The George IV, Ware

Great Amwell is a small attractive village perched on the edge of the river cliff above the Lea Valley. The most prominent feature (apart from the George IV pub) is the Norman church nestled in a steeply sloping, leafy churchyard. This makes it a great place to start a circular walk of the surrounding Hertfordshire country side or make a short detour from the River to visit. As for the George IV I have been visiting here on and off for the best part of 35 years and although during that time its fluctuated between pub and restaurant as various licensees have tried to make the most of the decent bar area and separate dining room at the back I have always found the main bar section a good place for a relaxing pint. The picturesque pub itself it tucked off the A1170 to Ware down Cautherley Lane and as you enter through the main front door the square bar serving area protrudes from the left hand wall and then there is assorted bar stool around the three sides of the bar and seating around the three adjacent sides of the pub. And then the toilets and separate dining room are reached through a door at the rear of the bar. The bar section still retains the feel of a pub and is carpeted and a dark wood decor. There is also a suntrap courtyard garden outback which is a very pleasant spot for a meal or just a pint on a pleasant day. There are three hand pumps on the bar and one of these is normally Adnams Bitter and the last couple of times I have been Suffolk cider has been available as well. Great Amwell is a fairly exclusive spot and the restaurant and bar food has always been priced to match and over the years the quality and quantity of the meals has fluctuated between being a rip off or justifying the price tag. I have only enjoyed the beer on the fast few occasions I have visited so I cannot really pass comment on where it sits at the moment. There is very limited car parking as the pub itself does not have a car park so you have to park on the lane. But my advice would be to park elsewhere and visit the pub half way on a circular walk.

The George IV official site, includes menus - www.george-iv.co.uk

The George IV official site, includes menus - www.george-iv.co.uk