A THAI-style bar is set to open up in a former city centre pub.

The venture will bring back to life the Maltster, on the city’s Cornmarket, which closed its doors as a pub back in April.

It has been taken over by the owners of the Thai Gallery restaurant, in nearby Friar Street.

And their plan is to fully refurbish the premises before opening for Christmas as a Thai bar, with the creation of eight new jobs.

Scheduled to open in December, the venue will be known as The Buddha Bar @ Thai Gallery.

The Maltsters pub had been previously known as Bar 12, but was renamed in 2015.

The new name was meant to reflect the pub’s historic connection with the city’s beer-brewing industry.

It was thought that the building was occupied as far back as the 18th century by brewers.

The sale of the building, which is Grade II listed, was negotiated by chartered surveyors James A Baker, which specialises in licensed premises.

Amy Potter, surveyor with James A Baker, who oversaw the sale, said the building had attracted a lot of interest as it is in a prime location in Worcester’s commercial centre.

“The Maltster is in the vibrant heart of the town, and the new owners are planning to invest in a large-scale refurbishment to give the building a new lease of life, as well as create new jobs.

“It’s great news for Worcester; the Buddha Bar @ Thai Gallery will be a great addition to the economy.”

A spokesman for Thai Gallery said they were delighted to have bought the building.

The venue will be in addition to the existing Thai restaurant and up to eight new jobs will be advertised ahead of its opening.

This area of Worcester was known as the principal marketplace of the city and was formerly used to administer public punishment, as well as housing the city gallows.

The Maltster is surrounded by other buildings of historical interest dating back to the eighteenth century when Worcester developed to become a busy hub of commerce.