The George & Monkey, EC1

This legendary Irish Pub is probably most noted for being Shane MacGowan’s regular hangout where it is said that he used to be carried into the pub first thing in the morning to start his daily bender. My only previous visit was many years ago when I recall it being little more than a tatty bolt hole so I was quite surprised to find that it has been recently refurbished and now presents a trendily upmarket image with candlelit tables and little of the generic Irish pub that is found so often - no tricolours, pictures of toucans, inflatable Guinness glasses or photos of Croke Park to be found here. The interior is split into a front and rear bar linked by a tiled corridor. Both have similar décor and furnishings with bare floors, solid seating. Some of its tattiness does renmain with tables showing the multiple works of various graffiti bandits and love birds (Ric + Remy + Christine certainly raised an eyebrow). The bar stools are also in desparate need of a bit of an overhaul but generally the pub is quite neat and tidy. The rear bar contains a piano and an interesting death list corner, a homage to musicians, writers and artists who are no longer with us but are celebrated once a month by a live perforamces of their work (although someone should perhaps mention that Phil “it wasn’t me” Spector isn’t actually dead yet). The background music was an eclectic mix of old blues, jazz and country whilst there are Irish music sessions on Tuesdays and a quiz every Monday. Big Screens in both bars are present for major sprting events. I was surprised not just to find ales on offer but, by Irish pub standards, a fairly decent selection across the 3 pumps – Wadworth 6X, Brains Rev James, & Woodforde Wherry. Prices were a bit higher than I would expect (aren’t they always) with the Wherry at £3.40 for a 3.8% strength beer being a bit OTT and, whilst perfectly drinkable, it didn’t strike me as being in the best of condition. There was a limited food menu with burgers and pie & mash seemingly the house specialities – prices around £6-10. My visit was early evening and the pub was virtually deserted but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised and would certainly call in again when I have time to kill.

I wouldn't normally venture into a Fithy McNasty's pub as I've found they usually are, but called in here as I was passing, purely in the interests of research and under the influence of a few already. I found an interesting pub, very music orientated and advertising live music 4 days a week. Not that busy so difficult to judge the clientele , although the couple in the corner playing Jenga was somewhat mesmeric. Becks, Red Stripe, Guinness, Stella and Strongbow were on offer along with a single hand pump that produced a pretty poor pint of Black Sheep. An interesting pub that no doubt has a large fan base and serves it well.