The George at Kilsby has a special place in my heart – it’s the place I celebrated my first freelance anniversary with my mum with lunch and a glass of fizz and somewhere Jamie and I went a few times and always planned to do one of our walks to. Then suddenly it closed, and it’s been a sad sight ever since – what should have been a thriving village pub with its doors closed, lights off, and the building gradually looking sadder and sadder.
Until now – because after three years The George is set to reopen on Monday, 25th July with a brand new look and exciting new food menu on Monday 25th July. It’s had a complete overhaul and will now offer a menu of Indian-inspired dishes along with popular pub favourites such as burgers, wood-fired pizzas and grills.
At the helm will be accomplished Midlands-based chef Hari Shankararkrishnamurthy, who was classically trained in India and spent six months at three Michelin-starred Restaurant George Blanc in Vonnas, before going on to work at venues including Resorts World, Selfridges and Mowgli. He also spent two years working on luxury cruise liners and his food style incorporates elements from many global cuisines.
As a child growing up in India, Hari was responsible for taking freshly-roasted spices to have them milled for his family’s cooking. In a role reversal, his mother will now dry roast and grind spices and send them to him to use in his home-inspired dishes, such as Keralan Tiger Prawns, Olde Delhi Chicken or Tofu Tikka.
The varied menu will also include popular pub favourites such as burgers and wood-fired pizzas and grills. Vegan, vegetarian and Halal diets will be well catered for.
Chef Hari takes over following a £330,000 investment by Star Pubs & Bars and has aspirations to make the venue a destination restaurant. It’s got a brand new look following a full renovation by the team at Concept Design, including a complete restructure to create a central bar, creating a large open space for guests.
Hari says: “When I first saw The George I knew it was the perfect place to open my first restaurant and I’m delighted to have the support of Star Pubs & Bars who have seen the pub’s potential to become a serious restaurant.
“I know there has been a lot of love for The George in the past from local residents and those further afield and I can’t wait to open the doors and provide an experience worth waiting for.”
