Stevenage's Beefeater is set to become a Premier Inn restaurant that only hotel guests can dine at.

The Coreys Mill Beefeater will be changing later this week, after Whitbread - which owns both the restaurant and hotel chain - informed customers of their decision.

"We are writing to let you know that we've announced plans to make changes at some of our restaurants, and unfortunately Coreys Mill, Beefeater in Stevenage will be changing to a Premier Inn restaurant and will only service those staying in the hotel after July 5," read an email to customers. 

"We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause.

"Although we can't welcome you here, did you know we have another Beefeater near to you - The Brache, Beefeater located in Luton or Ware, Beefeater located in Ware."

The decision comes after Whitbread announced plans to "unlock" 3,500 new hotel rooms at existing Premier Inn sites by converting "lower-returning branded restaurants" back in April.

Speaking about the proposals earlier this year, chief executive officer Dominic Paul said: "I recognise that these changes will be unsettling for affected team members and we are committed to working hard to enable as many as possible of those affected to stay with Whitbread."