George Tavern

George Tavern

You can't miss the George. It stands proudly on the corner with Jubilee Street, a trio of flags flying from its rooftop. It's been here for many centuries, formerly in the guise of the Halfway House — a pub mentioned by everyone from Dickens to Pepys and all the way back to Chaucer. One of the true jewels of London's pub scene.

Step inside and you'll find out why. While many pubs in this area have either gentrified or stagnated, the George carries on doing what it's always done — providing a comfortable, friendly and charming venue for anyone who cares to stop by.

The interior is timeless. Arrive in the late afternoon, and you'll find it looking its best as the low sunlight beams in through huge west-facing windows. It illuminates tiles that show the history of the pub, and furniture that is just the right side of tatterdemalion.

As well as a characterful pub, the George is well known as a performing arts venue. A stage, complete with old Joanna takes up a fair whack of the downstairs space.

A small beer yard offers a spot of al fresco away from the busy Commercial Road. Unusually, it carries its own road sign — the appropriately named Aylward Street.

The one downside is the beer. The ale choice is small and conventional, and our pint of Ghost Ship wasn't at its best. You may be better served with the lagers. Like a good old traditional pub, there's no kitchen as such, but bar snacks are available, including delicious pickled eggs.

There's so much more to be said about the George. We commend you to the good company of the Gentle Author, whose Spitalfields Life blog has visited on numerous occasions.

On Twitter as @GeorgeTavernE1. Last updated August 2017.

Pub Features

Beer garden Live music

Address: The George Tavern 373 Commercial Road, London E1 0LA

Phone: 020 7790 7335

Email:
georgetavernbookings@gmail.com

Website:
https://thegeorgetavern.london/

Monday: 4pm-midnight

Tuesday: 4pm-midnight

Wednesday: 4pm-midnight

Thursday: 4pm-midnight

Friday: 4pm-3am

Saturday: 4pm-3am

Sunday: 4pm-midnight

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