Opening date confirmed for Marlow pub after multi-million-pound refurb

A historic Marlow pub is set to open next month following a multi-million-pound refurbishment.

The George & Dragon pub, located along the Causeway, closed its doors for nearly 12 months for a major renovation after ceasing operation in August 2024.

Hospitality group Heartwood Collection had acquired it from Premier Inn owner Whitbread PLC.

Now, the business inside the Grade II listed building will reopen to the public with a new look on Tuesday, July 15.

Heartwood Collection CEO Richard Ferrier previously said they were ‘delighted’ to acquire the ‘iconic’ pub and would ‘invest significant time and capital’.

The interior of the pub and dining room will be completely redesigned while ‘respecting its wonderful history and undertaking the work in line with its listed status’, he said.

“It will very much feel like a pub and a home from home for locals and visitors to the area alike,” Mr Ferrier added.

The revamp will see the 17 existing bedrooms updated with Heartwood’s style, including Bramley toiletries, Roberts Radios and bedding from the Secret Linen Store and the Fine Bedding Company.

Marlow’s ‘rich history’, literary connections and proximity to the River Thames will influence the design inside the pub, and guests can expect pub classics alongside more contemporary dishes.

The bar and dining room offer 200 internal and 50 external covers, and all the dining and drinking spaces are open to the public – not just guests staying in accommodation.

In August 2024, Mr Ferrier told the Advertiser: “The George & Dragon is very much for the local community of Marlow. We want it to be a pub they can call their local, and we want to be involved in supporting the town as well.

“We will have 17 bedrooms, so of course we will attract guests from further afield and that’s great, but ultimately, we want to be a friendly and welcoming pub that you can bring your children to, come for a date, celebrate a special occasion or simply have a lovely time.

“We are very much a local pub and want locals to feel at home.”