Couple take over Morecambe pub where their romance blossomed

When Graham and Tracy Huddleston went on their first date to their local pub little did they realise they would end up running it.
Graham and Tracy Huddleston are the new managers of the George in Torrisholme where they had their first date.Graham and Tracy Huddleston are the new managers of the George in Torrisholme where they had their first date.
Graham and Tracy Huddleston are the new managers of the George in Torrisholme where they had their first date.

But just a few years later the couple are the new managers of the George where they enjoyed the first flushes of romance.

For Graham and Tracy, it has been a whirlwind few weeks since they decided to apply to run the Torrisholme pub where they have spent many happy nights out.

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Neither had any prior experience of the licensed trade. But because the Lancaster Road pub had such a place in their hearts, they took the plunge.

The Huddlestons were interviewed by George owners Inglenook Inns & Taverns and were swiftly offered the post.

Tracy gave up her administration job and now the couple has taken over at the George.

“We were very surprised,” said Graham, who also works for the Volkerbrooks engineering services firm.

“I don’t think we were even expecting to get an interview.

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“I’m loving it behind the bar. It’s hard work but we have no regrets.”

Tracy said Inglenook wanted them for the job because of their local roots.

She is from Lancaster and has lived in Torrisholme for 20 years, while Graham is from Morecambe and went to Lancaster Road Primary and Morecambe High.

“We’ve lived around here for years and we know everybody,” she said.

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“They liked the fact we were passionate about the George and they like to have people with local knowledge to run their pubs.”

The couple, who have been married for two years and have seven children between them, have big plans for the pub.

The George was given a 
major upgrade earlier this year including a new food menu and 11 TV screens.

The Huddlestons also want to bring in more local live 
music acts and use the pub’s upstairs room for functions and as a place where families can socialise .

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“There are a lot of senior citizens who live around here and we want them to come in and have a cup of coffee and a chat, and we want to attract families to use the function room,” said Tracy.

“The George has a lot of potential and we want to make it part of the community.”