The George, NW3

The George is a handsome enough looking mock-Tudor building with twin gables and an enticing lure. For the most part that’s about the extent of its good points. It did have a spell as a Rat & Parrot before reverting back to its traditional name in 2004 and is now part of Punch’s resurrected Taylor Walker chain with all the PubCo blandness that goes with it The interior appears a bit dingy with the natural light not penetrating to any great lengths. The front section has bare floors, dark paneled walls, retro wallpaper and an abundance of high bar tables. There is also a reasonably positioned darts area. The carpeted rear section is in an extension with quite low ceilings, one side of which has a 45º slope and upon which a flat screen TV is positioned at a crazy viewing angle. There are some old pictures of the local area and blackboards advertising various offers and upcoming sports. There are several TV’s and it appears that the pub is geared heavily towards sport viewing. There is a snall patio to the rear and some benches out the front on the main road. The beers are not too exciting with 4 ales (London Pride, Youngs London Gold, Bombardier and Doom Bar) spread across 8 handpumps. Prices were pretty reasonable (London Gold is currently £2.85) but sadly quality wsn’t, especially given the pub’s Cask Marque accreditation. Food is the usual mass market chain pub stuff with main courses around £7-8 but some good lunctime specials at £3.99. It was fairly quiet on my latest visit but I have been in here before when it was busy and service was pretty appaling with regulars getting a head start in the queue over the casual visitors. On the whole, the pub is very ordinary and doesn’t present the visitor with anything more than an unadventurous and mundane pub experience.

Randomness Guide to London - George entry

Randomness Guide to London - George entry

A few years ago this pub changed its name back to The George after a stint as a Rat and Parrot and I have to shamefully admit that I worked here, but only lasted a week due to its terrible management. Thankfully it now seems to be run fairly well but I will admit that, like most people, my visits normally coincide with Premiership football matches due to a lack of subscription to Sky Sports in Hampstead pubs. I usually have a pleasant stay although it does get very busy when a London team is playing and the pub does suffer from a lot of people walking in off the street and packing the pub out without buying a drink or adding to the atmosphere. The staff seem ok and are good at handling the busy bar and there were four ale options of Pride, Greene King IPA, Directors and Youngs Ordinary on my visit yesterday. There is also a standard/premium draught selection and food is served including a children’s menu and a curry night every Tuesday where the ruby of the week and a pint costs £6.85. I cannot comment on the quality of the food though as I enjoy popping into the KFC a few doors down. There is a quiz every Monday night and I’m not sure how this affects any football that is on, maybe it is muted. I wouldn’t go to this pub if it wasn’t for it being the football pub of the area, but this is more due to its location.