If it's cheap and cheerful you want there are few pubs in Wanstead that can compete with The George. Just be prepared for the hordes of pre-party drinkers who descend on this popular Wetherspoons pub every weekend.

The Venue
The George can be found in Wanstead, East London. The first thing you see when you step out of the tube station, it's a large, imposing building impossible to miss. With its red brick exterior and hanging baskets outside, this pub has done a lot to repair its previous image of a run down old man pub.

Downstairs is a long bar running along the back wall with stools and benches opposite. Walking through, there are many tables with hard backed chairs round them, comfy booths with cushioned seating and round corner tables for those wanting to keep themselves to themselves. There is also an upstairs area - more of a dining area than drinking - with tables, chairs and a quieter atmosphere.

The Atmosphere
For a long time, The George had a questionable reputation for being a pub solely occupied by underage drinkers or old men in caps, but in the last couple of years it has tried to pull its socks up, incorporating a better, more varied menu with stricter ID searches on the door. However, it’s still a Wetherspoons so is cheap and will, of course, attract a younger clientele - especially on Friday and Saturday nights. If this is going to bother you, then best to go elsewhere.

Earlier in the day you can normally find some of the older regulars supping on a pint and reading the paper until late afternoon when hordes of people descend on the pub to start their night with cheap drinks. There is a lively, loud atmosphere on most weekends and the volume of noise only increases as the night goes on.

The Food
With a typical Wetherspoons menu, The George offers a huge range of cheap, filling meals for it’s punters. From curry to cake, the menu covers it all, albeit pretty low on the gastronomic scale. Favourites include fish and chips, chilli con carne, meatballs with pasta, and the gourmet burger. With money saving deals such as two meals for £6, or a burger and a beer for only £4.50, eating here will fill your stomach but not empty your wallet.

The Drink
A wide range of alcohol choices is offered in this popular pub. A pint of real ale will set you back around £1.79, with various ales being offered at the pumps; Greene King and Marstons Pedigree the norm, with guest ales also on draft. Lagers are billed at £2.10, and a pint of Guiness is around £2.39. With an extensive wine list at very competitive prices, The George offers bottles of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Merlot amongst others, normally going at around £7.39 each. As far as prices go, it’s hard to beat.

The Last Word
The George may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you want food and drink without breaking the bank, you can’t go wrong here.

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