Shropshire pub serves up 10,000th lockdown meal
A team of Shropshire pub workers has stepped up to the challenge of the pandemic and served up its 10,000th lockdown meal.
Staff at the George & Dragon in Much Wenlock have reconfigured the 15th Century inn to ensure it can keep serving residents of the town, many of whom have been shielding or unable to leave home.
Robin Bennett, joint landlord, said: “In normal times, the George & Dragon is the heart of the high street and a thriving community pub.
"The three lockdowns and tier restrictions have made it incredibly difficult for us and the whole hospitality industry but we’ve kept going for our customers and staff.”
The High Street pub was re-opened by Robin and his business partner, Richard Torr, in October 2018 after a period of closure.
Their families, friends and volunteers from the town helped to get the pub ship-shape again and ready to re-open.
The pub has since gone from strength to strength, recently delivering its 10,000th meal since the first lockdown begun.
One of the regulars, known as Delivery Dave, volunteered to take meals out into Much Wenlock and surrounding villages.
In the week, customers choose from a takeaway & delivery menu including the pub’s homemade burgers, daily specials and pizzas.
The pub invested in a new oven and dough rollers to keep up with the demand for their Italian-style pizzas which are made from fresh dough in the pub from Wednesday to Saturday.
Sunday deliveries are made by Robin, Richard and their families.
Richard added: “Our food delivery and takeaway service is really appreciated.
"On Sundays, we serve up 100 hot homemade roast dinners around the town and our regulars tell us it is the highlight of their week.
“It is hard work for the team but really heart-warming and we appreciate the support our customers are giving us, their local, ready for better times ahead."
