Worfield wheel turned around

A former bikers' haunt near Wolverhampton which closed unexpectedly two years ago will be welcoming customers again within weeks.

Entertainment chain Enterprise Inns has spent around £1 million buying and refurbishing The Wheel at Worfield after winning permission to bring the vacant site back to life as a restaurant.

Residents at one time feared the pub, which used to be a thriving venue attracting more than 2,000 bikers to weekly meetings, could become derelict.

But Halesowen-based Enterprise was given permission to create a new eaterie there.

The company has been made to stick to stringent conditions to ensure it remains in character with the historic village, but licensing bosses have given the go ahead for it to serve late-night drinkers until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Chef Mark Payton, who runs the Plume of Feathers near Much Wenlock, will be taking charge at the new-look pub.