An historic city pub has been given permission to put up a new gazebo in its beer garden.

The Cardinal’s Hat in Friar Street, which claims to be the oldest boozer in Worcester, put up a temporary canopy in its garden during the pandemic.

But now the pub, which dates back to around 1497, can invest in a more permanent structure.

City planners approved designs for the new coverings, which will be made from stretched white fabric on a timber frame.

Conservation officers said: “This beer garden has had some form of covering for over 30 years, and the version proposed here is better designed than the one it is set to replace.

“Also, like the existing cover, the one proposed here would be freestanding, and, therefore, any impact would be reversible.”

Planners also felt there wouldn’t be any unacceptable increase in noise disturbance for neighbours.