George, Wickham Market

A Community Benefit Society was set up in December 2016 to acquire, restore and reopen The George. They have now completed a feasibility study and there has been a go decision. For further details, including more historical background, see www.wmgeorge.co.uk.

In September 2018 it was announced that the group had succeeded in buying the pub. Clearly this is just the beginning of a long journey. It's hoped that the pub will be ready to reopen in 2023.

Sadly, the George was almost completely destroyed by fire in April 2013. (EADT article).

Early indications are that the remains of the pub will have to be demolished; we hope it can be rebuilt to continue providing a vital facility to this village. There's clearly a need and a desire for a pub here; in a survey of villagers in September 2012, over 95% said they wanted a pub in the village again.

Although protected, there are fears in the village that the company which has bought the premises may be deliberately leaving it to deteriorate so they can justify its demolition and replacement with housing.

In August 2016, a planning application was lodged to demolish the remains of the pub and replace it with a new pub plus housing to the rear, though the parish council are sceptical about the plan.

In September 2022, signs on the hoardings say there's a target to reopen the pub for xmas 2023, though given the fact that absolutely no work appears to have been taking place and that recreating a mediaeval building must inevitable be time-consuming, this must be taken with a pinch of salt.

It was two bar community pub located close to town centre. The main bar led to a small conservatory to rear. Pool was often played in the other bar.