THE pub that helped King Charles II flee 370 years ago is set to reopen its doors later this month – irrespective of any delays to the lifting of Covid restrictions.

King Charles II on New Street, Worcester, did not follow many other hospitality venues in reopening when indoor service was allowed to resume in May.

General manager Jac Manning confirmed the venue had taken the decision to proceed with caution due to the size of the establishment and its inability to offer outdoor service.

Should the pandemic remain sufficiently under control, the government plans to lift all legal restrictions on June 21, although speculation is rife that the date could be pushed back due to rising cases of the Delta variant.

But that will not stop the grade II listed building welcoming punters once more.

“We are opening on June 21,” confirmed Mr Manning.

“The restrictions we had last summer, with things like table service only, really hurt us as a small business and we didn’t want to take the chance.

“We are a winter pub as well so we thought it best to be cautious and come back on June 21, hopefully as strong as ever.

“There are no worries regarding our reopening date, we have told customers and suppliers so we are going to open.

“We could have restrictions for another two years, we just don’t know so while there is some concern, based on the strong interest we have had we are confident we will be okay.”

King Charles II is not the only venue to stay shut with many Worcester residents wondering why the Diglis House Hotel remains closed until June 21.

“I can see both points of view,” added Mr Manning.

“People are still shielding and staying inside and with the amount of pubs there are in Worcester, a lot depends on how many people head out as to how many survive.

“I know landlords or pubs that have opened and others that haven’t but one thing we do have in common is a real solidarity.

“I have been helping some out and they will no doubt be helping me and that makes me feel confident about the future. Worcester is quite unique in that aspect.”

Worcester News has been unable to get through to anyone at Diglis House Hotel for comment.