The George, Bermondsey, SE1

Dating from the mid-19th century, this pub was rebuilt in the 1930s for Truman’s by their inhouse architect, A. E. Sewell. There’s a fantastic Truman’s exterior, however, the name to the fascia in gilt lettering was covered in 2022 by the current name as part of corporate branding undertaken following acquisition by Craft Union; a further and permanent act of vandalism is the removal of three Truman’s lanterns; what has been added though, is the large fluttering LGBTQ+ flag. Otherwise, this pub is listed on CAMRA’s inventory of having interiors of special interest, this being of Special National Historic Interest. I almost came here around a year-and-a half ago but was put off by the rather laddish and a bit chavvy customers, not to mention the very bright lighting. This place has clearly changed since the change of hands, but it’s now much more atmospheric, with a carpeted or boarded floor, original glass and wood panelling, some now with trendy patterned infill; a detailed description can be seen on CAMRA’s website. Furniture is traditional, there are games machines and despite being night, daylight horse racing was shown in silence on the TV. Customers now are a lot more varied, being local, yes, mixed in age and gender or to put it in CAMRA’s words ‘ungentrified, local custom’, along with some studenty types, probably resident at the nearby LSE accommodation block and all enjoying the karaoke. Sadly, there’s no cask ale here, just four unused pumps each sheathed with triangular section cardboard adverts for meal deals, me opting for a half of Neck Oil at £3.25, served by a zesty barmaid. This is quite a nice pub; the addition of a quality cask selection would get the score up, but the pub loses a point each for (1) the lack of cask; and (2) especially the utterly unnecessary exterior alterations; it would make for a good double with the Spit & Sawdust though.

Fine-looking old Truman's pub with an opened-out but otherwise relatively well-preserved U-shaped interior around what is almost an island bar. Many of the coloured glass window panels survive, as does the glazing in most of the toilet doors. The more modern alterations are mostly sympathetic too, so it retains a lot of character. However, the beer choice is much less interesting, with all four handpumps disused on my visit, and John Smith's (£3.70) inexplicably taken instead of Beavertown Neck Oil.

Official site of The George - www.craftunionpubs.com

Official site of The George - www.craftunionpubs.com