The George Hotel pub in Crosby is set to reopen in just under three weeks. The historic public house will be revived with a fresh new look, a revamped offering and a renewed customer experience, led by the first independently run operators to take charge of the venue in decades.
New operators behind the revival
The team behind Murphy's Tavern, an Irish pub concept in Crosby Village, have acquired the premises. The business opened in March 2025, taking over the former Blues Bar site with a complete refurbishment.
Announcing the future of The George Hotel, Murphy's Tavern team member Jon Hewitt said: "We are taking over the recently closed down George Hotel in Crosby Village. This pub means a lot to me because it was the first proper job I ever had.
"I was 15 years old in 1997 and I was the glass collector here for two years every Friday and Saturday night. It was run by Whitbread at the time. I used to love working here and I'm really excited that it's going to be back open. It's not going to be a big empty building in Crosby Village.
We've got big plans for it. We're going to take it in a different direction. We're going to be offering some restaurant quality food and I hope you can all join us soon for a drink."
Restoration and community significance
The renovation process is currently being documented on social media teasing a refreshed front beer garden and restorations with the goal to deliver "a classic pub feel". An update on the pub on social media reads: "For generations of Crosby residents—past and present—The George has been far more than just a pub.
It’s a place filled with memories: celebrations, reunions, friendships and countless moments that have shaped our community. Like so many others, I have my own fond memories of time spent there, and it’s fantastic to see this historic establishment being given a new lease of life.
In just three weeks’ time, we’ll all have the opportunity to experience the results of an incredible restoration project and celebrate the reopening of one of Crosby’s most treasured landmarks." An exact date is yet to be confirmed, but the opening will arrive before the end of August.
Another landmark reopening
The Murphy's Tavern team is also reopening an Ince Blundell landmark that fell into disuse. The former Red Squirrel pub, located on the Formby Bypass, is to relaunch with a new identity after seven years of dormancy.
The pub briefly operated as a Ploughman's Table venture in 2018 but has stood derelict since 2019. The venue is now set to reopen as The Wild Roe, promising a "traditional, rural, friendly pub, kitchen and garden".
Set across two acres of countryside, The Wild Roe relaunch will be full of "traditional rural charm with a modern, high-level service experience".
