The George, Staines Upon Thames

Sadly it has been poshed up, branded as Steakhouse and painted in a tedious shade of blue/grey. The inside has been divided into two front rooms with a larger dining area behind in an upmarket not-quite-rustic style featuring some contrived leaded glass windows. Beerwise, just a very indifferent and badly-served London Pride on the pumps, with premium lagers on copper stands arranged along the bar. Didn't do it for me at all.

A pub of several areas although you can freely walk through without needing to venture outside. Most of the place seemed geared up for dining with the large back room and another side area all having tables formally set. All the drinkers were in the front bar where a convivial crowd were gathered, many of whom seemed to know each other. A couple of blokes were deeply engaged in a game of chess. The bar area is boarded, there is a real fire, low beamed ceiling. Inscribed above the bar is the statement "circa 1400" presumably claiming the building dates from then, I'd be sceptical myself. The large room to the rear has a mural of the eponymous King and of interest in here was a vintage cash register on a shelf. There is a separate outbuilding available as a function room and a secluded garden with olive trees as well as a plainer bit to the side off the car park. Three handpumps, Pride, Hobgoblin and Windsor & Eton Canberra. I didn't catch sight of any menus but it was around 4pm when I visited. Not a bad spot for a pint after a pleasant walk in the area.

A multi-roomed place with a bit of character despite obvious modernization in places. The front couple of areas are for drinking and have quite a nice cosy feel with window-style dividers. There’s a rear room is mainly set for dining and there’s the hireable ‘boxers room’ beyond. Furniture is chunky and rustic. The rear room has low ceilings and a large wall frieze of King George himself. There’s also a tidy patio garden. The evening vibe was mood lighting, candles on tables, that sort of thing. Interesting clientele division, louder and more robust types in the bar with the middle class quitter types at the rear. Three ales on; W&E Zinzans (pretty good nick), GK IPA and Pride. Desmond was also very pleased with the quality of his lemonade. Not bad.