The George in Wanstead has been bought by independent London pub chain Urban Pubs and Bars, just days after Wetherspoons unexpectedly announced the much-loved pub was to close this Sunday.
The pub will be renamed The George and Dragon, reverting to the name it had until 1904. In a statement Urban Pubs & Bars said:
“We are delighted to be able to rescue this much loved pub, a place that has been part of Wanstead’s history since 1716.
“Following some refurbishment work the pub will reopen as a great London traditional pub serving great food including a range of delicious Sunday roasts and a wide selection of beers. We look forward to seeing you soon.”
Though many drinkers had been dismayed by Wetherspoons’ decision, the news that the George will be remaining as a pub, rather than being converted into a sports bar or restaurant, will be welcomed.
Urban Pubs and Bars runs 52 pubs in London, including the Red Lion in Leytonstone and the Bat and Ball in Stratford.
Councillor Paul Donovan, who had led a campaign to try to persuade Wetherspoons to change its mind, told Wansteadium: “It’s sad to see the George go but I’m pleased that it will continue as a pub.
“Also, it’s encouraging that the new owners, Urban Pubs & Bars, are reverting to the original name of the George & Dragon. The big issue of course is cost. Wetherspoons offered cheap food and beer, which will no longer be the case. So, on the plus side the pub remains, on the minus the bargain food and drink are no more.”
Update 1800 The Duke issued a statement to its customers:
We’ve been contacted a few times on ‘what can you do’…Well, no one can compete with a £2 pint, madness. Short of trying to out bid Global Mutual US investment co, who have backed Urban Pubs and Bars and are buying up as much property as they can (as evidenced by The Red Lion and Clapton Hart in recent weeks) and out pricing the independent operator – we can certainly offer to continue the community spirit!
It was never under threat of closure as a pub ! Just as a Wetherspoons
Who’s to say what might have happened?
Like many people I have been and still are boycotting Spoons pubs because of their active support for the predictably disastrous Brexit. Do we know whether the new owners are acceptable as far as their politics and other views are concerned?
Hear, hear. I hate it when people have unacceptable views (ie different to mine)
If you boycotted every Wanstead venue because they don’t agree with your political views , you will be very short of places to do business with!
I don’t think your absence has been missed to be fair. But yeah – let’s really hope the next owner shares your political views – the only kind that are acceptable You speak as a true democrat!