The George Inn, is a Grade I listed medieval pub near Borough High Street, in Southwark, London. The National Trust own it, which is highly unusual and as such, it has a ring of authenticity running through its timbered frame. The galleries which front the building, were once a common sight in coaching inns and are the last to survive in London. Timber framed buildings are, as you might expect, vulnerable to fire, so many of the other surviving examples were wiped out during the Second World War's aerial bombardment (The Blitz).

Before this, the original George Inn (actually called the 'George and Dragon') was destroyed by a fire which ravaged Southwark in 1676. It was rebuilt the same year, but this was standard practice. Chaucer mentioned a pub (The Tabard - which had stood nearby) in the Canterbury Tales in 1388, which was also reconstructed at the same time. This was a recurring problem related to popular building materials of the time. Wooden dwellings, with straw-thatched rooves: made excellent kindling.

The George Inn has a large court in front, which is sheltered from the traffic noise and fumes of the nearby, Borough High Street. The galleried section, which used to contain the Inn's accommodation, is now the restaurant. The wonky beams, uneven floors and ancient, dusty aroma are for me, the main attraction. If you enjoy the experience of drinking in places which allow you to forget where you are - or, 'when you are', then it's likely The George Inn will win you over too. Its food is not especially noteworthy and the ales are adequate and perhaps anachronistic, for such a vibrantly historical location.

History of the Trafalgar Tavern

Built in 1837, the year that Victoria became Queen, the pub quickly built up a reputation and following. Popular with politicians (including Prime Minister: William Gladstone), it served Whitebait suppers, which became a Westminster pilgrimage and kept it busy until the early 20th century. It then shut up shop and was reimagined as a Seaman's Mission, and later as flats. It also attracted the literary giants of the age - Charles Dickens, William Thackeray and Wilkie Collins all dined here and Dickens also wrote some passages while imbibing (the wedding breakfast scene from 'Our Mutual Friend' is set in the Hawke Room of the Trafalgar Tavern). It's unlikely Thackeray did however, as he had the curious habit of getting up with the larks, to do all his writing before going to work - strange creature that he was.

In 1965, with dwindling prospects in the property market - it became a pub again.