A NEW steakhouse in the city is proving very popular with diners since its opening at the weekend.

Nick Smith has transformed his previous Francesca’s bar into the Worcester Steak and Grill House, in the Corn Market, with an expensive make over undertaken over the last couple of months.

Mr Smith said: “I’ve always wanted a steak restaurant and the previous place was doing great at the weekends with live music but quieter during the week so I wanted to maximise the space I had available and I decided to use the downtime during the pandemic to refurbish the building.

Mr Smith said he’s spent around £100,000 on fixtures and fittings, including expensive flooring.

Mr Smith added: “I wanted it to be a homely place so we have a snug area and the cocktail bar will be open in a few weeks.

“The outside is black and white, a tribute to the Tudor period.

“We have all the measures in place to keep staff and customers safe during the pandemic, including masks and hand sanitiser.

“At the weekend we were very busy, and the feedback has been great, with people saying the steaks are so tender to eat and leaving us five-star reviews on our Facebook page.

“We don’t charge for sauces to go with the steaks as we want to give people value for money.

“Our two chefs are very experienced and cook other dishes not just steak for customers, such as fish and the biggest burger in the city."

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The restaurant has employed around 11 staff, some of whom did not have a regular job before being employed by Mr Smith, who said he wanted to "give back" to his community by training people in the restaurant trade

Francesca's in the Corn Market had its official opening in November last year, which featured a smart bar and a separate cocktail and gin bar.

A VIP section was also available for private parties and corporate events.

Previously the place was called the Maltster and Bar 12, and, during its heyday, the Slug and Lettuce.