George & Dragon, Acton, W3

Tris C left this review about George & Dragon

Formerly the St. George & Dragon, this pub dates from 1759 and I wouldn’t be surprised if virtually all of it is original; the oriel window right side overlooks an alley (now beer garden) which was probably once used for stabling.
This is now part of the – usually – very good Remarkable Pubs Group (RGP), which specialises in restoring/reinstating authentic interiors with features such as real fires and a reluctance to fall back on electronic entertainment, save for their much-welcomed jukeboxes; think the Boleyn, Salisbury or Lord Tredegar. The rear of the pub features an ornate marble fireplace, enormous brew tanks in what looks almost like a small rural chapel, with its high vaulted ceiling; pew seating completes the illusion. The central part is very atmospheric, with dark – probably natural and quite possibly original – wood panelling and ornate fireplace. The front part is still seemingly authentic, but with RPG touches, such as ornate bar back and bust of some luminary/dictator. To the right is a board listing all landlords from 1759 (Daniel Sinman) to 2022 (Ewelina Antoniewska); what wasn’t so attractive was the coffee machine and lack of pumps or taps, giving the initial impression that this is a café conversion. Lighting comes from candle-style sconces, then trademark white translucent spherical lamps and – in a staggeringly incongruous departure for the company – an Equinox Triclops Beam © generator (see YouTube), which is a little like hosting Laser Quest in the Tower of London. The place was reasonably well attended for a Friday night, most customers were younger people or a fair clutch of East Europeans.
Sadly, the ale selection has gone to the dogs since RPG got into bed with Sheppard Neame (Fuller’s was hardly an improvement), with just a reversed Rosie’s clip, three unused then just Shep’s Dragonfire, part of their new – and I would say ill advised – ‘Cask Club’ experiment, no doubt aimed at trying to crowbar the brewery into the 21st century. It tasted of virtually nothing, (which is an improvement on their new Maverick which tasted of garlic) £2.45 a half, served by a hairy barman.
There’s a great pub just wanting to get out here, but the pitiful selection of ales on a Friday night and Neame beer really lets the side down; with a good cask choice (what was wrong with Five Points?), I’d have given this place at least a ‘7’, though it’s probably your best bet for a traditional pub in the vicinity, but the cask selection at the Red Lion & Pineapple kicks the stuffing out of what’s on offer here.

On 23^rd April 2023 - rating: 6
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