Husband and wife team take over historic Cotswold pub

Roger and Emie Hawkshaw are now running The George at Kempsford.

The pub is one of Arkell’s Brewery’s oldest hostelries, bought by brewery founder Thomas Arkell in 1861 for the princely mortgage of £350. 

An article sits on the wall detailing its past owners and in reference to the Arkell’s mortgage it states that those party to the agreement were, amongst others, a veterinary surgeon from Meysey Hampton, a shopkeeper, a local yeoman, and the famous brewer himself – Thomas, from Swindon.

Chef Roger and front of house Emie have moved to The George along with their two children and Mojo, the old farm border collie.

They took over in March, having moved from The Winterbourne in Winterbourne Bassett, and have since completed a full kitchen refurb.

Roger has worked under the likes of Chris Tanner and at one Michelin starred New Angel where he was sous chef to John Burton-Race. 

Since then he has gone on alone to pick up 2AA Rosettes and further Michelin recognition. 

Emie has worked in customer facing roles for over 18 years, ranging from managing a bespoke retail operation to Michelin and three Rosette restaurants.

READ MORE: Cotswold pub named best in the country

The lure of The George and village life was too much, she said. 

“Both of our boys have been enrolled into the great local school and we are enjoying meeting so many of the locals, it is a lovely place to live and bring up a family. 

 “The village and surrounding area have given us so much support it has been wonderful.”

Roger echoed Emie’s thoughts and said: “We open for the week on a Tuesday night where we serve Bits and Pizzas, something we started when we had no kitchen. 

"Then for the rest of the week we have a dedicated lunch and evening menu, which has gone down really well so far, I am able to change it on a regular basis to keep it fresh for the locals and those that come to visit.”

To book a table, call 01285 810236 or visit: thegeorgekempsford.co.uk