The George, Temple, WC2

The George is one of the most impressive pub buildings from the outside with its medieval appearance however there seems to be much debate over how much is original and how much is mere recreation. According to the placque outside there has been a pub here since 1723 although the much of the current building is thought to be a Victorian rebuild. Either way it is hard not to be drawn in by the apparent Tudor olde worlde charm of its decorative exterior. Inside you will find a long and fairly narrow pub with the bar half way down on the right hand side. Whilst it is virtually all knocked through into one, there are discernable sections with the semi-screened off area at the rear being of particular interest with its impressively ornate fireplace, portraits and heraldic shields. The pub furnishings match the character with a long table at the end of the bar where one could almost hold a medieval banquet. Its proximity to the Royal Courts of Justice means the customer base consists largely of lawyers, legal teams, journalists, alleged criminals and alleged criminal’s families alongside the usual local office workers and tourists. Not too long ago this used to be part of the Nicholson’s chain but is now part of the Capital Pub Company. There were 4 well kept and reasonably priced Ales including Moles Mole Catcher, Mauldon Suffolk Pride, Bank Top Sweeney and Sharps Doom Bar. Old Rosie cider was also available. A number of old pump clips are displayed behind the bar. The food menu was decent enough with separate lunchtime and evening menus as well as a weekday carvery. Prices for main courses were the £8-£12 mark. It may look a bit touristy but, in conjunction with some of the other excellent pubs in the immediate vicinity, the George is worth a look, just don’t expect huge amounts of authenticity.

Official site of the George, contains menus and event details - www.georgeinthestrand.com

Official site of the George, contains menus and event details - www.georgeinthestrand.com

Haven’t been in here before as usually I can’t walk past The Old bank of England when in the area, but decided to pop in, but probably didn’t see it at its best just before Christmas. Nice enough pub, mock Tudor exterior as previously mentioned and a nice traditional, if not mostly fake interior but comfortable enough. Four hand pumps on the bar but only two operational as they were winding down to shut for the Christmas period. Hog's Back Santa's Wobble, Strong Xmas Ale (ABV 7.5%), and Sharps Abbey Christmas were on an the Sharps seasonal ale was a good pint. Solid enough pub servicing mainly people working in the law courts opposite, but with superior pubs dotted around Devereux Court around the corner I can’t see myself treading a path here again in a hurry.