George & Dragon, Devizes

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Blackthorn _ left this review about George & Dragon

A quite unprepossessing pub in the small village of Rowde, this doesn’t look anything special from the outside but does in fact have quite a reputation for it’s food, and therefore fits squarely in the “gastro-pub” category. It’s also a short stroll from the Caen Hill flight of locks on the Kennet and Avon canal, so could be a good spot for lunch whilst out walking. There is a small beer garden at the back of the pub, although this only had a couple of tables. Loos were outside and rather basic which seemed somewhat at odds with the rest of the pub.

The pub is divided in to two rooms, the main bar at the front still retaining the character of a village local giving the impression that drinkers would be quite welcome and another, slightly larger room off to the side, that although still retaining the same rustic charm was clearly intended as a dining room with all tables being fully laid with silvery cutlery, wine glasses and freshly starched napkins. Decor wise there were old boards on the floor along with a few rugs, and the paintwork was mostly a pale shade of green. There was green painted wood panelling on the lower part of the walls, and some full wood panelling elsewhere as well as plenty of beams on the ceiling. There was a large stone fire-place with a couple of logs smouldering away which was a nice touch on a cold February afternoon. The two guys who seemed to be running it were genuinely friendly and helpful.

Food wise it is very much restaurant quality, with no sign of any traditional pub grub. The menu changes daily and most of the mains hovered around the £15 mark. There were several more fish specials chalked up above the bar, with many of these nudging £20. That said, you get what you pay for and if that’s what you’re after I’d certainly recommend it. I thoroughly enjoyed my Smoked Haddock with a Horseradish Cream, Fried Egg and Crispy Bacon. There was also a set menu available at certain times where you could get a main course for under a tenner, and a selection of the pub’s own jams and preserves displayed on a shelf which presumably were available to purchase.

Beers on tap were Butcombe and Cottage Brewery’s Tornado. There were a couple more pumps on the bar which appeared to have run out. One of these was Doom Bar, I couldn’t see what the other one was. The solitary cider was Ashton Press. All in all I would highly recommend this, but if you’re just after some basic pub grub it’s probably not for you.

On 3^rd February 2012 - rating: 8
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