The George & Dragon, Bristol

As described by Blackthorn, this former coaching inn is only just off the main road, meaning it has great potential which, sadly, appears unrealised today. It feels run down, and the reception is far from friendly. Certainly the landlady didn’t seem pleased to see us and our beer was served somewhat grudgingly. The locals weren’t that friendly either. The heating wasn’t on, and the fire wasn’t lit, so the reception wasn’t the only thing that was frigid. The dartboard is still on the wall, though the oche space has been filled with seating for diners. There was a TV showing snooker. The ales were disappointing too – Butcombe’s Chris Moose and Cheddar’s Festive Totty left over from last month, and Gorge Best in poor condition. The real cider has disappeared since the previous review. Given the lack of parking and the presence of better pubs nearby I shan’t be rushing back.

A tall and imposing looking pub, it’s located just a stone’s throw from the main A37 but I’d imagine that most people whizzing by just a few yards from the door have no idea it’s there. Which is perhaps just as well, as parking is very limited with about three or four spaces in the pub’s car park and limited availability in nearby roads. We have abandoned our visit on more than one occasion when we have not been able to find anywhere to park. It looks quite attractive with colourful hanging baskets and window troughs brightening up the façade. The main bar is an L-shaped room with wooden boards on the floor and some flagstone style tiling in front of the bar. The ceiling had an Artex style coating with a few black beams and the walls too had an Artex like material on them with wood panelling on the lower part that had been painted in a shade of gastro-pub brown. A fire-place was off to one side with exposed stone walling above and a few horse brasses hung on the mantle. A plasma was in the corner showing a terrestrial TV channel, but fortunately the volume was muted so this was not too intrusive. Another room was up a few steps at the rear which was perhaps a little cosier, although looked to be more geared up for dining. There was another fire-place here with some sort of wood burning stove, although I suspect this was more decorative than functional. A pleasant courtyard garden is at the rear with plenty of hanging baskets and pot plants. We didn’t eat on this occasion, but a quick glance at the menu showed an extensive selection of “pub grub” dishes such as sausage and mash, sausage and chips, lasagne, chicken Tikka Masala, chilli con carne and even a chicken Kiev which is something you don’t see very often these days. Most of the main courses were around the £7 mark. Beers on tap were Butcombe, Doom Bar and Bass, whilst the ciders were all from Thatchers with their Gold, Dry and Traditional.