Villagers unite to save historic pub, The George, from closure
Villagers are rallying together to restore their beloved local, The George in Alstonefield, after it was put on the market by a major pub chain. The historic pub, straddling the Derbyshire and Staffordshire border, was initially listed for auction on May 16 with Bond Wolfe auctioneers, sporting a guide price of £645,000.
The campaign has gained momentum, and now the freehold is being advertised at £825,000 as the community group Save The George steps up its efforts. If their bid is successful, the society plans to take ownership and seek a tenant to run The George, likely offering a five-year lease to start, reports Derbyshire Live.
A representative from the society shared: "After a spell as a fine dining restaurant followed by closure, The George recently re-opened as a traditional village pub, run by its owner Marston's Ltd. This society aims to 'Save The George' by buying the freehold of the property.
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"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to secure forever the future of this wonderful pub which has been the heart of our community for centuries. The George is designated as an Asset of Community Value, which gives us the first opportunity to buy it if we can put in our offer to Marston's by late November."
To secure funds for purchasing the pub, the society is offering membership to those over 18, with a £50 payment granting one vote at general meetings. Additionally, members are encouraged to loan between £1,000 and £25,000 to the society under confidential terms.
The loans, which are anonymous regarding the amount contributed by each member, are set to be repaid fully within 10 to 15 years, with interest of up to five per cent commencing in the fourth year, contingent on financial viability.
A spokesperson for the project recalled the pub's challenges: "The story of our village pub in recent years has not been a happy one. It was once a successful and very popular ale house serving wholesome pub food, but after a succession of different landlords over the last 15 years it was taken in a different direction.
"The trade fell off markedly and eventually it became a restaurant-only business - and the village effectively lost its pub. The community decided to list The George as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) which was subsequently granted. The restaurant business closed in 2023 after which the lease became null and void.
"The brewery, having taken back control, reopened The George under a temporary caretaker landlord and placed it on the open market for sale."
This action sparked a six-week period for the village to consider its future steps due to the Asset of Community Value (ACV) status, leading to a well-attended village hall meeting in June. At this assembly, after hearing a presentation outlining potential paths forward, a vote concluded with near unanimity barring one abstention that the community should establish a society to buy the pub.
The spokesperson added: "The community voted to do so for two reasons. First was that we have nothing to lose even if we do not subsequently succeed and secondly, if we do succeed, bringing The George under the community's ownership will ensure that it remains a public house accessible to both the local and the wider community of visitors to this really beautiful location.
"Further highlighting the importance of this establishment, the spokesperson shared: "This pub is incredibly important, not just to our community, but also to the wider walking and cycling communities who enjoy this beautiful landscape just as much as we do. Please do consider giving a contribution to our cause, and perhaps come and enjoy a pint with us."
Any contributions to aid the village's initiative can be made by clicking the provided link. Those interested in more information about how to become a member can reach out to the treasurer at treasurergeorgecbs@gmail.com.