An impressive pub steeped in history with a cosy terrace and relaxing lounge, The George and Devonshire is a striking establishment that stands out for all the right reasons.

The Venue
The George and Devonshire is situated at the top of Church Street on Old Burlington Lane in what is Old Chiswick - within spitting distance of the Thames. Local attractions nearby include Chiswick House, Hogarth House and The Hogarth Roundabout. Steeped in history, this has been a pubic house since the late eighteenth century and now has a real contemporary feel with a big lounge, an outdoor terrace, and indoor games featuring pool and darts. It’s a melange of the old with its antiquated furniture and hard wooden flooring to the more modern lounge with gastropub touches.

The Atmosphere
There are a lot of forty and fifty somethings, who are no doubt local to the area and slip in unnoticed for a swift half. However, when the older generation can’t stand the pace it’s the turn of the youngsters to swoop in and prop up the bar and surrounding areas. This pub gets more vibrant come Friday and Saturday nights when there is regular entertainment, including rocking at the roundabout featuring rock, soul and Latino sounds.

The Food
There’s a good selection of food at The George and Devonshire. For starters the spinach, cheddar and red onion quesadilla is a smooth mixture of textures and is lifted by the soft roasted onions. The nachos are also a good opener with sour cream, chunky guacamole that is slightly lumpy, salsa, fiery jalapeno peppers, and finished with a generous amount of melted cheese. If you are looking to fill a small hole then choose one of the fresh ciabatta sandwiches with the Lincolnshire sausage and caramelized red onion scoring highly.

For mains, the risotto of wild mushrooms is creamy and comes with toasted pine nuts and parmesan shavings that melt easily into the dish. The haddock is in a rich beer batter and served with chunky chips, mushy peas that are a reminder of school dinners and tartar sauce. To finish why not go for the traditional home-made apple pie which is deep filled while the rhubarb crumble is good in consistency but too pastry heavy.

The Drink
The Fullers brewery is a heartbeat away and real quality ales come flying out the factory and straight into the pubs doors. Fullers ESB has been reintroduced for Autumn slash Winter and with the award winning expertise of David Phoenix who acts as the pub manager and cellarman The George and Devonshire brings home the bacon as far as quality ale is concerned. Recent beers have featured a crisp Brakspears, Gales HSB, St Austells Tribute and a refreshing Jennings Cumberland Ale. The wine is slightly limited and disappointing. To pick some of the best is almost like a needle in a haystack but sample an organic Cotes du Rhone 2002 from France or an Australian Reisling full of citrus flavours.

The Last Word
A potential 4 star in the making if the wine and food list was expanded The George and Devonshire is a slice of traditional Britishness in the leafy surroundings of South West London

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