As you are probably aware, the George in Wanstead closed its doors, as a Wetherspoon pub for the last time last Sunday (October 13).

Urban Pubs and Bars (UPB) are taking over from the long-term leaseholders Wetherspoons.

Apart from changing the name back to The George and Dragon, it is not known exactly what UPB have planned but they do run a number of successful pubs across London. 

The concern, though, with the loss of the George under Wetherspoons stewardship is the price of food and drink to the customer.

In these difficult financial times, the George has always offered reasonably priced food and drink. It has been a place that anyone can go to, across the generations. Sometimes, for some, it was just a place to keep warm, have a drink and a bit of company.

It is the loss of this facility, a positive community asset, that has concerned people most.

Paul Donovan says that the George has served as a community assetPaul Donovan says that the George has served as a community asset (Image: Paul Donovan)  Wanstead has to be a place that caters for all, including visitors. A recent worry is that a lot of people are being priced off the high street. At the same time, many businesses, especially in the hospitality sector, are struggling to survive 

These concerns were reflected in the campaign to save the George. Many people worked hard over the months, collecting signatures on the petition and contacting Wetherspoons directly. A day of action was planned for next Sunday (October 20), which obviously won't happen now.

Thank you to everyone for their great work.

Leyton and Wanstead MP, Calvin Bailey, was also very supportive of the campaign, writing to the chair of Wetherspoons, Sir Tim Martin. 

Wetherspoons for their part could have engaged more with the local people.

The staff at the George have been brilliant but getting information out of Wetherspoons head office has at times been a bit like getting blood from a stone, although, it did markedly improve over the last couple of months.

To be fair Wetherspoons are a business, not a social service, and their main concern must be the bottom line.

We should also thank them for the service provided by the George over the years - it has been a great asset to the community. Early signs are good, with the new owners already revealing the pub will be called the George & the Dragon - the original name.

Moving forward, it has to be hoped that UPB take the pub forward in the true spirit of the George - a pub of the people for the people. Other options should also be considered, like maybe a micro or pop-up pub.

But that's all for the future, for now, it is a case of moving forward together and making the best of what we have.

  • Paul Donovan is Labour councillor for Wanstead Village ward, Redbridge Council and a blogger (paulfdonovan.blogspot.com).