THE Three Pears Beefeater has officially closed its doors to the public. 

The pub will now only serve residents of the Premier Inn for the foreseeable future. 

Worcester City Councillors, John Rudge and Sarah Murray both visited the pub the day before it closed to the public.

John Rudge said: "Premier Inn staff let us know that they will be running the restaurant but only for their own customers for the immediate future although that decision will be reviewed at some point. 

"Sarah and I are disappointed that the restaurant is shutting for the general public, and local residents in particular but do hope that the Premier Inn chain might consider reopening for local residents at some point in the near future."

In an email sent on Monday (July 1) to Beefeater loyalty members, the company said: "We are writing to let you know that we’ve announced plans to make changes at some of our restaurants, and unfortunately Three Pears, Beefeater in Worcester will be changing to a Premier Inn restaurant and will only service those staying in the hotel after July 5."In May Whitbread announced that it would be closing 126 "lower-performing" restaurants but did not confirm which ones they would close. 

Whitbread, the company that owns Beefeater and Premier Inn has confirmed that the restaurant will be moved inside the Premier Inn. 

A Whitbread spokesperson said: "After many years serving the community we can confirm the Three Pears is closing its doors.

"We'd like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their support over the years and our amazing team members.

"Our Orchard Evesham Beefeater is still open for local guests."