A SINGER with a local rock band is keeping the music scene in Bradford on Avon alive in 2009 after taking over the helm at the George pub in Woolley Street.

Darren Taylor, 32, who performs with the band Cause For Concern, took over on December 1 and is keen to retain the pub’s familiar and friendly charm while introducing a few fresh ideas of his own.

Mr Taylor said: “Without getting mushy I have to say the reason we took on the pub was the atmosphere of the place.

“It’s in the town but it is out of the way and as a result of that it’s got its own community base.

“It’s an eclectic mix of people. They are all musicians or writers – all like-minded people.”

Mr Taylor, who is also in soul group Respect, has taken over the pub with his company FeelSoLtd.

Redecoration has already started with a cream and brown theme being adopted throughout the lounge area.

“There are a couple of changes,” Mr Taylor said.

“There was a room here that was just full of stuff before and we have turned it into a nice lounge. It didn’t really get used – the main focus has always been the bar.

“We have put in leather sofas, recarpeted, new leather chairs and a flat screen TV with Sky Sports.

“It ain’t green any more, that’s for sure. It’s brown, which is the same colour as the natural wood which is in the entrance way.”

The room has WiFi and serves as a quiet area during the day and while bands are playing in the evenings.

The pub stays open until 11.30pm on Fridays, which the new owner says is unlikely to change.

Mr Taylor said: “We live in a residential area so we won’t be making the opening hours any later. We don’t want to upset anybody. We will probably just be opening earlier.

“We don’t serve food at the moment but we are going to review that and hopefully do food at lunch times. That won’t happen for another six months because we need to get settled first.”

Despite taking on the new venture, Mr Taylor said there ‘will always be enough hours in the day’ when it comes to maintaining his musical commitments.

As part of the pub’s role in the community, he is happy to see young people under 18 but over 14 who enjoy live music using the premises in the evening to hear a band, providing they are accompanied by an adult.

FACT FILE:
  • The George, Woolley Street, Bradford on Avon. Contact details available online at www.george@woolley.co.uk
  • The pub is open from 4pm to 11pm Monday to Thursday; 3pm to 11.30pm on Fridays; 12pm to 11pm on Saturdays and 12pm to 7pm on Sundays.
  • Food not currently served but there is an extensive array of bar snacks on offer.
  • Budweiser Budvar on tap for £3 a pint. Guinness, 6X, Butcombe and a guest ale also available.