The Worcester News hopes you were not too dejected by the (bogus) news that our very own Pub Spy had announced he was retiring after almost two years over insults and name-calling.

The eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed that it was our attempt at an April Fool’s Day joke – if the Dolly Priafosa byline did not give it away – and we would like to thank everyone who took it in good spirits.

Pub Spy has made a quick return and will appear in tomorrow’s Worcester News.

In a statement Mr Spy said: “I would like to thank all of my loyal readers for their support and I am sorry to have worried you this morning.

“I’ve been asked about this Burger King lark and I’ve got to say, I would love a Burger King back in Worcester. Make it happen everyone.”

A PRESTIGIOUS city food critic has resigned from his weekly column to take up a new role as presenter of a documentary to find Britain’s best multi-storey car park.

The mystery diner known as ‘Pub Spy’ has decided to finally hang up his golden fork and 12-inch plate after months of abuse and name-calling.

Mr Spy said the less than savoury comments for his reviews had pushed him into a decision but had a final word for Worcester telling the city: “My work here is done.”

In an emotional statement, the balaclava-clad critic said: “I’m been to some wonderful pubs over the years, had some incredible food, drank some fine ales, overheard some intriguing tales and I wouldn’t change any of it for anything.

“I like to see myself as a thick-skinned kind of person, you’ve got to be in this food critic game, but it was starting to get a bit too much. I couldn’t give anything a nine-out-of-ten without somebody slapping me verbally round the chops. ‘This is rubbish’ and ‘what idiot wrote this?’ they would say in the comments, ‘Do you have any idea what you’re doing?’ and ‘Well that a waste of five minutes’ they would yell. Relentless it would be.

“I tried to take no notice but I feel I’ve done my stint and it’s time to move on.”

The resignation had thrown the future of Pub Spy into doubt but a candidate has already come forward to take on the esteemed role.

Fresh out of the Pub Spy graduate programme and hand-picked by Pub Spy I, Pub Spy II is a 39-year-old from Tolladine with a penchant for fine Italian draft beer, medium-rare mixed grills and well-tarmacked, amply spaced car parks.

The signing of the new anonymous Worcester News food and drink reviewer has ended rumours the position was held by ice cream loving St John’s councillor Richard Udall or popular Worcester News Facebook page commenter Ken Mcintosh.

Max Berger and John King, founders of the ever-expanding Bring Burger King to Worcester City campaign group, have all claimed to be holders of the anonymous role but the Worcester News has strongly denied those allegations.

Mr Spy has been scoffing fish and chips and supping ice cold Peroni as he handed out scores for some of Worcester’s finest establishments for almost two years – knocking off points for carelessly placed gherkins and too-short teaspoons.

The classic reviews and petrolhead deviations have led to many comparisons to comedy favourite Alan Partridge, something Mr Spy has come to relish.

He said: “Ah, the Partridge thing. If that’s what people think then that’s up to them. 

"You have to have a thick skin as a critic and I love a good joke as much as anyone.

"If self-belief, excellent taste, astute scoring and an unfettered love of the perfect reverse bay park means people compare me to him then so be it. Bring it on.”