Former punters have shared their fond memories of a roadside pub in Reading while it is being demolished.
The George & Dragon pub along the A4 Bath Road in Southcote is being reduced to rubble so that it can be replaced with a drive-thru Greggs bakery.
Members of the public have commented on Facebook sharing their memories of going to the pub.
Steve Andrews said: “I used all the pubs in Southcote.
“I played football for the George and Dragon. It had a great atmosphere.Morlands beer was good.
“A lot of happy times spent in that pub with some special people. So sad driving past to see it has almost gone.”
Agreeing, Lynn Legg said: “A sad sign of the times. I spent many an evening in the George back in the 80’s & 90’s…..Happy days!”
Johnny McNicholas said: “I had smashing memories of The George & Dragon – it was a truly friendly place with great ales and food. What every local should be!”
Meanwhile, one woman had fond memories of the pub, but also welcomed the prospect of the future of the site as a Greggs drive-thru.
Rebecca Hughes said: “I absolutely loved the George and Dragon so many happy memories from it.
“However I do love a Greggs and will be great to have one here especially if it’s a large one that you can sit in. It’s budget-friendly for all lunches or breakfast.”
Others have expressed worries that the drive-thru will negatively impact neighbours in Morlands Avenue.
Concern has already been raised over light and noise disturbance that could be caused by the Greggs.
Lynn Robertson said: “Wow i bet the close behind [Morlands Avenue isn’t happy about a Greggs being there.
“It going to be a nightmare traffic-wise – especially if you want to turn right.”
Lyn Wade argued that the site should have had an alternative use rather than being a drive-thru.
She said: “I grew up in one of the houses between the pub and the garage and I’m so upset this is being demolished and for what… Affordable housing… No… A youth centre for the local kids… No… Anything that would benefit the local community… Of course not… it’s just going to be yet another junk food establishment… It’s disgraceful!!!
The closure and sale of the pub was justified in a viability assessment by property marketers Savills, with an assessment concluding that it would £1.412 million to bring back into use after its closure during the pandemic in 2020.
The plan was submitted by Greene King, the brewery the owned the pub. It is expected that the site will be handed over to Greggs to finalise once the construction is complete.
