Councillor Paul Donovan looks ahead to the second annual Wanstead Beer Festival and, with the future of The George uncertain, floats the idea of a micropub in Wanstead
The second Wanstead Beer Festival is set to take place in the halls of Christ Church on 12 October. And it is hoped it will be even bigger and better than the inaugural event last autumn. More space will mean more beers and, hopefully, increased numbers of visitors. Last year, the festival proved so popular that tickets sold out a week early. So, don’t miss out this time. The larger event this year should also mean more money for local charities. Last time, £3,000 was distributed between Tin in a Bin and the Wanstead Charity.
In terms of beers and ciders, it is hoped to bring in more varieties from around the country, as well as having many excellent local breweries represented. Indeed, a big vote of thanks was due last year for the support we got from the breweries and local businesses.
So, on we go. But these are challenging times for the pub trade. The rises in costs of living has hit the hospitality industry hard. This has meant the price of food and drink is also rising. In Wanstead, The George has been a steady bulwark of the pub trade. Owned by Wetherspoons, The George has, for many years, provided food and drink at affordable prices. And so local people have responded to Wetherspoons’ plans to sell up.
The George has played an important role in many Wanstead lives, so it would be a terrible tragedy if the pub were to cease operating. But unless Wetherspoons listens to local people and changes its mind about selling the venue, that will be the case. The strength of local support for The George is reflected in a petition opposing closure that has already gathered over 3,000 signatures. To date, though, Wetherspoons remain unmoved on their decision to sell. If the pub does close, then we need to look at alternatives for a reasonably priced pint and some food. Wanstead Parish vicar, the Reverend James Gilder, raised this very point in the Wanstead Village Directory last month. People have to be able to get a pint somewhere for less than £7.
One model is the micropub. In Rye, Sussex, they have developed just such a venture called The Waterworks, a small premises on the high street that provides around 10 locally based beers and 12 ciders. There is also wine and prosecco, gin and vodka, plus Scotch eggs and pork pies. Basic fare at reasonable prices. Everything is produced within 28 miles of the pub. The Waterworks has proved a great success since its launch in 2018. Could such a venture work in Wanstead?
The keen support for the Wanstead Beer Festival, as well as The George and other pubs over the years, suggests the potential customer base is there. The challenge now is how to make it happen.
For more information on the Wanstead Beer Festival, visit wnstd.com/beer
To view the petition to save The George, visit wnstd.com/savethegeorge
