Days 2 & 3 - Has it only been 3 days!?

Office Day - with 'help'

The Easter holidays are upon us, which means that we have both Henry & Clarence about at home. Given the excitement of everything going on in the pub, they want to know what is going on.  In particular Henry, he wants to do everything with me - he doesn't want to feel left out!

This meant that yesterday when I sat down to work on our new drinks list for when we re-open, he had to be involved! 

Normally I would get stressed about having to entertain a 4 year old while typing away at the desktop all the while thinking about whether customers are being looked after in the pub, how long have I got to get this done, then the phone ringing - the list goes on.  

Under the current circumstances with the pub closed, with no time pressure, no questions, no phone calls, we actually had a bit of fun!

Progress so far...

Now, Tony, the foreman on the project politely reminded me about the Health & Safety implications of being on, what really, is a building site.  For me to have official access I have to wear steel toe cap boots, high-visibility jacket and sign in to be allowed on site.  So my ability to take regular snaps has been hindered somewhat.  I shall endeavor to get them as regularly as possible though!

Conservatory Tiles

The conservatory has probably seen the most work in the early days.  The new tiles have started to be placed, pillars removed, ceiling & window frames painted. It's really starting to come together.

We have had painters and decorators here all over today, they have been working outside on all the external decorations too.

Wood Panelling - Conservatory

External Decoration

A bar in bits!

We also had a site visit from the lead designer, Leah.  She was very please with the progress so far, other than a slight timing issue with some tiles for the toilets we are right on track for our planned re-opening date.

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Easter Monday & Day 1 - Out With The Old

The Essentials

Easter Monday proved to be a long and emotional day.

In the caffeine and adrenaline fueled clear out, I had completely underestimated the emotional impact of removing all the fixtures & fittings from the pub.  There are so many special occasions and memories that we have been so fortunate to have hosted in the George & Dragon, from birthdays to retirements, Christenings to funerals, we have even had a proposal for marriage in the conservatory.  

So, not only do we have our own attachment to the pub, there are so many others out there that do too. For some it is a home from home.

I want to share something my old boss said to me before taking on the George which has been in my mind for this project, he said to me, "Don't see the pub as yours, it isn't.  It is the communities, the people who have been going to the pub have been doing so for years before you, and will for years after you've gone.", for me, this is why it is so important that we get it right.  It's not for us, it's for you - the community.

Progress in Pictures

It's like a big game of spot the difference!

Conservatory

The conservatory has had the carpets and wood trim removed, the decoration around the fireplace has also gone along with the decorative shelves.  The ceiling has been painted pure white, while the window frames are going a dark shade of green.

Lounge

The lounge area of the pub has had the centre carpet removed, wallpaper stripped and radiators removed.  The double door side exit to the beer garden has been made ready for being reduced to a single door.  All decorative screens have been removed.

Bar Area

The bar area has had the carpets, decorative screens and radiators removed.  Currently it is housing a plethora of equipment and supplies.

Bar

Toilets

The Bar has had the back bar removed, coolers, pumps & fonts and sections of the bar top stripped out.  

The toilets are now empty shells, ready for a complete overhaul - new tiles, new vanity units, new toilets the works!

That's it for the progress on your pub!  I aim to get daily updates out - so watch this space.  Tonight we are off to the Taste Cheshire Food & Drink Awards, you nominated us for the Best Pub, hopefully we will come back with the gong, wish us luck!