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.

It's well documented that Charles Dickens frequented the pub when it was a coffee house and it's also mentioned in 'Little Dorrit, but less well known is its previous role as an impromptu 'playhouse', during the Elizabethan period. The galleries provided excellent vantage points (which is how theatre interiors came to have 'galleries' and 'stalls') for the productions which were staged in the cobbled courtyard below. 'The pit' which was often muddy, directly in front of the performance is where orchestras reside today. The capacity of the venue was 500 and performances would often be preceded by other lively entertainments, such as bear-baiting. Although there's no written proof that Shakespeare was a customer, it's highly likely he was - as plays were put on here between 1576 and 1594, when he lived and was active in the area. He was an actor with the 'Lord Chamberlain's Men' initially, but focussed on writing from 1585 onwards, retiring to Stratford Upon Avon in 1613 shortly before his death. Prior to the building of covered amphitheatres (such as 'The Globe' built in 1599), plays were staged in Inn yards such as this one, with the box office being split between the Inn owner and the play's producers.

If you're visiting London and believe like the author, Peter Ackroyd, that places retain the atmosphere and emotion of past historical events. Then there are few better locations than The George Inn, Southwark, to let your imagination freewheel.



BAR OPENING TIMES
Mon - Sat: 11am - 11pm
Sun: 12noon - 10.30pm

FOOD AVAILABLE
Monday-Sunday 12pm-9pm


77 Borough High Street, London SE1 1NH
London Bridge Tube

Call:      020 7407 2056