IT WILL be a bumper Easter weekend for the city's pubs and restaurants as they prepare for a busy Bank Holiday to help offset the cost of living crisis.

Bookings for Sunday lunches, friends meeting for a pint and sales of meats for roasting are helping to boost city businesses.

It has been a tough time for the hospitality industry after the pandemic and purse strings tightening during the cost of living crisis.

The Met Office has also revealed it has been a wetter and duller than average March leaving many pubs and restaurants unable to make the most of their beer gardens or outdoor dining areas.

However, the long weekend will bring a boost with restaurants booking up fast at peak times and pubs getting ready to serve plenty of pints.

Worcester News: Matt Williams, owner of the Old Bush, said it was better to be busy than not over EasterMatt Williams, owner of the Old Bush, said it was better to be busy than not over Easter (Image: NQ)

Jon Dean, operations manager at the Alma Tavern Pub on Droitwich Road in Worcester, said: "We are extremely busy.

"We have a walking group of 14 at lunchtime today (Friday) and an Easter crafts fair so it's very family-orientated.

"We're bucking the trend, we are fortunate to be well supported by the local community. The weather doesn't help but there's lots of things on over Easter weekend.

"We have an Easter-themed quiz on Sunday and a Worcester talent evening on Monday with £100 prize."

Matt Williams, who owns the Old Bush on Upton Road in Callow End, said while the recent bad weather didn't help, the pub was expecting a busy Easter period.

Worcester News: Will Bradley manager at Alva Tavern in WorcesterWill Bradley manager at Alva Tavern in Worcester (Image: NQ)

He said: "Saturday is looking our busiest. It's better to be busy than not, people don't understand the costs.

"Without money that's where the problem lies. If you're making a profit then you're doing okay."

Plenty of home cooks are also preparing to cook a roast lamb dinner for Easter, according to a city butcher.

Matthew Nelmes, who owns M&M Meats butchers with his wife Michelle on St Swithins Street, said they would be "very, very busy" this Easter weekend.

"Last year was our busiest trading year since opening in 2006. We have started well this year.

"The cost of living has definitely had an impact. People are not going out as much and not using supermarkets.

"Customers buy a lot of lamb, and turkey breasts sell well. I think Queen Camilla's visit and the weather put us in good stead for a busy day and weekend."