The George, SE1

Good busy touristy pub.Shame that touristy has a negative meaning when referring to pubs.I liked it.Mostly GK beers on but I tried Southwark -porter.

We nearly walked past this one, tucked away down a side courtyard. So we did our tourist bit and popped in. If the pub was sitting in water, you would be convinced you were on an old galleon ship. Well worth a nose, good service in here, even when it's busy.

Dating from 1676 but now towered over by the distinctly 21st century Shard, this is the last remaining galleried coaching inn in London. Only the south side remains but the pub and its outbuildings would once have formed three sides of the expansive courtyard. There are a series of horizontally connected rooms, all bearing names such as the Winchester room and Talbot bar but the one nearest to the High St named the Parliament Bar is the oldest and most authentic. In here there are a couple of fireplaces, one large inglenook style now containing a wood burner. Black beams and horizontal wood panelling, bench seating and the odd cubby hole plus a reassuringly wonky old wooden floor. Unfortunately there is no service in here although a rarely used bar area is adjacent, this contains an old disused beer engine visible through the glass. Service is further along in another area where there are a range of GK ales on offer including a rebadged George Ale at 4% (Morlands?) but there was one guest on yesterday in the form of Belhaven Robert Burns. Lots of outdoor seating in the courtyard. It is certainly geared up for tourists and visitors, scrolled menus were on the tables with mains from £8.95 to £15.95 but it is a rare example of old England and as such is a must see, even if only for a swift half.