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24
Fisher Street
Sandwich
01304 614194
https://georgeanddragonsandwich.com/
https://www.facebook.com
https://whatpub.com/george-dragon
I have reference to a "Green Dragon" also in Fisher Street, which
may have been an error in the Post Office directory of 1878 when John
Burchett was serving behind the bar. I am assuming that this is the same pub.
This inn was built in 1446, the 24th year of the 1st reign of Henry VI
and was part of the estate of Peter Taychell, who possessed many mortgages
in Sandwich, Ash and Wingham.
In 1552, Thomas Webb lived here, he was originally a sail-maker who took
advantage of the newly formed Licensing Registration act of 1549 and applied
for a licence to sell ales from his premises. At this time the house bore no
title of registration and was recorded as a “typpling house in Fisher Stete”
and Webb it's “typplere” a situation that was passed down for a further 60
years. (A Typpling or Tippling house being one in
which liquors are sold in drams or small quantities, and where men are
accustomed to spend their time and money in excessive drinking. Paul
Skelton.)
In the 1570 ale was brewed here under licence for one Stephen Back.
In 1615 one Francis Scoones came to the house in that year he registered
the house under the name of “George and Dragon”. It is said that since the
opening year, the pub has only been closed once due to wars or change of
breweries etc.
It appears to have been tied to a brewery owned by the prominent Sandwich
family, the Wyborns to 1822. In 1764 William Wyborn, brewer, died and his
business was left to his daughter Mary, who had married John Bradley. Their son,
William Wyborn Bradley was born in 1752 William being described as "common
brewer of Sandwich." William was elected Mayor Sandwich in 1785 and died in
1788. The Sandwich brewery and its tied estate of 27 pubs was eventually put up
for "sale by private contract" by William's son (also called William Wyborn
Bradley, born 1779) as advertised in the Kentish Gazette on 10th May 1822.
However, the name given was simply the "George."
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Kentish Gazette, 18 June 1850.
SANDWICH, KENT.
PUBLIC HOUSE, with immediate Possession, TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION, BY
MESSRS. DAVIS AND CHAMBERS,
AT the "King’s Arms Inn," SANDWICH, on THURSDAY, June 27th, 1850, at
Three o’clock p.m., all that FREEHOLD PUBLIC HOUSE, called the
"George and Dragon," situate in Fisher Street, SANDWICH, in the
occupation of Mr. James Facey.
Immediate possession can be had, and the license transferred.
For further particulars apply to Messrs. Furleys and Mercer,
solicitors, or to the Auctioneers’, Canterbury.
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In May 2008 the George and Dragon was taken over by brothers, Mark and
Matthew Philpott, born and bred in the town. Mark is the chef who studied
catering at Thanet College for 3 years. He then moved onto London, and spent
11 years working in a number of kitchens. These include the Georgian kitchen
at Harrods, Leith's and Adam Street.
Matthew, the other brother, worked in London a few years, then moved to
Surrey where becoming manager of the Brickmakers Pub in Windlesham for 3
years.
Very recently, The George and Dragon were honoured with the award of
becoming a Cask Marque accredited pub.
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From the East Kent Mercury, 26 June, 1997
THE "George and Dragon" may be tucked away in a pretty back street of
Sandwich, but its fame for excellent food is spreading fast throughout
East Kent.
Liz Tillings is now the landlady and has joined forces with John
Radford, now the landlord to provide a bright future for the Fisher
Street pub.
Under Liz and John's guidance, there has been a pleasing
transformation in the ancient building in less than a year.
A bright and spacious restaurant has been created at the back of the
pub, with many seats at the pine tables providing an opportunity to see
the chef at work in his kitchen.
There is also a pretty garden, which is a sun trap, and later in the
summer an opera duo will be performing at a special Italian evening.
The pub is also visited by the Deal-based theatre group the Crew of
Patches during its Bite of Sandwich tours.
"We took over the "George and Dragon" with a vision to have more than
just a pub and more than just a restaurant. There has been an
amalgamation of the two," said Liz, who describes the new look business
as a little jewel of a back-street pub.
"I still consider it to be a pub. We sell real ale, have guest
bitters and are very busy with people who are just drinking.
Liz and John and now discussing changing the menu which is altered
every four months. There are always impressive meat and fish
specialities, always duck and chicken dishes, and all the vegetables are
fresh.
A wood-burning oven was brought to Sandwich in pieces from Italy to
be reconstructed at the "George and Dragon" and the range of 11 pizzas
presents a first class choice.
Starters and sweets are also tempting the range of salads has
wonderful dressings and at lunchtimes the char grilled baguettes offer a
quick lunchtime snack with a difference.
About 35 people can be seated in the restaurant and Liz is keen to
promote its "woman friendly" atmosphere. The revamped pub also has a
cellar room for private parties or business lunches.
Sunday lunchtime provides a speciality at the "George and Dragon,"
when apart from the usual full al a carte menu there is also a chance to
try the carvery, complete with roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and all the
trimmings. On Sunday evenings only pizza, salads and desserts are
served.
The pub also has a range of coffees to suit every taste.
The "George and Dragon" is a two minute walk away from free parking
at The Quay and is closed in the afternoons.
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From the Dover Express, 27 July 2017. By Lauren MacDougall.
Restaurateur suggests critic may have been ‘too full’ to appreciate his dinner.
THE George and Dragon in Sandwich has garnered a great reputation in
both the town and wider Kent over the years.
The Dover district pub prides itself on serving some seriously tasty
grub, offering a traditional menu packed full of British and world
cuisine.
But despite an average rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 on the tourism
website TripAdvisor (based on more than 600 reviews), making it the top
eatery in Sandwich and one of the best rated dining establishments in
the whole county, the restaurant is not without the occasional online
critic.
While many restaurateurs
choose to ignore the bad reviews, one of the pub’s owners, Matthew Philpott, took issue with a couple, writing some epic and sassy
comebacks to the moaning diners.
One critic with username “Dean C” left a review in May this year, giving
the restaurant just two stars.
Complained.
He complained: “Had heard good things but found both starters and mains
very uninspiring and at best average.
“If the food wasn’t bad enough the service was ambivalent at best.”
(sic)
Ouch.
Matthew replied: “Dean, not sure what to say about your
review as it does not really tell us much about your experience or why
you were so disappointed.
“If you look through our reviews you will notice your opinions are not
in sync with the majority of people who use our pub.”
After taking a snoop on Dean’s TripAdvisor profile - and discovering
that he had also left a (positive) review for another Sandwich
restaurant, Luigi’s, on the very same day, Matthew ramped up the sass.
He wrote: “After looking at your other review I would not recommend
eating at two restaurants in one day. Some may call it a bit greedy, and
maybe being so full affected your judgement.”
This is not the only time the pub
owner has taken to the keyboard to defend his business.
Another user left a scathing two star review in March, titled “Don’t get
it”.
Matthew replied: “I do not get why people are so very happy to go on
social websites like TripAdvisor to post their negative views rather
than speak to us at the time.
“If you were able to speak to us we could of attempted to correct any
mistake or disappointment you may have with your service or meal.
“People worry about the young generation having poor communication
skills, I think they probably learnt it off the current generation.”
In 2008 the George and Dragon was taken over by Matthew and his brother
Mark, when they returned back to the town in which they were brought up.
Mark, the chef began his career by studying catering at Thanet College
for three years.
He then moved to London, where he spent 11 years gaining valuable
experience working in a
number of kitchens, including the Georgian kitchen at Harrods, Leith’s
and Adam Street.
And Matthew, after working in London for a few years, moved to Surrey
where he became the manager of the Brickmakers Pub in Windlesham for
three years.
Both brothers hope they can use the skills they have gained, to give
every customer an enjoyable and friendly experience at the George and
Dragon.
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I am informed that the pub is currently closed. (6 Jan 2019.) But reopened again
in July 2019.
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From the
https://www.kentlive.news By Lauren MacDougall, 6 November 2019.
Kent’s cosiest pubs with gorgeous log fires that will shield you from the cold.
These stunning pubs come with crackling fires, beautiful interiors and tasty food.
Is there anything better than curling up next a toasty log fire, pint in hand?
With the winter months drawing in and November predicted to be one of
the coldest ever, knowing your local cosy pub with a gorgeous log fire
is more important than ever.
Whether you're looking for a tipple after a brisk walk or just after
a warm afternoon out, there's plenty of choice.
These stunning pubs come with crackling fires, beautiful interiors
and tasty food.
Some of them even have more than one wood burner, so you won't be
fighting for the coveted space in front of the flickering flames.
If you're looking for some inspiration, check out our list below.
The George and Dragon.
The George and Dragon in Sandwich.
Where : 24 Fisher St, Sandwich CT13 9EJ.
What : This historic pub in Sandwich was has been open almost 600 years.
It's a big hit with those seeking shelter from the cold winter weather
with its beautiful atmosphere, cosy fire, seasonal menu and unique ales.
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LICENSEE LIST
WEBB Thomas 1552+
BACK Stephen 1574+
SEARLES Joshua 1591+
SEARLES Widow 1608+
SCOONES Francis 1615+
SCOONES Thomas 1628+
CULLEY Thomas 1635+
CULLEY Martha 1663+
WARNETT Elias 1671+
JACKS Thomas 1687+
JACKS Matilda 1696+
BENNING Mrs Jane 1710+
BENNING William 1746+
TOODS Johnathan 1753+
SPENCER Nysall 1760+
WADE John 1771+
MARTYN Thomas 1784+
GOOSE Francis 1789+
GOOSE Emma 1798+
BROOKES Thomas 1804+
BROOKES William 1823-29+
 
BROOKES Clementine 1833+
SPICER William 1832-41 (age 50 in 1841 )
  
STOKES William 1845-47+
ARNOLD William 1851+ (also carpenter age 62 in 1851)
EPPSLEY Thomas 1853+
ARNOLD William 1858+
JEZZARD Thomas 1865+
FARLEY William C 1861+ (age 33 in 1861)
HARVEY James 1871+ (also sawyer age 39 in 1871)
HENLEY George 1874+
 
BURCHETT John 1876-78+
PAY James Norris 1881-82
(also baker age 22 in 1881)
WADHAM William 1890-91+ (age 70 in 1891)
JONES William 1898-Jan/1900
 
FRAPWELL Herbert Jan/1900-03+ (age 26 in 1901)
LEE John Charles 1905+
ADAMS Albert 1908-13
(age 34 in 1911)
SEAR Roger 1914-22+
 
SEAR Mrs Florence 1929-34+
 
FELLOWS Thomas E 1937-39+ (age 41 in 1939)
LAKE Arthur W 1947+
JUDD Leslie J G 1959-74+
Fremlins
MARTIN Roger 1976+
BOENKE David Alen 1985
Discovery Inns 1990+
St George Inns 1996+
TILLINGS Randolph & Elizabeth 1997-May/2008 (converted to restaurant)
PHILPOTT Mark & Matthew May/2008+
BETTS Eddie & Maureen to 2009+
PHILPOTT Matthew 2017+
MILLER Tom July 2019+
Unknown name 15/Jan/2024+
https://pubwiki.co.uk/GeorgeDragon.shtml
From the Pigot's Directory 1823
From the Pigot's Directory 1828-29
From the Pigot's Directory 1832-33-34
From the Pigot's Directory 1839
From the Pigot's Directory 1840
From Bagshaw Directory 1847
From Melville's Directory 1858
From the Post Office Directory 1874
From the Kelly's Directory 1874
From the Post Office Directory 1878
From the Post Office Directory 1882
From the Kelly's Directory 1899
From the Kelly's Directory 1903
From the Post Office Directory 1913
From the Post Office Directory 1918
From the Post Office Directory 1922
From the Post Office Directory 1930
From the Kelly's Directory 1934
From the Post Office Directory 1938
Library archives 1974
From the Deal Walmer & Sandwich Mercury
Census
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