Why The George on the Strand Is Worth Seeking Out
You may have come looking for The George because you’ve seen photographs of its striking black-and-white Tudor-style exterior, or perhaps you spotted the pub while exploring the Strand opposite London’s Royal Courts of Justice.
The George looks like a little piece of old London tucked into a busy city street. Its distinctive timberwork, gables and unusual carved figures make it a wonderful photography stop, even if the building isn’t quite as ancient as it appears.
The George attracts a mixture of sightseeing visitors and people working around the Strand and nearby law courts, so expect a lively atmosphere, particularly around weekday lunch and early evening. If you’re staying for a meal, the pub serves traditional British dishes, including Sunday roasts, with reservations available for dining upstairs.
The George’s Mock-Tudor Facade and Curious Carvings
The George’s striking black-and-white exterior looks centuries older than it really is. The pub stands on the site of an 18th-century coffeehouse, but the elaborate mock-Tudor facade dates to a rebuilding in 1898.
The timber-framed gables, leaded windows and decorative woodwork give the building its unmistakable old-London appearance. But there’s something rather peculiar hiding among those architectural details.
Look for the carved monks, frogs and a naked man chasing pigs. They’re among the eccentric figures worked into the facade—and wonderfully easy to overlook when you’re admiring the building as a whole.
Inside, the George is a traditional London pub with a spacious ground-floor bar, dark wood and historic pictures on the walls.
What’s the Pint Pick?
Ask what’s available on cask and try a traditional English bitter if there’s one on the handpump. It’s a fitting choice for a classic London pub, although the selection may vary.
Order your drink at the bar and pay when you order. If the card machine prompts you for a tip, you can press skip. Digital prompts are increasingly common these days, but tipping is still not customary when buying drinks at a London pub bar counter.
Address: 213 Strand, London WC2R 1AP
Nearest Station: Temple
Website: The George
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