With a lunchtime carvery, comedy club and accredited ales and world beers, this olde English pub is certainly a crowd-pleaser.

The Venue
Located on The Strand just opposite the Royal Courts of Justice, The George is certainly in a prime position. The dark wooden beams and white cladding walls give a mock-Tudor effect to the pub, which is peculiar given that the building only dates back to the early 19th century. Nevertheless, it feels quite charming once inside this deceptively large pub. A red colour code washes over the banquettes, walls and chairs and a whole host of ornate portraits, light fittings and stained-glass windows decorate the walls and wooden partitions. The oak beams found on the exterior continue across the ceiling of the pub, adding to the historic feel The George attempts to create. The pub opens out towards the back, where there is a cosy, regal-looking seating area and fireplace. The George also boasts a rather large TV screen for football fans to enjoy the match-day action. Upstairs is a grand dining hall where a carvery is on offer Monday to Friday lunchtimes, and this turns into the The Funny Side…Of Covent Garden comedy club on Friday and Saturday evenings.

The Atmosphere
The George is heaving with after-work drinkers, and is regularly busy at most other times. It has a mix of drinkers propping up the bar and occupying its many booths and tables, all adding to the feeling that The George isn’t quite so roomy. Despite the rush of activity in the pub, bar staff are relatively speedy.

The Food
Lunch options are varied at The George, with a carvery in the upstairs dining room from Monday to Friday. Diners can expect a choice of meats, salads and dessert all for £9.95. There is also a good choice of sandwiches that are just as traditional as the carvery, with a beef and horseradish open sandwich (£6.90) and a ciabatta ploughman’s sandwich (£5.50) both starring on the menu. In the evening, the carvery gives way to classic pub grub, like fish and chips (£8.95) and the famous George burger (£9.95).

The Drink
As one of the pubs recommended by Cask Marque, and under the wings of the Capital Pub Company, The George has a whopping choice of ales, lagers and ciders on tap. The cheapest beer is a pint of Fosters for £3.50, but lager-lovers can also choose from Amstel, Sagres, Bitburger, Kronenbourg and Heineken. All ales are in the £3.50 price range, including some interesting tipples like Purity Pure Gold and Sundance, along with the classic choices of Adnams and IPA. Aspall, Bulmers and Guinness add to the whole host of great tasting drinks on tap. There is also a vast wine list with a seasonal selection and a list of year round favourites to mull over. Prices are quite reasonable, ranging from £3.25 up to £6.20 a glass, and from £13.50 to £24 per bottle.

The Last Word
The George has a great selection of drinks at the bar, a reasonably priced food menu and quality stand-up to boot, but up-close, the magic of the faux-Tudor décor wears off quite quickly.

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