Since 1837 The George & Dragon Inn (now The Old George & Dragon Restaurant), has provided refreshment to the travelers and locals of the Lower Hunter Valley. This substantial building has been of service to the community for over 170 years and is an important part of Maitland's history.
The George & Dragon was built of sand stock brick in 1837, by its first licensee, George Furber. It was granted Licence No.4 in New South Wales. The old building remains, although extensive renovations were done in 1905 when the building was owned by Mrs E Wilson. The architect for the alterations, which gave the building its present appearance was Mr John Pender.
The historic building is noted as "of local interest" and has the distinction of being connected to local legend Les Darcy. Les trained in the former stables at the back of the Old George & Dragon, back in the early 20th Century.
From 1937 to 1977, the Robinson family held the licence for the hotel. Mrs Dorothy Robinson was the licensee for 30 years before retiring in 1977. The licence was then moved to the newly built tavern at Green Hills (now The George Tavern). The old bar and dining rooms were converted to a restaurant by Mr Dennis Smith who ran the business for a number of years. Mrs Robinson continued to reside in the other half of the building until 1985.
In 1982 Ian and Jenny Morphy took over The Old George & Dragon Restaurant and purchased the building a couple of years later. From 1985, the Morphys did extensive renovations to enhance this lovely old building. At the same time, the residential side of the building was also refurbished to offer patrons superior overnight accommodation. In 2004, the Guesthouse was sold to Martin and Nicola Hurley. The Hurleys now operate the George and Dragon Guesthouse as well as Bronte Guesthouse at Morpeth.
Jenny and Ian Morphy are recognised as being responsible, along with other pioneering restaurateurs, for making the Hunter what it is today - a combined destination for thousands of visitors interested in both good food and wine. In 2006 they were inducted in to the NSW Hunter Region's Roy Adam Hall of Fame – NSW Restaurant and Catering Association. In 2008, the SMH Good Food Guide not only awarded the Old George & Dragon Restaurant with a Chef's Hat, it also honoured the Morphys with the "Professional Excellence" Award.
In 2009, the Morphy's decision to finally retire to enjoy some time for themselves, led to them "passing on the reins" of their famous restaurant to another well known local business partnership, Jennifer and Kerry Nichols.
Jennifer and Kerry have the experience, knowledge, talent and business acumen to maintain and build on the established and successful reputation and customer base, built up over so many years, while having the drive and passion to adapt and grow the business in response to a changing market. For the last 12 years they have successfully operated a local professional consultancy which will continue to take up most of Kerry's time, while Jennifer fulfils her long-time passion to contribute to the Hunter's reputation for outstanding fine dining.
An important member of the new team is Head chef Gavin Forman who brings with him extensive international experience in European cuisine. Gavin gained his original experience and qualifications in some of Europe's leading Michelin- starred restaurants. More recently in Australia, he held the position of Head chef at the Newcastle Club and at one of the Hunter's oldest wineries, Wyndham Estate. Gavin's primary passion is that of fine dinning and a desire to take fresh ingredients and produce dishes of outstanding quality, leading to our customers wanting to return time and time again.
The new team is committed to maintaining the direction of the Old George & Dragon Restaurant in providing Australia's best French-European cuisine, delivered in its own unique and distinctive ambiance. The cuisine is produce driven and the menu is decided on a daily basis according to the availability of fresh produce. Described as Anglo/French food and responsive to the seasons there is an emphasis on rich sauces, game dishes and in the warmer months fish and shellfish dishes.
The Old George & Dragon Restaurant has received many awards for its fine cuisine of the last 27 years. The highlights include being made "Country Restaurant of the Year" from the SMH Good Food Guide's Leo Schofield in 1990. The Restaurant has been included in the SMH Good Food Guide since its 2nd Edition and being awarded a "Chef Hat" 13 times.