A Star Wars actor has turned out to support his agent’s new venture, taking on Hook Norton’s George & Dragon pub in Shutford, Oxfordshire.
George & Dragon licensee Stuart Stanley with actor Ian McDiarmid
The whole village was invited to a private function put on by the pub’s new owners, Stuart Stanley and his partner Carol Green.
And Star Wars fans were given a special treat as The Emperor himself, actor Ian McDiarmid, came along to support his friend and manager.
Ian, who has played The Emperor since he was cast by George Lucas in 1983’s Return of the Jedi, enjoyed his first visit to the picturesque North Oxfordshire Village, before he stars in a new production of Harold Pinter’s The Caretaker, coming to Chichester Festival Theatre on 6th June.
“What a lovely pub and what a beautiful village!” he said. “The locals are just wonderfully friendly and all so happy that their pub has been given a new lease of life.
“They’ve really stuck gold with Stuart and Carol. We’ve been friends for 40 years now. I know this pub couldn’t be in better hands. There’s some great nights coming, that’s for sure, and I’ll be back again very soon.”
Stuart and Carol have run bars overseas, but wanted to be closer to family. “As soon as we learned about The George & Dragon, we knew we’d found what we were looking for,” said Stuart.
Carol added: “Everyone has been so supportive and welcoming. We’ve already made lots of new friends and we’re looking forward to serving them food and drinks when we officially open.
“We chose to go with Hook Norton Brewery. We love the taste of their beers, and after meeting their team and visiting the brewery we know we have a great range to serve and have their support.”
The villagers showed their generosity by supporting a collection on the day in aid of Katharine House Hospice, raising a total of £1,358.02, “The force is strong in them!” Stuart chuckled.
:: Enjoying Beer Today? Become a Patreon supporter from £1.50 a month
