The George in Crosby Village has reopened under independent ownership following an extensive refurbishment programme focused on restoring the historic pub’s original character.
The Moor Lane venue reopened on Friday 21 August after being closed since May, when it was acquired by the independent local operators behind nearby Murphy’s Tavern.
The investment has created 20 new jobs and forms part of the operators’ continued investment in Crosby Village’s hospitality and nighttime economy.
The team opened Irish-themed Murphy’s Tavern approximately 200 yards away on Moor Lane in March 2025 and is now bringing a similar independently operated approach to The George.
Restoration has been prioritised throughout the refurbishment, including work to retain and restore the pub’s oak wood panelling, fireplaces and Victorian toilets.
Bar facilities and seating areas have also been upgraded, alongside the installation of a modernised kitchen to support a full daily food service featuring traditional pub dishes.
The George has been part of the Crosby community for generations, with historical research undertaken by the new operators tracing a pub on the site back to 1815.
The current building is believed to have been constructed during the 1920s after the earlier venue was demolished.
The research has also identified many of The George’s previous landlords, who are now recognised through a tribute above the bar.
The reopening has particular significance for Jon Hewitt of Murphy’s Tavern, who began his first job at The George aged 15 as a glass collector.
Hewitt said: “We are absolutely thrilled to take on such a landmark venue as The George. Crosby Village has a brilliant, tight-knit community, and our goal is to give them a beautifully restored space that they can be proud of.
“Just like with Murphy’s Tavern, we are deeply committed to investing locally, creating new jobs, and keeping the independent spirit of Crosby’s high street alive and thriving.
“The George is a venue very close to my heart – it was right here that I started my first job aged 15 as a glass collector on Friday and Saturday nights back when it was a Whitbread’s pub. To come full circle and now be part of the team bringing the venue back to life is fantastic.
“I have spent the last three months researching the history of The George, learning as much as possible about it. With help from the local library we found information regarding The George pub dating back to 1815, with it believed to have then been demolished and rebuilt in the 1920s.
“We also found information on most of the previous landlords and have a tribute to them all above the bar.”
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