THE Golden Cross Hotel pub in Bromsgrove has reopened after being closed for three days due to an outbreak of norovirus.

Bosses at the Golden Cross Hotel pub in Bromsgrove's High Street shut the branch on Saturday, after the suspected norovirus outbreak was recognised.

A customer notice posted in the pub window read: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, unfortunately we are temporarily closed.

"We hope to [be] back up and running as soon as possible and we apologise for any inconvenience."

Otherwise known as the 'winter vomiting bug', norovirus is highly-contagious and can cause violent vomiting and diarrhoea.

Customers claim to have been told by staff that the pub was closed as a result of flooding in the kitchen.

One patron, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "They told my daughter. When we got there there was a sign saying they weren't serving food due to unforeseen circumstances, but then at 9.30ish my daughter came back from the bar and said we had to leave as a member of staff said there was a flood in the kitchen due to the rain.

"The bouncers then ushered us out."

Wetherspoons, which manages the pub, denies the claim.

A spokesman said: "There was a suspected norovirus outbreak at the pub on Saturday. As soon as we noticed that it had become widespread among staff, we closed the kitchen and then closed the pub.

“All staff affected by the outbreak were sent home.

“It is important to note that not all staff were affected and no customers have reported any illness, as yet.

“All affected staff have been made to remain off work until 48 hours after their last wave of sickness."

Professional cleaners were sent in to decontaminate the premises, with all surfaces sanitised and carpets and upholstery deep cleaned 'as a precautionary measure'.

The pub was reopened at lunchtime today (Tuesday, September 12).