THE landlord of a much-loved community pub has paid tribute to his friends and regulars after he announced he was leaving.

Sebastian O'Donnell, landlord of the Bedwardine in St John's was speaking after he announced he would be leaving at the end of this month.

Mr O'Donnell has been running the pub for nearly three years, winning the Worcester News Pub of the Year competition two years in a row.

He said: "I can't thank everyone enough - it has been my home and my life for nearly three years and they have made it all possible.

"Hopefully whoever comes in after me can carry it on and win Pub of the Year for the third year in a row."

Mr O'Donnell added he would take some time out with his family when he leaves his role on February 29, saying he would like to stay in the pub trade.

The news broke that Mr O'Donnell was leaving "the Beddy" as it is known by regulars after publishing a Facebook post on the pub's page.

In the post, he wrote: "I would like to thank each and every one of you that has helped me create such a wonderful fantastic pub. It simply isn’t possible without your support of the nearly three years that I/we have been here.

“We/you have not only created the best pub around and won awards two years in a row but somewhat have created a brand - #UPTHEBEDDY. Its been such an amazing ride and hope it continues.

“My staff are just simply the best and you have helped and made the brand possible. I thank you, for all you have done for me personally and Our Pub.

“Due to ever changing goalposts within the Brewery, of what I feel are simply not achievable I have decided that now is the time to hang up my gloves.

“I will not go into detail on the above so please do not question myself or staff on this sensitive matter. I’m looking forwards to spending some quality time with my children and family. Thank you for understanding.”

Mr O’Donnell's last day at the Bedwardine will be on February 29 before and the pub will be closed on March 1, re-opening on March 4 as normal. He also said he expects the pub to remain open and called on regulars to make the new landlord feel welcome.

The Bedwardine was taken over in October 2019 by Admiral Taverns after there had been rumours it could close down.

Mr O'Donnell, 42, has been been involved with running pubs since he was 18, spending several years working in Wetherspoons branches across the country, as well as a spell abroad as a bar manager at a hotel in Dubai, before returning to the UK to manage Coppertops in Dines Green before it was demolished.

After Coppertops closed down, he took over The Bedwardine in October 2017.

Admiral Taverns missed the deadline provided by the Worcester News for comment.