In today’s episode of ‘blimey, London has some bloody old pubs, doesn’t it?’, we have the George Inn; a rather impressive London Bridge boozer with an even more impressive back story. Notable for being the city’s only surviving galleried inn (more on what that actually means later), it’s a historic gem in the capital’s treasure trove of watering holes – and it’s well worth a visit.
Hidden furtively down a backstreet near Borough Market, you’d never know you were just a stone’s throw away from tourist-town. The cobblestoned passageway is one of London’s rare and remarkable time portals, transporting you back to times when the literary likes of Shakespeare and Dickens tottered down those very same cobblestones for a good old knees up at the George.
The history of the George Inn
The George Inn was built in 1676 after a serious fire destroyed the pub that previously commanded the spot. Proudly boasting the title of London’s only surviving galleried inn, the George is exactly how we like our pubs at Secret London: filled to the brim with history, fascinating stories, and – of course – booze.
Between the 17th and 19th centuries, stagecoaches were the way to get around town, and coaching inns like the George were everywhere in London. The galleries were there for guests to sit and watch performances take place in the courtyard below – and supposedly Shakespeare visited regularly and performed his plays there. All of London’s other galleried inns were destroyed in World War II (if not before), and so it’s pretty amazing that the George Inn has managed to stand the test of time.
Another noteworthy visitor was none other than Charles Dickens. In fact, Dickens was so fond of the place that he gave it a mention in his novel, ‘Little Dorrit‘. He supposedly frequented the George back when the middle bar was still a coffee shop and still to this day, you can see a certificate of his life insurance framed on the wall. Because why frame a photo when you can frame a life insurance document, hey?
The George Inn nowadays
The pub remains a fascinating place to explore, with nods to the boozers rich history scattered throughout. You can still head upstairs to the galleries and have a nosy out onto the courtyard, where many Londoners continue to flock to on a sunny day for an al fresco pint. The Parliament Bar (which once-upon-a-time was a waiting room for coach passengers) has an incredibly rare 18th century clock up on the wall which would have been used to help waiting passengers know if their coach was due to arrive. And the ghost of a former landlady, Mrs Murray, is said to still haunt the George – and it’s her that’s blamed for any technical issues in the pub.
Credit: @doyouspeaklondon via Instagram
Nowadays, the George Inn is a little pocket of London’s past and definitely one of the coolest pubs in the city. Serving up a wonderful selection of real ale and a cracking Sunday roast; it should be immediately added to your must-visit list.
Find out more and plan your visit to The George here.
📍 75 Borough High Street, SE1 1NH.