While pubs close around the UK, in Wanstead, the George has been saved

The George & Dragon pub, formerly the George, will be opening in January. The £1.5 million refurbishment of the pub by new owners Urban Pubs & Bars (UPB) will bring a new experience for the people of Wanstead. The saving of the pub is something to be celebrated. Pubs are going down across the country, with the cost of living crisis accelerating this process. It is rare to save or open a new one. The continuation of the George legacy, which goes back to the 18th century, is very welcome. The campaign to save the George played no small part in this achievement. It showed how much local people care for this iconic pub. A petition signed by 3,589 people, showed the appetite for a place where people can eat and drink together but is also a community space. In a world where people seem to be becoming increasing disconnected and isolated, this important function of pubs and other hospitality premises should not be under estimated. The appetite for good, reasonably priced beer was again emphasised in October with the great turn out for the Wanstead Beer Festival. Attended by more than 700 people, the festival was almost drunk dry but not quite. Next year the organisers intend to try to go one better, another step towards making Wanstead a beer capital. So now, we wait for the George & Dragon to open. UPB have been impressed with the local support that was shown for the old pub. It shows people really value and care for the place. UPB have been keen to engage, meeting recently with Leyton & Wanstead MP Calvin Bailey and myself to explain their plans. It all looks exciting with the new owners keen to become an active part of the Wanstead community. They have a particular commitment to sourcing locally, which fits well with the bigger vision for sustainable living. It is great that many of the staff from the George are being kept on, others have been redeployed by previous owners Wetherspoons. UPB expect to take on more staff, as their plans progress The new owners won't be providing the cheap prices of Wetherspoons but they do recognise the need for variety and that not everyone can afford £6 plus pints. But for now it is a case of wait and see. The future looks bright. What shouldn't be forgotten is the effort of so many to save the pub. Whilst Wetherspoons refused to listen, the new owners have. The Wanstead community has once again come together and been heard. Now, just looking forward to that first pint in the George & Dragon.