George & Dragon, Lichfield

This is a delightful, traditional pub just around the corner from the attractive cathedral. If I were lucky enough to live close by it would certainly become a much visited local. The pub is well described below so I'll avoid repeating the detail but will endorse the warmth of the welcome and atmosphere with locals playing various pub games and joshing good naturedly with all, especially the nurse on the bar stool! There is an array of banknotes from various parts of the world pinned to the wall behind the bar which was serving Pedigree and Amarillo from Marstons, Wychwood Hobgoblin and Battleaxe and Banks Bitter and Mild. Obviously all from the Marstons stable but, nonetheless, a fair selection and the Pedigree was in very good nick. A great old style pub to which I would happily return.

A real gem of an interior,this pub should not be missed when visiting Lichfield.To the left is the modest lounge,while to the right is a traditional public bar with quarry tiled floor and a screened off darts board.There are fine St George's Cross stained glass in the doors while the corridors have glazed tiling.There are some modern incursions,such as a flat screen on mute,low level muzak and a coal affect gas fire,but the pub atmosphere was traditional with locals playing crib and cards while engaging in a lot of well natured banter.The is a partially covered courtyard on the way to the loos and some bench seating around the small car park out the back.Ultra clean gents another plus point. A Marston's house ,so the six handpumps will feature ales from their portfolio of breweries and on my trip that meant Pedigree,Banks's Mild and Bitter,Oxford Gold,Wychwood Battle Axe and Marston's Amarillo (£3)one of their better Single Hop offerings.Needless to say beer quality was top notch from this GBG regular and local CAMRA award winner.There is also a helpful list of what's in the cellar either racked,vented or tapped so you can judge what will be along at the bar over the next few sessions. It was a bit like stepping back in time,this is how pubs used to be in the days of my youth,well done to Marston's for retaining the original layout and many interesting features.

Unassuming pub a little up the hill off the main drag, a couple of minutes’ walk from the cathedral. A homely, charming interior spread over two rooms, serviced by a central bar. Four ales from the Marstons stable; Pedigree, Jennings Cumberland, Marstons EPA and Hobgoblin. My two halves were in good shape. Coffee available. Bar service was good. A good one for a session and well-worth the walk.