A MYSTICAL pagan figure has been the inspiration behind the £350,000 revamp of a Worcester pub.

The Green Man, with his head made out of leaves, foliage and shoots, looks down, or out, at people from many a venue and has been recreated in spectacular style in the pub of the same name in The Tything.

The story originated in a poem about a man who was put to death only to spring up again and bring about regeneration.

That in itself bears a remarkable resemblance to the work carried out on the Green Man pub.

The 16th-Century building, once in a dilapidated state, has been bought by businessman David Gray, who also owns the antique shop Grays of Worcester.

Mr Gray has spent six months completely overhauling the building, from making the foundations safe, to putting in those special touches.

And because the building is so old, he had to do everything as it would have been done 400 years ago - right down to horsehair and lime plastering.

Mr Gray said: "We worked with conservationists all the way through to make sure it was authentic.

"There are glass stained windows, old boarding, and even the doors leading in to the back are from a church.

"And then, of course, we have the Green Man theme.

"He is all about nature and life in abundance and that is what we have tried to create - even the lights have been specially crafted in the shape of oak leaves.

"It has been a long and tiring project but I believe the end result is something different and will appeal to people living and working in Worcester."

The classical, but relaxed, tone is continued with the food and drink.

From fruit juices to wines, all the drinks have been sourced from Europe and are not available in supermarkets or elsewhere in Britain.

The Green Man will offer a full menu, ranging from a trio of mixed sausages on mash, to an Italian meat selection with olives, roasted peppers and a rustic dip - all made by a Michelin-starred chef.

It opens next Thursday, October 13.