A PUB in Northwick that has undergone a dramatic £300,000 transformation has finally opened its doors to excited customers.

Over the last 12 months, intrigued customers have been tapping at the windows and doors of The Vine, Ombersley Road, Northwick, desperate to look at the revamp.

Landlord Tim Sandhu said interest had been so intense that on its first day of trade on Friday they had takings which matched Christmas Eve.

It will an Indian grill in the former function room by September - though a condition from Worcestershire Highways to improve the footpath may prove a major obstacle as cost is prohibiting.

But, for now, Mr Sandhu, a retired teacher from Birmingham, is relieved and excited to be able to finally open the doors.

"The interest from people has been phenomenal - in fact it was the reason why we opened while we still have bits to finish because the customers demanded it.

"The clientele has changed, we are selling a lot more wine now and people are asking about cocktails, we get a whole spectrum of people.

"I think it is a great asset for Worcester - we are getting people from neighbouring villages and towns come to Worcester looking for nice places to eat.

"We're on a trunk road into the city so people can stop here without having to go into the city centre for food

"I think Worcester council does appreciate what we have done.

"It's been a hectic development - I think I've aged about ten years.

"The only thing left is the car park, everything has been completely refurbished - there is no single pipe or wire that is old, no single door frame or door.

"I filled 40 skips with rubbish."

It has been a year-long labour of love with the whole building taken down to brickwork.

Inside is now bright with traditional and contemporary elements and a solid oak bar with televisions in one section, a snug with an exposed fireplace and five bedrooms upstairs.

Five people have been employed to work in the bar and a family of four adults are waiting to take up jobs in the restaurant.

Sons Steven and Jimmy will eventually be in charge of The Vine having previously run the Brown Lion in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham - so Mr Sandhu can continue his retirement.

The pub is currently open from 2pm and in eight weeks will be open from 11am.