The historic George and Dragon pub in Swallowfield has undergone a makeover to boost its beer garden just in time for summer.
And the venue, which boasts some spectacular views of the countryside right on its doorstep, is revamping its menu as part of a £250,000 transformation. It includes sharing plates, a specials board and firm pub grub favourites.
Run by Siren Craft Brew since 2021, the George and Dragon is a 17th century venue … and a Grade II listed building. It is a complete contrast to its newer sibling which opened last year in Reading town centre.
The George and Dragon has open fires, original brickwork and exposed beams, meaning there is much to admire inside. But it is outside that has received attention from the Siren team: the pub garden has been expanded to house up to 70 people, there is space for an outside bar, plus opportunities to host musicians and DJs to get the place rocking.
For when the evening coolness turns to a chill, a ready supply of blankets are available, allowing people to enjoy the great outdoors for as long as possible.
And the garden is next to an expanded car parking area, making it easy for people to visit the countryside destination.
The pub is holding a weekend-long garden party to celebrate over Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27. Drink offers, live music, street food and an outdoor bar including Siren beers, Aperol Spritz and local gins are all on the menu, while there will be garden games and complimentary face painting are also on the party agenda.
And The George and Dragon is already a popular destination. After all, it has enjoyed a new lease of life since Siren Craft Brew took over and placed its award-winning beers on tap. For those who want to watch sport, there are big screens, while there is a dining area suitable for celebrations, dates and catch-ups.
Sophie Fowler is the George and Dragon’s general manager and is excited by the changes, saying the investment enhances everything that goes on in the pub. Work is still ongoing, with the venue remaining fully open.
“We have been reinvesting the garden, making the most of the beautiful panoramic views of the Berkshire countryside,” she says.
Among the changes will be moving a tank away from the pub garden. “When it’s relocated, you will have the full view from one side of the field to the other.”
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While the fields are full of crops, watch long enough and you may be lucky enough to see some wildlife, including pheasants, wandering around in the big outdoors.
But there is more to George and Dragon than Siren’s beers, the new menu, and the sport: Sophie and her team host regular special events, and have some more ideas up their sleeves.
“There are many different things we are trying to do to bring the community together,” she says. “We are a destination pub and being from the 17th century, there is a lot of history behind it too.
“We have community nights on the last Thursday of every month,” she says.
They run from 6pm to 9pm, and is open to residents from Arborfield, Farley Hill, Finchampstead, Riseley, Spencers Wood and Swallowfield. Those who book can enjoy canapes and a free drink.
“I’m also doing a wine event once a quarter, he next will be in conjunction with the release of our new menu,” Sophie continues.
“There has also been a brush party; it’s like a sit and sip event for around 15 people.”
It’s also a good start and end point for country walks, with a four-mile route published on its website.
Sophie joined the George and Dragon team six months ago and really feels at home.
“There is very much a family culture from top to bottom, including from the owners who are popping in regularly to support us and talk to our guests,” she explains.
“And there is the brewery in Finchampstead, just 15 minutes away down the road. Everyone who works here believe in playing our part. We all want the business to be successful and everyone that come in here has a good time, whether there are a new customer or people who used to be here 40 years ago and can talk about its history.”
Of course, when it comes to being a pub, the beer matters. Sophie promises that it is kept in the right environment ensuring that when they are poured, they are fresh and tasty.
“If you haven’t tried a Siren beer, well, you need to try them,” she says. “They are slightly different but they are the way forward. Most people who come here have got a Siren pint in their hand.”
The new menu will be coming in May, and Sophie is looking forward to it.
“There is new exciting, vibrant dishes which I look forward to people coming down to taste,” she promises. “I love our dishes and, on our current menu, we have some great small sharing plates.
“One of my favourites is the Korean Chicken Bites, which has a bit of a nice kick to it with a hint of chilli, it is very popular and great to share over a couple of beverages.
“There will be a Pork Belly Barbecue Broken Dream Bites, which have been a hit – they are also available in the Siren in Friar Street, Reading.”
The George and Dragon may have four centuries of tradition behind it, but it is always looking to the future.
When is the George and Dragon in Swallowfield open?
The George and Dragon is in Church Road, Swallowfield and open seven days a week.
It opens from noon to 10pm every day apart from Sunday, when is shuts at the earlier time of 6pm.
Food is served from noon to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 9pm Mondays to Saturdays, and from noon to 4pm on Sundays.
Outside of those times, pub snacks are available.
The pub is a cashless venue.
For more details, or to book, log on to The George and Dragon’s website: https://www.georgedragonpub.com/ or call the pub on 0118 988 4432.
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