The George (JD Wetherspoon), Wanstead, E11

Randomness Guide to London - George entry

Randomness Guide to London - George entry

The hotel runs or is run by (don't know which) the Whitstable Brewery, so you are sure of excellent beer. Or you would be if they didn't insist on serving it ice cold on gas flow. However, being a hotel, they charge hotel prices. Much as I like Oyster Stout, I can't help but feel that £3.20 is a bit steep for a pint of the stuff.

Unusually for a Wetherspoons, the George was an existing pub before JDW took it over and the result is a far more interesting and characteristic building than the usual converted carpet warehouse or car showroom that are the usual sources of their outlets. The exterior boasts some wonderful etched windows with just a few panels sadly missing and replaced with plain glass. Above the doorways the old bar names are spelt out in wrought ironwork although the interior is no longer divided into specific bars. Despite being quite sizeable, there are plenty of booths and quiet corners. The slightly raised front section has large bookcases and be sure not to miss the large, if rather impractical, dragon throne in the centre of the pub. Another large dragon feature casts its eye over the bar area. On the ale front there are usually around 5 or 6 guests supplementing the usual ‘Spoons range and the staff have always been attentive and efficient on my quite regular visits. Some of the customer base can be a bit basic on the language front but I have generally found the place quite friendly. Upstairs is a smaller less equipped bar with further seating and a small atrium if you wish to get a bird’s eye view of the main bar. At the rear is an attractive patio and the large car park beyond also belongs to the pub although you will need to pay to park but this is then deducted from your bill at the bar providing you sepnd more than a fiver. Sometimes it’s hard to spend a fiver at a Wetherspoons but if you have to do it anywhere, the George seems to be a decent enough place to try.

Official pages of The George - www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk

Official pages of The George - www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk

Large Wetherspoon's on two levels selling a fair range of guest ales.Opposite Wanstead Tube station.