Ok, let me start by saying I do not normally berate any drinking establishment, but my experience at the George & Dragon the other night was heart breaking. I was a "regular" for more than a few years, and also pushed allot of ppl to the place because i enjoyed meeting the characters who frequented the "George". I always enjoyed seeing the guy who looked like Elvis (Kevin?) who i was told ran the place. He always went out of his way to introduce me to everyone he was with, i wondered if he ever really worked because he was always drinking outside. My wife and I also met the owner David on more than a few occasions, and he was always friendly and personable. I attended the Beer Fest last week, and talked my group of friends into walking over as it is just across the street on central.. I had not been there in over 5 months, so I thought they would love the place as i did. Unfortunately this was not the case! I understand they were over run earlier with sud drunk fools from the park across the street, but it had slowed by the time we walked in. I walked in to find most familiar faces gone, but no worries. I ordered from a very nice blonde at the bar named Becky, we got our drinks of choice and made our way to a table. We were not attended to at all, at least 15 minutes! I got up and asked a server for a menu, nothing. we were hungry by now. One of our group commented on how it USED to be in here, and i too noticed a big difference. The younger crowd doesn't bother me, but the table next to our booth were talking about how stoned they were and being very rude. We never got our menus, so we went out to the patio. We were able to sit our party at a table to the far end. At the table next to us was a group more obnoxious than the one inside! A young lady was lifting her dress up and obviously drunk as a skunk. We still received no service, and the place was not busy at all. There was a manager smoking outside and i once again asked him for some menus, He was British,and said he would get someone for us right away. He then continued to smoke, and talk to the drunk girl next to us.He finally goes in,then walks out a short time later with another dark haired waitress and begins chatting with her righ by our table! We were now out of beer and had no food menus. Another 10 minutes go by, nothing. the drunk girl tells someone she is a bartender there, and her husband is the manager! ok, this explains allot. We finally decided to leave and make our way to the light rail station. I was excited to have my friends enjoy the place like i had in the past. we were all very disappointed. seems the class of people has change, and that is unfortunate. David if you read this, please understand that i'm not downing you personally, but be more hands on please.
It's a shame to see it going to the dogs. trendies come and go, but this kind of word of mouth can kill. and that kind of cancer can grow out of control. I've been in the restaurant business for a long time and I've never seen such a downward spiral in such a short time. Hire a staff that is professional, don't allow them to be the face of the business, and certainly don't allow them to be as lewd as those I encountered. It seems more like a clubhouse now, than a place for people to meet, drink and eat. I'll obviously come back on my own since it is close to home, but I will not send others until i personally see a change, and i hope i do. so very sad. read more