Everything you need to know about St George's Day 2025
There really is no better way to celebrate British traditions than with great food, great drinks, and great company – which is why Chef & Brewer is the best place to celebrate St George’s Day this year. Whether it’s breakfast before a countryside stroll, a lazy lunch catching up with loved ones, or rounding off the perfect day with a delicious dinner, our welcoming pubs are waiting for you.
Read on to discover why Chef & Brewer is the top choice for your St George’s Day celebrations.
What is St. George’s Day?
Ah, St. George’s Day—mark it on your calendar for April 23rd each year, and in 2025, it’ll fall on a Wednesday. A perfect mid-week excuse to raise a glass, don’t you think? Now, let’s dive into a bit of St. George’s Day history.
This day is all about celebrating St. George, the revered patron saint of England. It's effectively England’s national day, tied to the anniversary of his death in 303 AD, and has been marked by a day of feasting ever since.
There’s just one twist: St. George wasn’t actually English. He hailed from what’s now considered Turkey and never actually set foot on English soil. Yet, he was adopted as the patron saint of England because of his courage, holiness, and martyrdom for his Christian faith.
He also wasn’t actually a knight, though you’ll often see him depicted as one. And that famous dragon-slaying story? It’s more myth than fact, but why not embrace the legend? It is a cracking tale, after all.
Why is St. George’s Day celebrated?
St. George’s Day is all about honouring the legend of St. George, the brave ‘knight’ who was executed for refusing to make a sacrifice in honour of the pagan gods. It’s a tale of heroism and selflessness, and who wouldn’t want to celebrate those qualities? It’s a day for us to reflect on our rich history and, of course, show a little love for the officer who became a symbol of everything that makes England proud: bravery, honour, and a touch of chivalry.
And while England is not the only country to celebrate St George, we like to mark the day in our own special way. So, pull up a chair, raise a pint and let’s toast to a day that celebrates the very spirit of England itself.
How is St. George’s Day celebrated?
Since the 9th century, St. George’s Day has traditionally been celebrated with a grand feast. Today, many people still enjoy a special meal and celebrate together with family and friends.
Other traditional celebrations include Morris Dancing and Punch and Judy shows, but these have unfortunately been on the wane in recent years. It’s also tradition to fly the St. George’s flag – you’ll often see buildings decorated with St. George’s flags to mark the occasion.
We’ll be inviting everyone who wants to celebrate the day into our Chef & Brewer pubs, and marking the occasion the way it should be done – a glorious feast for all.
Is St. George’s Day a public holiday?
No, unfortunately St. George’s Day isn’t a bank holiday in England. It was at one point, from around 1415, until Scotland and England united to form the UK in 1707. There have been calls in recent years to make it a bank holiday once again, but as yet, there’s been no change to the law.
That said, many people take the day off to gather and celebrate together, with a special toast for St. George.
What is traditionally eaten on St. George’s Day?
On St. George’s Day, traditional English food takes center stage, celebrating the very best of England’s culinary heritage. It’s a great excuse to indulge in hearty, comforting fare that’s deeply rooted in our history - and luckily, that’s exactly what we serve at Chef & Brewer every day. From the classic English breakfast to the traditional pub classics to the nostalgic puddings that feel like home, we have you covered. And, of course, no St. George’s Day would be complete without raising a glass of fine British ale or perhaps a refreshing cider, to honour the spirit of St. George and our love for the very best of British food and drink.
Why Choose Chef & Brewer for your St. George’s Day celebrations?
If you’re planning on marking St. George’s Day in 2025, visit one of our Chef & Brewer countryside pubs and join in with the celebrations.
You’ll receive the warmest of welcomes when you arrive. Enjoy a pint of English ale or a local craft beer or sip a crisp white wine in the springtime. Hopefully, the sun will make an appearance in April, so you can bask in one of our beautiful beer gardens. Then settle in to sample our menu of traditional pub classics, made with care and served with pride. Plus, you can bring your furry family members to our dog-friendly pubs too, so everyone can join in with the celebrations. Sounds pretty perfect, right?