In the second of a series of articles by those leading the campaign to save The George, Martin Wheatley reflects on some of the qualities of Wanstead’s ‘pub for all seasons’
The George truly is a pub for all seasons. We see the newly legal drinkers showing their ID with an air of feigned indifference; young men and women enjoying their well-earned leisure time, perhaps even experiencing the spark of young love without the aid of an app; families, from toddlers to grandparents, gathering for a meal; retired couples on a budget treating themselves to a few drinks and perhaps a bite to eat; pensioners keeping warm in winter more cheaply than heating their own homes, with the bonus of a drink; single men nursing a pint; folk attending a wake and raising a glass to the departed.
How does The George achieve this? Value for money is a factor but not the only one. There is no muzak, conversation is possible without shouting. Admittedly, there are some televisions but they, thankfully, are silent. Whenever I’m at the bar, the screen seems to be showing news of ghastly goings-on around the globe, which only serves as a reminder of what I came to the pub to escape. There is a good selection of real ale (even if this isn’t your tipple, I would hope the preservation of this uniquely British drink in the uniquely British environment of the pub is something you’d support). And they take cash. Paying for a pint of cask ale with coin of the realm is by no means possible everywhere, not even in Wanstead!
Above all, it is a public house. All members of the public are welcome and can feel comfortable there.
So, what can be done to save The George? None of us is privy to the financial ins and outs behind the scenes, but I imagine the rent is not cheap. On top of that, pubs have been mercilessly targeted for taxation by all governments and for a long time. The George looks busy enough but, I should say, less so than in years past. All that we cherish in our communities – church, post office, independent shops – all that actually constitutes a community, will wither and die if we don’t make use of them.
Do sign the petition, do lobby your MP, do whatever you can, but above all, put aside social media, the podcast, the boxset and head pub-wards to The George for a drink.
“Change your hearts or you will lose your Inns and you will deserve to have lost them. But when you have lost your Inns drown your empty selves, for you will have lost the last of England.” Hilaire Belloc wrote those words in 1912. They still hold true but we are drinking in the Last Chance Saloon Bar.
