Latest news with #TheGeorge
Chicago Tribune
15-07-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
The George, an old-fashioned tavern, to pay homage to Naperville's famous Georges
Dave Miller and Will Cullen are so certain they have a winner on their hands, they have sunk about a million dollars of their own money into a new tavern they're opening in downtown Naperville. The George — historical references explained later — is at the corner of Chicago Avenue and Washington Street. That's where Bev's was for a couple of years and where Jimmy's Grill had been for 24. Over the years, the site has also been home to a diner called The Landmark, a piano store run by Bev Patterson Frier, 94, who still owns part of the building, a gas station and a car dealership. The building itself needed sprucing up, said Miller, adding, 'from afar, it always looked decrepit.' He and Cullen are hoping their vision changes that. The patio from Jimmy's remains and is receiving major upgrades worth about $250,000, Miller said. Highlights are a fire pit made with bricks from old Chicago streets and a $125,000 pergola with louvers that can be moved to provide sun on nice days and cover when it rains. Speakers, large fans and LED lighting will be part of the patio experience. 'The patio, we understand, is a draw,' Miller said. 'So why don't we spend money on the patio and really dress it up? All these windows will open up into the bar.' The unlikely business partnership of Miller, 52, who owns a catering business in Lisle, and Cullen, 41, an owner of Empire Burgers + Brew down the street, started last year. After Bev's closed, Cullen called Miller and asked, 'What should I do with this?' Cullen's Empire Restaurant Group owns part of the property, Miller said. Miller suggested subleasing to another restaurant group and Cullen found one. But he didn't want to lose the property. 'I told him, what if we just gutted it. We redo everything, floor to ceiling, but we don't try to sell a $58 steak, a $50 salmon … None of our entrees will cost more than $32,' Miller said. For example, there will be 20 wines sold by the glass and the most expensive will be $16. Their partnership is named Ciller Concepts LLC. 'It's Miller with a 'C' for Cullen,' Miller said. 'We used Will's vision for the windows, doors, the pergola. We used a lot of my vision for the furniture, the bar design, refacing the exterior,' Miller said. Right now, the interior looks like development mayhem with a ladders lining a wall, a bar covered with a tarp and concrete floors bare. Despite appearances, the business is on schedule for the projected Labor Day weekend opening, Miller said. 'Our goal for this is we're not hitting the college kids,' he said. 'We're not hitting the Miller Lite crowd or whatever. We want it to be a gathering place for families, for friends, for business associates.' A lot of work has been done on the interior, which was basically torn down to the studs. 'For the most part, our biggest challenge was the plumbing,' he said. 'It was all 60 years old. Lead pipes. When we got in, it was horrifying. We had to replace everything.' They budgeted $20,000 on plumbing and spent about $70,000, he said. A custom-built $60,000 L-shaped bar will be in the room nearest the patio. In a nod to the past, they kept the old bar from Jimmy's and are refurbishing it for a back room that will be called The Pontiac Lounge. 'Will has a photo of a 1963 Pontiac GTO parked in the front (where the patio is). I have a vintage Pontiac myself, a 1979 Trans Am. … Will said let's have the most beautiful, soft seating lounge Naperville has ever seen,' Miller said. The lounge also will have a new fireplace along with 'vintage furniture, super comfortable' that's ready to be moved in, he said. A signature drink, the Carillon Old-Fashioned, will serve two, Miller said. It's name, of course, a nod to one of Naperville's iconic landmarks. As for the name, Miller said 'The George' is taken from a London tavern with the same name, a moniker they both liked. 'Then, Will and I and our wives — our wives had a lot to do with this — we're in Big Sky, Montana, skiing over Christmas. 'We just happened to be at a super rustic vintage Montana resort tavern. They have the coolest eclectic tavern,' he said. They liked what they saw and are bringing elements of that 'Montana, Americana tavern' to their new business. 'My wife found The George in London (online). We love the London design features. We looked at each other. 'The George, we love it.'' And, they love the historic nature of the name. 'Will suggested we honor George Pradel, the late mayor. George Pradel gave the blessing when Josie and I got married 22 years ago. … I have a lot of respect and love for our old mayor. 'There will be some touchpoints to George Pradel in our restaurant,' he said. Miller then reached out to Naper Settlement, seeking vintage photos to use in the restaurant. He learned about George Martin, of the Martin Mansion, who 'made his fortune digging the Naperville quarries for limestone to rebuild Chicago after the fire.' 'Then you know Knoch Park. George Knoch Jr. owned a cigar store but father was one of the first U.S. circuit court judges, George Knoch Sr. from Naperville. 'George Laird was the one who constructed and built the Pre-Emption House, the first tavern and hotel in Naperville,' Miller said. 'We are taking vintage Naperville heritage,' he said, 'and we are bringing it back alive with The George.' The plan is for the tavern to be a mainstay in downtown for many years. Miller conceded it's a hard business, but he is confident. Bev's, which opened in early 2022, only lasted until December 2024, in part, Cullen told the Naperville Sun, because of road and bridge construction downtown that recently ended. When Jimmy's Grill closed in October 2021 after 24 years, it was acquired by Cullen's Empire Restaurant Group with plans for a more upscale Cali's, but that did not happen. The George will create about 55 jobs, Miller said. A number of high-profile positions are being filled by people who formerly worked at Catch 35, which this summer closed after 21 years in downtown Naperville. 'We took the cream of the crop from Catch 35. Their senior management team will be our senior management team. Our investors are very happy,' Miller said. 'We ventured out on a limb and did not borrow any money, which makes it more terrifying,' he said. 'But between Will's confidence and my confidence, we're going to crush it.'
BBC News
17-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Suffolk pub The George reopens in Wickham Market after 2013 fire
A community has celebrated the return of its only village pub, 12 years after it burned of Wickham Market, in Suffolk, saw The George go up in flames in April 2013.A group got together in 2016 to buy the site and a project – boosted by a £1m grant from the National Lottery – came to fruition when the doors reopened on Saturday 9 June."It's run to the benefit of the community and now we're open it's proving to be quite a success," said Colin Owens, project lead of the venue's management committee. "The volunteer group raised in excess of £2m to complete the project and restore The George to be much more than it was - to be more than a pub."The pub is Grade II listed and dates back to the 16th from a private developer to demolish and redevelop the site were rejected by East Suffolk Council in 2016 due to it being "a building of significant historic interest". Now 476 shareholders own a stake in its future. An extension to the back of the building includes new kitchen and toilet facilities, with a remodelled layout. An upstairs function room can host 60 original fireplace was retained and food will start being served later this month, although with table reservations only being taken on Sundays to try maintaining a welcoming manager Ed Leigh said: "It's fantastic. It's been a really pleasurable experience. The whole community has got behind it."The wide range of people – families, older people, younger people – everyone seems to be really relishing the fact that they can take a quick stroll and have a drink or a coffee."Once the food comes on board, we'll be absolutely nailing it." The new lease of life is welcome news for Brian Hall, one of the shareholders."It's brilliant, we've been waiting for this for a long, long while," said Mr Hall."The first week we had just over 200 people here and that was on limited access until we got fully staffed." However, the management committee has had some early complaints about noise from Leigh added: "There are people in the community, as you would expect in any vibrant community, who are completely opposed to us being here."I am sorry about that."We will do what we can to make things as unobtrusive as possible but we can't do everything."Mr Owens added that a thorough consultation process was carried out in recent said: "In every situation like this, there is bound to be people that object. They tend to be local to the pub and don't particularly want to live near a pub – even though it's been here for 500 years." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Israel invests heavily in hotels amid conflict
Despite ongoing regional tensions, Israel is pressing ahead with a substantial expansion of its tourism infrastructure. The country has opened 13 new hotels in 2024 alone, most of them in Tel Aviv, as part of a broader strategy to boost its hospitality sector and support business, religious, and leisure travel. This expansion, led by Israel's Ministry of Tourism, includes both government-backed and private-sector hotel investments. A total of 27 additional projects are currently supported by a $113 million funding package, $22 million of which comes from direct government grants. Tel Aviv, Israel's commercial and cultural hub, has seen the lion's share of recent hotel openings. New properties include The George, a 130-room hotel designed by Spanish architect Lázaro Rosa-Violán; Albi Florentin, a boutique hotel with digital check-in; and the Mulan Hotel, located near Meir Park and Dizengoff Center. The Gimnasia Hotel, opened in March 2025, features 145 rooms and a rooftop infinity pool, adding to the city's appeal for upscale travellers and event organisers. Other openings include Allenbeach TLV Aparthotel, aimed at adult visitors near Jerusalem Beach, and THE GUTMAN TLV, a boutique hotel located in the historic Neve Tzedek district. These developments reflect rising demand for varied accommodation options in Tel Aviv, where international events, tech conferences, and business travel continue despite regional instability. Beyond Tel Aviv, Israel is expanding hospitality capacity in key destinations across the country. The Almond Hotel in Neve Ilan, just outside Jerusalem, opened in early 2024 as a luxury adults-only spa retreat. Jerusalem also welcomed the launch of the Infinity Museum, an immersive cultural experience funded by the city and local stakeholders. Future hotel developments are set to add approximately 2,700 new rooms nationwide. These include a 260-room resort in Mitzpe Ramon, three hotels with nearly 950 rooms near the Dead Sea, and two new properties near Eilat on the site of the former Ovdat Airport. Major hotel groups are playing a leading role in this growth. Isrotel has announced 10 new properties for 2025, five of which will be in Tel Aviv. The Fattal Group plans to open six hotels in Jerusalem, while Brown Hotels is expanding with two new properties in the Tel Aviv area. Alongside its hospitality efforts, Israel is investing in wider tourism infrastructure. The Ministry of Tourism is supporting 55 projects valued at $65 million. Initiatives include laser light shows at the Eilat Marina, enhanced visitor experiences at religious and archaeological sites, and new riverside attractions in Ginosar. In Beer Sheva, the Nahal River Park is undergoing transformation into an eco-tourism site, with features such as a birdwatching complex aimed at attracting both domestic tourists and international incentive groups. Despite ongoing geopolitical challenges, these investments indicate confidence in the long-term viability of Israel's tourism sector. The strategy reflects a shift towards positioning the country not just as a religious or cultural destination, but also as a competitive player in international business tourism and events. "Israel invests heavily in hotels amid conflict" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
The Irish Sun
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
A very extensive list of London's 35 best pubs – by the locals who drink in them
LONDON is chock full of fantastic pubs but knowing which ones to really go to can be tricky. It is estimated that the capital city has more than 3,500 pubs , in fact. 11 We've rounded up our 35 favourite boozers in London according to locals Credit: Instagram But whether you're looking for an old man's boozer (carpet, old stools, no frills), a gastro pub (fancy food) or a cosy pitstop with a roaring fire, there is the perfect pub for everyone in the capital. Here is a selection of our favourite heaviest drinkers we know. The Eagle, Farringdon Claiming to be the first gastropub in the UK, it opened in 1991 when the owners were said to want to have a restaurant, but couldn't afford it. Make sure to get the famous steak sandwich, but expect your food to all come out at different times. Read more on pubs The Red Lion, Crown Passage The Red Lion is one of the oldest pubs in London with an intriguing history - it was said to be where Charles II visited with his mistress Nell Gwyn. Expect to see locals heading here for a pint after work. Guinea Grill, Mayfair Having first opened in 1423, this this is where you want to go for some great steak or pieces- great steak and pies. Despite a huge renovation last summer , it retains a lot of its original charm and feels like stepping back in time. Most read in News Travel The Portman, Marble Arch Near Oxford Street, the gastropub has all of the classic pub foods as well as huge It is light and airy too, thanks to its huge window-clad front. Why Guinness tastes better in Ireland Star & Garter, Soho This isn't where you go to get the best service, but the tiny pub is one of the most traditional you will find in the city. Make sure to head to the top floor to find the secret bar. The George, Mortimer Street The 18th century The George pub is where you will find people piling to the streets on a sunny day, being on the corner of Mortimer Street. It's Grade-II listed, having some of the original glasswork and panelling too. 11 The George pub retains many of the original features Credit: Alamy Burlington Arm, Saville Row The Victorian pub faces the Savile Row police station, dating back to the 1700s. While there are great beers and wines, make sure to try the scotch eggs - you won't regret it. Ye Grapes, Shepherds Market The traditional pub isn't just for a beer, as it also has a Thai restaurant inside. You won't spot many tourists in here either, despite its central location. The Chesterfield Arms, Hertford Street You won't miss this bright red pub, as it certainly stands out. Visit on a Tuesday to "meet the brewer" with a new one every week. 11 The Chesterfield Arms stands out in central London Credit: The Chesterfield Arms, Hertford Street The Newman Arms, Fitzrovia Once a brothel, The Newman Arms is now a cosy pub with a Victorian-like side alley. There is even a "pie room" on the first floor - make sure to try the Fisherman's one. The Lamb & Flag, Mayfair The Georgian Lamb & Flag is near Hyde Park but far enough away to be quieter than more central pubs. Expect classic British beers as well as food. The French House, Soho Famous guests at The French House include Dylan Thomas and Francis Bacon so you can sit where some of the greats did. Leave your phones in your bag though - they have a no tech rule. 11 The French House is one with no phones or TVs Credit: Alamy The Crown & Two Chairmen, Soho The landmark pub is one of the more spacious pubs in central London and was rebuilt in the 1920s. Expect live music on Sundays as well as an extensive drink list. The Ivy House, Nunhead, South East London London's first Community Owned Pub, The Ivy House was saved by locals in 2013 who saved it from demolition. Now, come for the drinks, but stay for the events from pub quizzes and beerfests to live music and book clubs. The Sun in Splendour, Notting Hill The bright yellow pub if fitting of it's name, with a huge menu of craft beers and cocktails along with food menu of both small plates and larger classics. Come in the summer and head straight to the outdoor patio in the back. 11 The Sun in Splendour can't be missed Credit: Instagram The Toucan, Carlisle Street, Soho Guinness fans need to head to The Toucan as it has some of the best pints of the drink outside of Dublin. Its tiny though, so you will likely find yourself standing on the street along with the other but still an institution. Cutty Sark Greenwich, South East London This is the spot you want to head to for a view, with a riverside terrace overlooking the river. Spritz fans can try everything from a Hugo Spritz to an unusual Rhubarb Rose Spritz. Efra Tavern, Brixton Efra Tavern is just five minutes from Brixton station so its easy to get to. It's a pub for adults, with kids and dogs banned but it has some amazing live music as well as a small beer garden. 11 Cutty Sark Greenwich has some of the best views over the river Credit: Instagram Bradley's Spanish Bar, Hanway Street The hidden pub isn't Spanish or owned by someone called Bradley, so don't be put off by the exterior. There might not be tapas, but there is a full bar menu and a free-to-use vintage jukebox too. The Blue Post, Berwick Street, Soho Tucked on the edge of Chinatown, Blue Post might not serve food but have all the beer, lager and wine on offer. Just don't confuse it with others - there are actually three Blue Posts in Soho alone. The George, Borough As the last galleried inn in London, The George was even mentioned in Charles Dickens' Little Dorrit. Now a Greene King pub, there is more than enough on the menu to keep you happy, as well as having multiple bars to choose from. 11 The George is the last galleried inn in London Credit: Alamy The Prospect of Whitby, Wapping Rumoured to be the UK's oldest riverside pub, The Prospect of Whitby has amazing views of The Thames. Come with an empty stomach and make sure to grab the fish and chips. The Dog & Bell, Deptford The Dog & Bell is definitely a hidden gem, and a great Irish pub to choose in the city. The first Tuesday of every month is where you can listen to some amazing jazz too. Royal Oak, Columbia Road After trawling Columbia Road's weekly flower market, The Royal Oak is where you will find everyone. It's worth it though for the classic pub grub - the burgers are especially great. 11 Royal Oak is popular with Columbia Road Flower Market visitors Credit: Instagram Windsor Castle, Notting Hill Windsor Castle is a real hidden gem, with a tucked away courtyard garden at the back. It has amazing pies and fish and chips, but book ahead on a Sunday as the crowds visit for the Nellie Dean on Dean Street, Soho Nellie Dean is the owned by Pieminster, so you would be mad not to grab one when visiting. The staff are amazing too - and definitely some of the friendliest in the city. Skehan's, Telegraph Hill, South East London Another Irish pub is Skehans, one of the few independent pubs remaining in London. With live music six days a week, a Thai restaurant inside and a hidden garden at the back, its definitely one to visit. 11 Skehans Freehouse has a Thai restaurant and live music throughout the week Credit: Instagram The Parakeet Pub, Kentish Town One of the newest pubs on the list The Parakeet Pub only opened in 2023 after converting a Victorian building. The stained glass bar is definitely one of the most beautiful in the city - with the crab croquettes a must. The Lord Clyde, Borough If you want an old man pub, this is the one, with vintage carpet and red leather bar stools. Its small so you might have to queue a while for your drink, but is worth it to be surrounded by proper locals. The Albert, Primrose Hill, West London Right opposite Regent's Park, The Albert has some of the most modern interiors for a pub. Head here when its good weather to the beer garden at the back, made cosy by the huge trees overhead. 11 The Albert has a great beer garden for the summer months Credit: Instagram The Cow, Notting Hill If you love Guinness and oysters, you need to head to The Cow. And keep your phone on you when heading to the bar or toilets with some very interesting wall decor... The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead Owned by two Spanish brothers, The Spaniards Inn dates back to 1585 and even welcomed both Dickens and Keats. Now its one to grab a hearty lunch at before walking it off at the nearby Hampstead Heath. The Royal Oak, Tabard Street, Borough The Victorian pub is a great spot to try all of the Harvey's of Lewes Beers. Don't expect it to be quiet though - it's near London Bridge and has won a number of awards in recent years. Coach and Horses, Soho The old school pub is like a time capsule, with it looking the same as it did back in the 1980s. Ask the staff how to find the secret tea room above... and stay for the unusual piano singalongs. 11 The landmark pub is one of the more spacious pubs in central London Credit: The Crown & Two Chairmen on Dean Street, Soho
Irish Times
23-05-2025
- General
- Irish Times
‘Our family is no threat to another family': first same-sex couple to marry in Ireland say marriage equality ‘isn't finished'
Cormac Gollogly and Richard Dowling wed on November 17th, 2015, making them the first same-sex couple to legally marry in Ireland. They recently celebrated their daughter's first birthday, having fulfilled their long-time dream of starting a family. Ten years ago today Gollogly and Dowling walked down the streets of Dublin, hand in hand, knowing they were now living in the first country to approve same-sex marriage by popular vote. 'We didn't feel uncomfortable for once in public being affectionate with one another. We didn't have to hide it and it was celebrated that day,' says Dowling, remembering the joy they felt on that day which he describes as 'like Italia '90 for the gays'. 'Marriage equality isn't finished for us,' says Gollogly, a decade later. Speaking about their journey towards parenthood, Gollogly and Dowling identify some of the challenges faced by Irish couples 'both gay and straight' who want to have children. READ MORE 'Surrogacy and new modern forms of having families are a part of Irish society and all of us are united in needing to meet those needs for the children,' says Dowling. 'The best needs of the child is sacrosanct and really important. Our family is no threat to another family.' [ 'I burst out crying on referendum results day. I realised how exhausted and scared I had been' Opens in new window ] Not long after the night they first met in The George pub, 22 years ago, the couple discussed having children. 'We were about a month together, in the first flights of love and Cormac turned to me and said 'The greatest thanks we can give the universe for the love we share is to have a child and pass that on'. So we always wanted to have a child. 'It took time to get there. We went to the US and did surrogacy in America. We had a very positive experience, thankfully, during the Biden administration.' Their daughter, Kate Rose Dowling Gollogly, is now 17 months old. She is named after her grandmothers: Gollogly's mother Rosemary and Dowling's mother Kate. They live together in a south Dublin suburb, Gollogly working as a lawyer and Dowling in finance. 'Obviously one of us isn't recognised as a parent. The surrogate is essentially Kate's mother on her birth cert,' says Dowling, something they both want to see Irish legislation 'catch up with'. 'In America it's all very clear,' adds Gollogly. 'It's Ireland that has to catch up with what is the legal reality for where Kate is born and where this all happened. The majority of surrogacy families are straight families and where it might be seen by some as a gay issue, we're in the minority,' Gollogly adds. [ Almost 6,000 same-sex couples have wed in 10 years since marriage equality referendum Opens in new window ] They point to Katherine Zappone and Ann Louise Gilligan's State case for marriage equality – the legal battle for their Canadian marriage to be recognised in Ireland was a significant catalyst for the marriage equality campaign here. 'That was their point: that Ireland needs to catch up legally with the rest of the world.' As well as advocating for LGBTQ+ parental rights, Gollogly and Dowling express concern for the 'intolerance and hate' now directed at transgender people. 'I feel there's a whole lift-and-drop of that kind of intolerance and hate in some ways on to the trans community,' says Dowling, pointing to the recent UK court ruling on gender recognition . 'It's very sad to see it. It's an easy poke at something that they don't want to understand or they don't want to try to understand ... It's a backdoor into discrimination again. It was unnecessary, in my opinion. 'The fight doesn't stop. People need to remember that we need to be visible and we need to be out there marching.'
