MP opens community backed pub The George at Burpham
Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert officially opened The George at Burpham on Saturday (6 July).
The original George and Dragon public house in Burpham would have closed down had it not been bought back by four locals, including previous leaseholders Sara and Michael Cheney, who wanted to ensure that the building remained a pub for the benefit of the village and its visitors.
As well as three major investors, David King, Simon Lay and Bill Tustin, and the previous leaseholders, shares were also offered to the interested villagers of Burpham, Warningcamp and Wepham. The pub is now wholly owned by 17 residents.
The ‘Dragons' have formed the Burpham and Warningcamp Pub Company. They have fully refurbished the pub with the help of local designers, Miranda Snow Interiors and Amalgam Interiors, and local builder Terry Tunmore.
The new owners have also decided to rename the pub 'The George at Burpham', in part to avoid confusion it with other George and Dragon pubs nearby. It also signifies a new beginning for the pub.
As well as serving food and real ales, the pub is extending its offering by including morning coffee and pastries, and providing free WiFi through a satellite broadband.
Locals gathered on Saturday evening to watch Mr Herbert cut a ribbon and declare the pub officially open.
Nick Herbert said: "It is great to see The George rescued by local entrepreneurs and everyone seemed very pleased with its refurbishment. It's a very popular pub and I hope that it will flourish under its new ownership."
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Notes
1. Contact details: The George at Burpham, Burpham, Nr Arundel, BN18 9RR. Tel: 01903 883131. Website: http://www.gdinn.co.uk. Twitter: @GeorgeAtBurpham