Pubs are an integral part of UK culture (as everyone knows). After living in the country for 10 years, I’ve embraced this tradition and particularly enjoy an evening drink or a Sunday roast there. And when a pub boasts a fascinating history, I make it a point to explore it. That’s what led me to The George Inn last week.
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON invites you to discover London’s unique galleried Inn!
The George Inn, London
The George Inn is said to have opened its doors in the 16th century. This historic pub has been especially cherished by London’s literary legends, with both William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens known to have enjoyed its galleried splendor.
Here are a few facts about The George Inn:
- The building’s front galleries were once a common feature of Inns.
- Many similar structures were lost during World War II.
- The original George Inn was destroyed by a fire in 1676.
- Charles Dickens was a regular client when the George operated as a coffee house. He even mentioned it in his novel “Little Dorrit”.
- The George’s entrance has seen its fair share of historical icons like Churchill and Princess Margaret, alongside today’s celebrities like Madonna and Beyoncé.
It is now managed by a The National Trust, and it is the last galleried Inn remaining in London.
London’s only remaining galleried Inn
The George Inn seems to have already made its mark by the 16th century. Its prime location near London Bridge – it was then the only way to cross between the City of London and Southwark – definitely contributed to its prominence.
Travelers found it convenient to do business in London while staying overnight in Southwark.
The bedrooms were upstairs in the galleried part of the building.
The George Food & Drink offer
At The George, with two main buildings housing bars and restaurants, you’re spoiled for choice whether you’re craving lunch, dinner, or just a drink. You can also easily reserve your spot online to ensure you don’t miss out.
I opted to visit on a Thursday to dodge the crowds, giving me the freedom to leisurely explore the place before settling on the perfect spot for lunch right then and there. It’s truly remarkable to feel transported back in time while exploring the place.
We chose to have lunch at The Coach House Bar, which is in one of the two buildings, opposite the galleries.
As the name suggests, The Coach House served as a place for travelers to park their coaches overnight while the gates of nearby London Bridge were locked. The interior of the pub still bears traces of its past, with some tables hinting at the former stables.
We indulged in two delightful mains: the classic Duck Hash and a vegetarian option, the Pulled Mushroom Chilli (not the most photogenic, but absolutely delicious!), perfect for sharing (because I could not choose initially).
I found the meat main to be my clear favourite, though I must admit, the Mushroom Chilli surprised me with its originality.
The George Inn facilities
The pub offers outdoor seating, which might be bustling with people on summer weekends. The best time to grab a seat and soak in the vibes is on weekdays, though you can never be sure when groups of tourists might arrive.
While exploring the buildings, we noticed that The George Inn offers room bookings for companies or business groups. It’s perfect for work meetings! I personally love the idea of conducting your meeting while enjoying the historic charm of this iconic pub…
At The George, it’s like stepping into the past. You can explore all the nooks and crannies, with its creaky old stairs and corridors. The vibe is totally unique, like you’re in one of those wooden theatres (it reminded me of the Globe Theatre).
So, take your time wandering around before you settle in at a table. It’s all part of the charm at The George!
For a fantastic day in London, consider visiting Borough Market either before or after lunch, as it’s just a two-minute walk from the popular market. You will not regret it!
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I hope you’ve enjoyed delving into the history and images of The George. If you’re considering a visit, I’d love to hear about your experience on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON!
To go further:
The George Inn Yard, 77 Borough High Street, Southwark, London, SE1 1NH
Open 11am-11pm all day except Friday/Saturday 11am-12am.
Check out The George Inn website for more info about music & events there.
Those pubs with history are the best! Looking forward to another pub post, maybe the Old Standard of England!
Très joli voyage dans le temps , l’histoire, la culture britannique.
J’adore l’atmosphère des photos .
Très intéressante découverte
@Luke Historic Pubs are, indeed, the most interesting ones 🙂 I have reviewed the Old Standard of England on this blog, have a look and let me know what you think about it!
@Myriam Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed this post 🙂
@Parant Thank you, I hope you’ll have the opportunity to discover it soon!