AFTER major refurbishment, a Malvern pub has reopened as a non-smoking venue despite the licensees being smokers themselves.

Dave Rudd, landlord of the Foresters Arms in Barnards Green, near Malvern, said: "We felt that now was the perfect time to make the change.

"With the ban coming in anyway we didn't see any sense in getting the new decor and furnishings all dirty again."

Mr Rudd runs the Foresters Arms with Brenda Ellis and they have jointly funded the £120,000 investment along with Marston's Pub Company.

The money has paid for a new bar, new fixtures and fittings and developing an outdoor seating area complete with heating, lighting and umbrellas to ensure it can be used in any weather.

Despite being smokers themselves, the couple decided the time was right for the pub to become non-smoking and for them to create a more inviting atmosphere for their customers. From customer feedback, the decision seems to have been a popular one.

Ms Ellis said: "Despite being a traditional drinking outlet, the reaction from our regulars has been very positive.

"They seem to love the fresh new look and like us don't want to spoil it with smoking inside."

The more spacious interior also marks the introduction of a live entertainment programme which the couple are planning to start in the next few weeks.

Mr Rudd said: "We have always been keen to bring in live acts but until now we haven't had the space to accommodate them.

"While we didn't want the refurbishment to change the traditional feel of the Foresters Arms we are really pleased that the investment has given us the opportunity to offer our customers another reason to keep coming back."