THE owners of a popular city-centre pub will be bidding farewell to its customers for good after an "extremely difficult year".

The Pope family revealed they will be leaving The Paul Pry on The Butts following the death of its landlord Alex Pope. 

Mr Pope died suddenly on January 13, aged 39, with hundreds of people paying tribute to him and mourners packing out Worcester Cathedral for his funeral on February 19.

Worcester News: The family has decided that despite their love for the watering hole, it was now time to move on.

A spokesperson for The Paul Pry said: "It’s not been an easy decision at all.

"The family have had an extremely difficult year, and despite their love for the Paul Pry, they feel this is the right time to move on.

"The family is committed to finding the right buyer who can continue to serve Worcester’s community with great beer and even better food that will keep the same quality and friendly atmosphere that Worcester has come to know and love.

Worcester News: FAREWELL: The Paul Pry is now for sale. FAREWELL: The Paul Pry is now for sale. (Image: Newsquest)
"The Pope family are extremely grateful to the Worcester community for their continued support throughout this time, and for the continued kindness shown since Alex’s passing."

Mr Pope and his family had run the Paul Pry since 2017 and bought the pub in 2022, declaring on a plaque it was now “officially our home”.

Rightmove has listed the pub for sale at an asking price of £495,000.

It is being sold through the estate agent Sidney Phillips.

The 200-year-old pub, which is a Grade II listed building, had gone from strength to strength with Mr Pope at the helm.

On the selling website, Sidney Phillips estate agents said: "It is a historic Grade II listed Victorian building and retains all of its original period charm and character.

"The tiled hallway and main bar back fitting are two quite exceptional features. The property also has extensive four-bedroom accommodation across the first floor.

"The business has an extremely well-established high level of trade and has a cult status for its food, real ales, and Sunday lunches.

"Despite the property's age, it has excellent ergonomics and is easy to operate."