A HISTORIC city centre pub which has been shut for eight months has once again opened its doors.

The Paul Pry in The Butts will be open five days a week from Tuesday to Saturday during the day, serving drinks including real ales and pub grub.

Licensee Catherine Ottaway said she was saddened to see the grade two-listed building empty and decided to use her expertise as licensee of the Plough Inn in Fish Street and the Dragon Inn in The Tything to turn its fortunes around.

The pub, which is included in the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) inventory of historic pub interiors, sat empty for two years before it was opened up as a family cafe and restaurant in 2010.

However, time had been called on trade at the 200-year-old building once again before Mrs Ottaway stepped in and opened it up to its first customers on Friday, March 1.

She said: “It is such a lovely old building.

“It was just a shame to see it shut for so long.

“I used to come here as a student some 20 years ago and it was the place to visit.”

Regulars from the Plough and the Dragon have been popping in to visit the pub, which was built in 1901, and Worcester’s landmark joint university and public library is also helping to drive trade.

“The Hive has been a great thing for The Butts, people are walking past on their way to the library and coming in to have something for lunch,” Mrs Ottaway said.

“If we can keep an old building open then it is definitely worth a try.”

Bill Ottaway, Camra press officer for Worcester, said he was confident the new team at the Paul Pry could make a success of the business.

He said: “It’s fantastic to see the Paul Pry open again as a real ale pub which is great for the city and real ale drinkers alike.

“I wish the new licensee Catherine the best of luck.”