THE Old Pizza Express in Ludlow is set to reopen as a pub this summer.

Oakman Inns, which runs 40 pubs across the UK, including in Stratford-upon-Avon, Royal Leamington Spa and Solihull, said work had started at the former Pizza Express, reopening under its original name the George pub.

It is set to reopen at the end of July, Alex Ford, from the group, said.

"We are hoping to restore the lovely historical feel of the George pub at the front of the building and then open the back up to include a spacious restaurant with an open kitchen," he said.

Mr Ford said the group was looking for team at all levels, both front of house and in the kitchen, to join and make the pub a success.

"As a Sunday Times top 100 employer, we believe we can deliver a great employee experience, regardless of whether you are looking for a career or just passing through," he said.

He added: "We are really looking forward to becoming part of the fantastic Ludlow community."

The planning application approved in November 2021 included enough space to seat 130 people.

Andy Boddington, councillor for Ludlow North, said Pizza Express had "never been over-busy" in Ludlow and closed in late 2020 as the company struggled with the consequences of the Covid pandemic.

But he said Oakman Inns was planning to spend £2.2 million to reinstate 12 Castle Street to historic use as The George Inn public house with expanded food provision.

"This is a well-thought-out scheme," Coun Boddington said.

"It brings an empty building into use with a focus on drinking and food, two of Ludlow’s favourite pastimes. Current publicans may think it as a challenge, especially as it is expected to serve food in a pub environment between 2pm and 6pm and late into the evening.

"Our town centre has always been a place to experience as well as shop. Ludlow’s thriving market surrounded by good eating and drinking is a pleasing contrast to other towns where the town centre has been neglected as everything moved out of town."