The Lion & Dragon
The Lion & Dragon opened on Wilmot Street in 1962 to serve the Draycott Road Estate.
The name came from the Lion on the coat of arms of Long Eaton council and the Dragon from the equivalent in Romorantin (Long Eaton’s twin town in France). On the inn sign the Lion was on the white cliffs of Dover, whilst the Dragon was across the sea, flying over France. The lounge was furnished in the colours of the French tricolour, with English roses and French fleur-de-lys worked into the design. There were also framed posters of the Romorantin countryside.
In 1963 the Lion & Dragon was on the itinerary for an official visit from France.
The landlord for the first five years was Douglas Haigh Lawrence.
Wilf & Sylvia Hough ran the pub 1971-75. It was their first pub, and they were moved on to a hotel in Skegness. Apparently, the brewery they worked for never posted landlords to a nearby pub in case they took some of the customers with them.
Next were Bob and Mavis Garlick (1975-1976) then John & Maureen Frearson (1977-1978).
During the tenancy of Malcolm and Glenda Bestwick (1979-1980) the regulars raised a considerable amount of money for charity, with Derby County players and an England fast bowler attending some of the charity events.
They were followed by Howard & Angela Wall.
The Lion & Dragon was closed and knocked down in 2013.