Top trade day for St George

Pubs celebrating St George's Day reported bumper trade and urged other hosts to get involved next year.

Licensees who made St George the patron saint of the pub said they had never experienced such a good take on a Monday night.

Tracey Barker, Greene King lessee of the Red Lion in Bletchingley, Surrey, said it was the best night she and brother John Fox had enjoyed at the pub.

"We were absolutely rammed," she said. "It was unbelievable. We ran out of chairs and had to borrow some from our neighbours."

Fox decked the pub out with flags and held a charity quiz and raffle with all proceeds going to SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen & Families Association). "We had an English menu featuring a pint of prawns, jellied eels, and pie and mash. The food sold well and we will definitely do it again next year."

Neal Lloyd, Charles Wells tenant at the Anchor Inn, in Great Barford, Bedfordshire, held an English themed evening with songs, readings from Shakespeare's Henry V play and English food.

"The restaurant was full and we raised our glasses for a toast to St George at 10.45pm," he said. "There was a great atmosphere and it was a good night."

Ross McGilvery, Mitchells & Butlers manager at the Magpie in Bishops Gate, London, kitted the pub out in flags and had Morris Dancers performing. "It was brilliant. Takings were up 80% on a normal Monday night. More pubs should celebrate St George's Day."