Liliana Sanguino told the Publican’s Morning Advertiser: “The rent has increased in line with property prices. We employed an expert to battle the increase as much as we could but it’s still too much to continue without making drastic changes and we love it the way it is. The pub forms part of a building which is owned by private landlords, who have developed the rest of the site into a hotel.
“We are sad for all our customers, for who the George means such a lot, and we will miss it unbelievably.”
In an open letter on the pub’s Facebook page, the team added: “It is possible that someone out there may have the vision and the money to keep something of the spirit going - which would be a dream.
“We will be looking for a new opportunity and hope very much that some of our dear George and Dragon fans will be able to join us on this new journey soon. We'll try to be as open as we can throughout this process as we'd love as friends as possible to join us for a drink as we begin to bid farewell to our beloved old pub.”
Supporters of the venue took to Twitter to express their regret. The George and Dragon has a long history as an LQBT venue, and hosts exhibitions, live music and performance nights.
The pub is currently open and is planning an ‘end of an era’ party.