It’s that day in Wanstead’s calendar when by tradition we all celebrate with a Cherry Pey (Pie) in honour of the 1752 sign on the side of the George pub.
Of course the future of the George is still uncertain. Councillor Paul Donovan reports that he has been told the Wetherspoons board has considered a petition of 3,200 fans of the George, but that the company remains committed to selling the pub.
The updates came to a letter sent to Wetherspoons chair Sir Tim Martin in which Cllr Donovan highlighted the “dismay” and “concern” of the local population.
“Wetherspoons are known to be sensitive to the concerns of their customers and the well-being of local communities. I know that you have reconsidered closure decisions before, when there has been local support for pubs staying open. Hopefully you may think again with regard to the George,” Cllr Donovan said in the letter.
In response, a Wetherspoons spokesperson said: “We can confirm that The George is currently on the market however it will continue operating as a Wetherspoon pub until is sold and we very much hope that you will still enjoy the pub until then. We understand that you, the pub’s other loyal customers and our dedicated members of staff will be disappointed with this decision, however JD Wetherspoon has made the decision on a commercial basis which we believe is in the best interest of the company as a whole. We hope customers will choose to visit our other pubs in the area.
“We can confirm that staff will be given the opportunity for re-
employment at other Wetherspoon pubs in the event that their pub is sold. Nonetheless your comments and observations have been noted, and thank you for the petition which has been discussed with the board.”
