The George, SE1

Set in a magnificent galleried building, just off of the main Borough Road near London Bridge Station, this pub promises much but appears to have fallen into the complacency trap typical of popular tourist destination pubs. The interior is impressive enough, with a main bar set along a fairly narrow central room which leads to a wine bar and the George Room, seemingly used for dining, at one end and a second bar (the 'Old Bar') at the other. There is plenty of seating in each of the various rooms, although it's not uncommon to find that only the main bar is open. However, the real star of the show here is the courtyard, which quite rightly fills up quickly in the summer months. From here you can appreciate the amazing galleries in all their glory and the afternoon drinker can chose whether to sit in the sun or shade thanks to the way the shadows fall across the yard. Unfortunately the praise pretty much ends there. The beer range is from Greene King, with IPA, Royal London, Old Speckled Hen and George Inn Ale (£3.20) on the pumps. I tried the latter, which is presumably a re-branded version of another GK beer, and it was satisfactory, but certainly nothing to write home about, especially in this area renowned for excellent ale. Service was poor, with customers being seen out of turn and the two bar staff having a heated argument whilst serving, with one of them complaining about having to work in the heat with a hangover. I think one visit is sufficient and that a return would only be merited if it was to show someone else the building. There will always be a good number of people who will want to visit this pub, so I will happily leave them to it.

Randomness Guide to London - George entry

Randomness Guide to London - George entry

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.