Licensees Gary Chadwick and Carol Drummond (pictured) have welcomed back regulars to The George and Dragon pub, in Beaumaris, Anglesey, following an extensive refurbishment that looks to emphasise the pub’s unique history and architecture.
The grade II listed pub, which stands on Church Street, dates back to the early 15th century. According to records, the original structure was built around 1410 in the aftermath of the Owain Glyndwr rebellion before being rebuilt about 200 years later as what’s believed to have been a merchant’s house. Many of the original architectural features remain, including some of the finest 17th century painted and decorated trusses and beams in North Wales.
Neil Robinson-Stanier, director of Robinsons Brewery, said: “The George and Dragon is believed to be one of the oldest pubs in Robinsons’ estate so, when dealing with such a historic building, it was obviously of the utmost importance to ensure that any refurbishment remained sympathetic and allowed the deconstruction of the building’s fabric to explore its evolution and history. This, alongside the important considerations to develop a scheme that works for a licensee in 2016, were all part of the challenges in this investment.”
Working closely with the Isle of Anglesey Borough Council and Gwynedd Archaeological Planning Service, Robinsons’ in-house design team transformed the pub in six weeks. The original oak beams and panelling have been stripped of gloss paint to restore them to their former glory, imposing fireplaces which, potentially, date to the early 17th century, were uncovered and are once again in use, and an original salvaged bar counter has become the focal point of this proud pub.
The pub’s new L-shaped panelled bar has five new copper hand-pulls ready to serve a rotating range of Robinsons’ cask ales, including Dragon’s Breath, a unique golden 4.1% ABV golden ale which was created to mark the re-opening of the pub.
