George and Dragon - Stoke Golding

Alex has been running the George and Dragon for 8 years during which time she now has a 2½ year old child. Life is all about balancing managing the pub, her working week (banking, cashing up, cleaning, gardening, kitchen, relief chef etc) and bringing up a child in a working environment. The George and Dragon is owned by Church End Brewery. Alex has a very close relationship with the Church End Brewery Family Team of Stewart, Rosemary and Katie Elliott.

Prior to joining Church End Brewery Alex managed the Cottage in Fillongley operated by Enterprise Taverns – which was a very different experience being in a tied public house. Alex was invited to join Church End by her old school friend Katie Elliott. Alex already had connections with Stoke Golding through her grandparents living in the village, and had been a regular of the George and Dragon prior to Church End acquisition.

Alex related her experiences during the uncertainty of COVID lockdowns. During the first and second lockdowns the George and Dragon was able to provide take away beer and food to support her locals. It was over the Christmas lockdown they were only allowed to supply takeaway meals to pre booked time slots – but no beer!

When reopening in April the outside marquee and garden proved a great success in helping to build up the business with the support of the locals, all helped by food offering and new summer beers.

Question: What changes have been seen post COVID? April opening was very nervous. The outside space proved very popular. Reflecting the new economic conditions customers were staying for 1 or 2 drinks where previously maybe 3 or 4.

Question: Compare working for a PubCo (Enterprise Taverns) vs. Church End? The Cottage was rented from the PubCo and was tied to their drinks supply – at prices above the free distributors. Church End own the George and Dragon and it is a free house with no brewery ties. The Church End Beers are very popular and there is always a good selection available. Alex is free to source guest beers. Alex has a very close relationship with the Church End Brewery Family Team of Stewart, Rosemary and Katie Elliott.

Question: Which are the most popular beers? Presently the summer ales have proved popular. Overall Goats Milk and Fallen Angel are always in demand.

Question:What are your Food Offerings? The George and Dragon provides a lunch menu Tuesday to Saturday with monthly Steak Nights and Sunday Lunch. During evening customers are invited to bring their own buffet – especially on quiz nights. Alex has introduced “Pop-up Restaurant” nights – inviting food vans to the garden area twice a month. These included Greek, BBQ, burgers, and smokehouse menus. There is a charity evening scheduled for 14 August which previously raised over £3,500. Alex thanked all of her local customers for their continuing support.