Pub in North Yorkshire celebrates 15 years of community ownership

The George and Dragon in Hudswell, just outside Richmond, is celebrating 15 years as a community-owned pub.

The pub was rescued and revived by locals after it closed and was left empty in 2008.

When it was rescued in 2010, the George and Dragon became one of the first pubs in the country to be taken over and operated by residents.

In 2025 the pub, which is in the heart of the village, not only has a bar and restaurant, but also a community shop, a library, and allotments on the grounds.

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One long-time resident said: “Back then, we didn’t just save the pub, we reclaimed a gathering place, a lifeline, a bit of our identity.

“And 15 years on, we’re still here – stronger than ever”.