The George and Dragon, situated in the heart of Macclesfield, has always been a traditional town centre pub with a wealth of character and charm. Robinsons Brewery recently made a joint decision with licensees, Paul and Carol Day, to modernise the pub in order to broaden the overall appeal and enable it to be part of the town centre circuit.
Paul Day, Licensee of the George and Dragon, said: “The refurb has been fantastic for us. We have retained our loyal locals but are also attracting new customers too. We now have regular team games evenings, quiz nights and live entertainment, suitable for everybody. It’s great that we have such a diverse customer base who feel truly relaxed in our new look community pub.”
The internal structural changes and re-positioning of the bar were undertaken to improve customer flow and enhance the pub’s atmosphere. Despite the contemporary look and feel of the new renovation, the George and Dragon hasn’t lost any of its charm or heritage; in fact, it has been tastefully amplified. Historic pictures adorn the walls and create a subtle throwback to the history of Macclesfield and the pub’s proximity to the local train station. The beer garden and patio areas have also been recovered and improved to maximise the external drinking space of this popular town centre pub. Festoon lighting and flowers make this a great place to enjoy a drink, whatever the weather.
Wayne Roach, Business Development Manager at Robinsons Brewery, said: “The premises underwent intensive refurbishment work including the removal of a structural column, re-positioning of the bar and reversing the pool and lounge areas. The pub has benefitted from an extensive redecoration, and there are new timber floors, fixed seating areas and cosy areas for casual drinking.”
Neil, Designer at Robinsons Brewery said: “The pub is situated opposite the main Macclesfield train station in a cosmopolitan part of town and has a great opportunity to engage with much passing trade. The pub required a better kerb appeal with a new facelift to the main facade, signage, decoration and lighting. The interior space was opened up by removing some of the internal walls, relocating the main bar, switching the location of the games room, new lighting, refurbishing the toilets and a complete redecoration throughout.”
The scheme brought an element of the tradition back into the pub, with new oak boarded floors, “Minton Hollins” tiled floors, traditional panelling, a colour pallet that is classic and bric-a-brac that hankers back to the heyday of the Victorian railway. During the refurbishment the original mosaic entrance tiled floor was unearthed and this was restored along with the reinstatement of a Victorian mantel and fireplace. The newly formed games area is discreet whilst offering a place for the pool and darts players to make their own. The newly revitalised pub now commands a premium position once again.