Pub reopens under new owner

A pub near Bridgnorth which used to be a regular meeting place for hundreds of bikers has reopened - more than two years after it was controversially closed down.

The Wheel O' Worfield, on the main Wolverhampton road, shut in 2005 because of health and safety fears after more than 1,000 bikers turned up to its Wednesday night meet.

It reopened under new ownership on Saturday after undergoing a £1 million facelift but will no longer be a meeting point for the bikers, who now gather at the larger Swancote Country Club.

The Wheel's new owner is Mark Payton, of Brockton, who has been in the pub and restaurant business for more than 30 years. The general manager is Richard Drewitt who used to work at The Fox in Low Town, Bridgnorth.

Mr Payton said: "We had a very good weekend. We are open all day for food but we are a drinking place as well.

"We have totally refurbished everywhere, it has been gutted. The building has been knocked around with the kitchen extended and a big patio area in front.

"I have owned it for about 18 months now but we started to refurbish it around four months ago. Feedback so far has been really good. Locals think its wonderful that its opened again. We are welcoming customers old and new."