The Old George is a bland and cavernous drinking hole on Bethnal Green Road.

The Venue
The Old George has a vast church-like feel to it that intimidates with its darkness and empty spaces. Upon entering the pub there is a large bar running along the right hand wall with bar stools pushed up against it. Walking across the stone-covered floor and perching on a seat suspended next to a bizarrely placed pillar, you’ll notice that the space here must have been underestimated when it came to furnishing it.

The stage at the front of the pub would seem to be able to accommodate an entire orchestra although the projector screen above it serves as a partial screen to its gargantuan size. There are side booths and tables spread sparingly to add to the bar’s regularity but there’s still too much space and a lack of any real decor.

The Atmosphere
The Old George is a local spot and although there’s no particular demographic monopolising the pub, most seem familiar with each other. There is a giant screen that hosts most big football matches but even with friends there’s a certain loneliness about the place that makes it difficult to relax in. The lack of light doesn’t help the atmosphere and there’s a literal shadow of angst laid out over the pub that only gold teeth and sovereigns can even begin to penetrate.

The Drink
The bar is packed full of upside down bottles that bear all the usual labels of the big brand spirits. There are multiple beer taps for fast and efficient service that bubble out Fosters, Carling, Carlsberg and Kronenbourg into your glass.

The Last Word
To the neutral pub visitor without connections to the area, the Old George has very little to offer and doesn’t seem to have any want or reason to change. For the regular it probably comes across more like some kind of ecclesiastical theme pub.

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