The George, Southwark; A Classic English Pub with Plenty to Offer
Looking to quench your thirst on authentic ale, and dine on classic English dishes in East London? Head over to The George in Southwark, about twenty minutes from Shoreditch.
Featured in Charles Dickens adventures as Little Dorrit, The George is a cozy 17th century pub set on the south side of River Thames, just a short distance from the famous London Bridge.
It is the only galleried coaching inn in London, and also one of the oldest meaning besides dining and enjoying authentic English drinks, visiting The George is also an opportunity to learn about history.
The Fascinating History of The George
The George dates back to the 16th and 17th century. It was initially named George and Dragon, and sometimes known as St. George, after the legendary folklore of Saint George and the Dragon. The George provided overnight accommodation for travelers and their horses during its early years.Its location along the main road leading to the London Bridge made it easy for travelers to connect to destinations like Kent, and Hampshire, making it a pretty popular option.
Besides accommodation, The George was also used for theatrical productions in the Elizabethenan era. Back then The George was big and extended to all three sides of the courtyard. Two of its fronts were however demolished to create a depot and warehouse for the Great Nothern Railway.
The George Today
The George is today owned by the National Trust, and leased to Greene Pub, a pub retailer and brewer company with over 2000 pubs, restaurants and hotels across the country. It is a pub with a large beer garden where locals and foreigners alike love to flock for a taste of real ale, and fresh, authentic English dishes.
As the only surviving galleried coach, the George in Southwark boasts most of its original architecture. It has a partly-timber framed facade, a rustic interior with warped wood fittings and a cobbled beer garden perfect for relaxation with a cold, fresh ale on a hot summer day.
On the Menu
The George is the perfect place to enjoy Britain’s classic dish; fish and chips but they also have plenty of other options in the menu. Starters range from roasted tomato soup, cumberland scotch eggs to chicken wings tossed in your choice of sauce.
If you’re looking to share, The George boasts quite a rich sharer menu with options such as loaded nachos and pork, or a team platter of beef burger sliders, chicken wings, beer-battered fish goujons to rosemary salted fries. The drinks menu doesn’t disappoint either and includes popular wine options like prosecco and sancerre, gin options like Tanqueray and a wide range of fresh craft beers and ales.
Know before You Go
The George opens daily at 11am but closing hours vary on weekends. It is a family and dog-friendly restaurant with order and pay, as well as take away options.
Address: 75 Borough High Street, London SE1 1NH, United Kingdom
Website:https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/george-southwark/