A stones throw from Clapham South tube is The George, a lounge pub serving a traditional pub atmosphere along with your pint.

The Venue
The George is 500 metres from Clapham South towards Balham, and does well from the passing trade. The bar is a large wrap-around in the first half of the venue, with the back holding a pool table. There’s plenty of outdoor space, which is great in the summer as long as you don’t mind the fumes from the busy road. A small beer garden can be found to the side of the pub, which is more like a yard jam-packed with picnic benches. For sports lovers, they have a large screen, which shows big football matches.

The Atmosphere
The decor here comprised of stripped floorboards and comfortable leather sofas and armchairs - nice but not very innovative. Many of the customers are locals or friends of the good looking bar staff, which is great for creating that ‘local’ feel but can wear a little thin if you’re trying to get served and the regulars keep getting special treatment. It’s also a popular haunt for antipodeans who want to get together for a good time, which gives the place a fun atmosphere. The George is not somewhere that you’d travel to, so most of the clientele is local to Balham, which means plenty of young professionals.

The Food
The food is what you’d expect from a lounge pub, with a gastro-style menu on offer and prices to match. However, considering the increasingly trendy area of Balham, it offers a good deal compared to some of the more upmarket places in town.

The Drink
The drinks offered here are standard beers, wines and spirits with typical prices for the area. There’s nothing out of the ordinary as the bar does not try to compete in the high-end market.

The Last Word
The George is classier than a boozer, but not horridly pretentious. It’s great for a no-frills, comfortable night out, and perfect for a sneaky summer pint after work on the way home from the tube.

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