The George and Dragon reopened in May 2021, under the new ownership of The Country Pub Collection, a company set up by some locals with the specific aim of reinvigorating this Grade II Listed pub. With its stunning location, beautiful outdoor garden space and revamped traditional interior, the George and Dragon has quickly re-established itself as a firm favourite among locals and Kentish folk from further afield.
Despite some tricky Covid restrictions, the George and Dragon has gone from strength to strength, gaining a reputation for its delicious food. The pub partners knew there was an opportunity to explore more exciting gastronomic options and so a conversation with their long-time friend and highly experienced professional chef, Bobby, resulted in a new partnership and a new food vibe for the pub.
Bobby will be familiar from MasterChef: The Professionals and to locals from The Kentish Hare, which he opened in 2014 with James and Chris Tanner. He has worked with Gordon Ramsay and most recently at Bank House in Chislehurst with Gordon Ramsay’s ex-CEO, Stuart Gillies. After leaving Bank House, he was going to help his old friends at the George and Dragon for a few weeks until his role at the George and Dragon became permanent, and Bobby joined the partnership as Chef Patron.
Bobby will have full management of the kitchens and menus. He is introducing a finessed a la carte menu to sit alongside the firm favourites on the updated traditional pub menu. His passion is to use local, seasonal produce so the menus will change and adapt to reflect that. Bobby is also introducing some special gastro treats, such as Beef Wellington Friday, that already sold out on its first two airings.
The George and Dragon also hopes to welcome wedding parties in 2022. It really is the perfect location in a typically picturesque Kentish village.
Of his new venture, Bobby says, “I am thrilled to be working in partnership with my great friends in this wonderful setting. I’m looking forward to offering some fabulous menu choices to all our guests and making the most of all the incredible food we have in and around Kent.”
What can you expect to see on Bobby’s new menus? To tempt your tastebuds, his launch dishes include his legendary chicken wings, as well as scallops with cauliflower, crab salad, lamb shoulder hash brown, and roast hake with mussels.
To sample Bobby’s gastro delights, call the George and Dragon on 01892 338549 or book via email bookings@ganddspeldhurst.com.
