One of Chichester’s longest serving publicans celebrates 20 years behind the bar

One of Chichester’s longest serving publicans, Lee Howard of The George & Dragon Inn, on North Street, has been awarded a prestigious Dedicated Service Award by  Heineken owned Star Pubs.  

It was given to him by Star Pubs area manager, Ron Barnes, in recognition of the contribution he has made to the community during his 20 years behind the bar.  

 Prior to taking on The George & Dragon, Lee’s career had been a retail manager and a professional DJ across the south of England.  After working for other people he wanted his own business, his property developing funded his dream of running his own pub.  Today The George & Dragon is one of the last few independently run pubs in Chichester. 

Lee explains: “The George & Dragon was my first pub and so is special to me. I have always lived in the area and knew The George & Dragon well, so when the lease became available, I leapt at the opportunity to take it on.  I could see its potential and thought I could put my own spin on it.” 

Lee bought The George & Dragon when it was a popular drinkers’ pub before the smoking ban.  He had to pivot when the ban came into force and turned it into a gastro pub with letting rooms, which it prospered as for many years. During the covid shutdown he renovated the pub including moving the bar.   

However, in the last 15 years multiple branded restaurants such as Bills and The Ivy opened in Chichester, saturating the food end of the market.  Swift of foot as ever, Lee reinvented the pub again as a traditional local. He installed two pool tables, darts and three high-definition TVs showing live sports.  He also replaced the conservatory and revamped the garden creating more space for alfresco eating and drinking and changed the menu to offer affordable pub classics including pies and tapas for people playing pool. Today the pub has become a popular community local with two pool teams and a darts team. It also hosts a weekly quiz, regular DJ nights with occasional appearances from Lee himself, and has live bands and acoustic nights. On Sunday nights The George & Dragon offers free pool, darts and board games and drinks discounts.   

During Lee’s time The George & Dragon has gained Cask Marque accreditation for its beers and won a perfect serve award from the brewer Timothy Taylor.  It also raises money for charities, such as Saffa a charity for ex-military personnel and for St Wilfred’s Hospice.  It continues to offer a Blue Light discount to those working locally in the emergency services, such as the nearby fire station and hospital.  

Lee said: “Running a pub hasn’t disappointed. It’s certainly had its challenges such as the smoking ban, covid and the changing climate of the high street.” 

“I love the sense of community, meeting different people and giving them a good time that running The George & Dragon gives me.  So, thank you to my regular diners and drinkers for all their support over the years and to my staff for all their hard work.  We’re having a party on 6th June to mark the occasion.  Cheers!” 

Ron Barnes, Star Pubs area manager said: “Congratulations to Lee for reaching this milestone and for creating a community hub for everyone.  Lee’s adept at changing with the times and as such attracts a loyal following from locals to visitors to Chichester. He is doing a fantastic job deserving of recognition. I wish him and his customers many happy years ahead at The George & Dragon.”