A Workington pub is getting ready to reopen under new management.
The Royal George, on Cross Hill, has been renovated and transformed by Colin Glaister, 43, of Workington, and is set to officially reopen on Friday night, October 31, just in time for Halloween.
Colin – who also owns Maryport Groundworks Ltd – is set to run the pub, which is his first venture into hospitality, alongside his family.
It was previously run by Mike and Denise Rollo, who had the pub for five years before they stepped away in January.
The pub remained empty for most of the year until Colin took it over few months ago.
Colin said: “We got the pub about two months ago and it’s undergone a lot of work in that time. It’s got a brand new kitchen and dining room and we’re now all systems go.
“On Friday for our opening we’ve got singer Harrison Miles on, a free buffet and fancy dress optional and the doors will open at 6pm.
“We’ll also be starting to serve food on the Saturday from 11am until 8.30pm daily and on Sundays we’ll be doing a one, two or three course carvery.
“It is very exciting and very nerve-wracking at the same time, we just want people to come along and enjoy themselves.”
Colin is running the pub with the support of his family, including his sister Julie Glaister Buchanan, his brother Stuart Glaister and his close family friend Harvey Andrew.
Julie co-owns the Mark Buchanan Property Group – Powered by eXp, with her husband Mark, while Stuart and Harvey help run Colin’s construction business.
Colin added that he had wanted to open an eatery in the local area and after coming across The Royal George, decided to go for it.
Colin said: “We want it to be as family oriented as possible, so all my family are involved and will help run it.
“One night a month we also want to do a charity night for Workington charities to support local people and we’ve already got some lined up like the Royal British Legion.
“But it is something that’s just happened really, it was a sod it, lets do it kind of moment.
“It’s also about bringing back traditional pub grub that is nothing fancy into the town centre and bringing the place back to life, as it was starting to look run down and sorry for itself.”
Colin added that the team are also planning to reveal the menu for the pub shortly, but that they are also open to suggestions from the public of what they’d like to see on offer.
It is also set to remain a dog friendly pub and pool and darts will still be on offer.
The Royal George will officially reopen on Friday October 31 at 6pm – all are welcome and Halloween fancy dress is encouraged.
