The Peasant, EC1

Quirky interior with original tiled pictures juxtaposed with album posters. 4 real ales and food served.

This pub doesn't seem to have changed much since previous reviewers' visits. Originally the George & Dragon, much of the trademark classic Victorian decor still exists, including a mosaic floor with a centrepiece depicting Saint George slaying the hapless dragon, plus a lovely tiled mural also depicting the eponymous Saint skewering his adversary. With all the George & Dragon stuff around, it's a bit of a shame that it hasn't retained its original name. The design of the mosaic floor also allows us to determine the original multi-room layout of the place. It's furnished with what looks like re-cycled dining room furniture, which goes quite nicely in here it has to be said. Other than the magnificent mural there's not much in the way of wall decor, although there is a rather nice large wood-framed mirror on the back wall. Some music was being played (Bob Dylan among others) at background volume level. It is a bit cavernous, as others have commented, but the Victorians liked to have their corner-site "gin palaces" that way. On the ale front they had on Bombardier, Crouch Vale Brewer's Gold (their regular ale), and Hackney Brewery New Zealand Pale Ale. I had a half of the latter (£1.95), which was rather a nice ale, and not quite so hoppy as I had expected. I'm sure they must do food, but I didn't see a menu when I was on Wednesday afternoon. I reckon that this pub's worth a visit. The barman was friendly as well as being knowledgable regarding the victorian features, as well as bit of history regarding the pub's name. The surviving Victorian decor's definitely worth a butcher's, and the ale's pretty good as well.