Gerry Carroll, Chief Executive for Hawthorn Leisure, said: "We are delighted to have purchased Ye Olde Crown Inn and welcome staff into the Hawthorn team.

"We have carefully selected our food and drinks menus to ensure we are delivering great offers to valued customers."

Among the changes are a food menu comprising of weekly deals and a return for Sunday lunches, yet all staff will continue after Hawthorn Leisure agreed to retain its current workforce.

Mr Carroll added: "The opening and re-introduction of the Sunday lunch is only the start of a host of activities, events and deals that we have planned for the coming months, all set to deliver a great proposition for locals."