The George, SE1

I do like the George Inn and usually pop in for one when I'm in the area. It's worth it just for the building and its history, as it is London's only surviving galleried coaching inn and Dickens allegedly drank here. The ground floor is divided into several connecting rooms with a wealth of lattice windows and oak beams. But the best bit is the courtyard, which really comes into it's own on a decent sunny evening like last Thursday. It's a great historical pub only marginally let down by the boring beer choice and sometimes-iffy service. Although this evening, despite the fact that the outside area was rammed without a spare seat to be taken, I had no problem being served as there was only one in front of me at the outside serving hatch. Beers available were the usual GK fair (IPA, Abbott, Speckled Hen), but I went for their own George Inn Ale. Yes I know it's just another GK brew in disguise and I really shouldn't pander to this tourist nonsense… but Hey Ho, at least it's not IPA

As can be seen from the pictures of this pub it is a lovely old building with large courtyard that one wouldn't expect in Central London. It was very busy during my visit and the small bar was unable to cope with the hoards of people waiting to be served. I spotted five Greene King ales along with a standard draught selection and Peroni that is found in most GK pubs. The staf were rushed off their feet and this came across in the service, but I'll let them off as it was the City Christmas party night. It is worth checking out the many rooms in this place, but now that I have been I doubt that I'll return as there are better pubs in the area.