AFTER so many stories recently about pubs closing or landlords quitting because they feel the brewery isn't supporting them, it's great to see a Worcester watering hole thriving and money being spent on a refurbishment.

The Coach and Horses in The Tything closed on Monday for a two-week makeover and landlords Louise Andrews and James Lovett, who took over there in November, said the refurbishment was scheduled for April but the owner, Marston's Brewery, was so pleased with the results produced by the duo they decided to bring the revamp forward.

This is a fantastic example of a brewery backing their landlords. Louise and James have made the Coach and Horses a success and so Marston's is spending some money to make the pub that bit more welcoming.

It's no great secret the pub industry is struggling. These days, pubs are like community centres because they provide one of, if not the only, places for some people to socialise – especially single elderly people who would otherwise feel isolated. We need our pubs to thrive.