Pubs are an essential part of British life, and after 10 years in the UK, I’ve grown fond of evening drinks and Sunday roasts. A pub with a rich history always catches my eye, which is why I visited The George Inn last week.

Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON takes you inside London’s historic and charming galleried inn.

The George Inn, London

Tucked away near London Bridge, The George Inn is a remarkable slice of history. With its galleried architecture, centuries of stories, and literary connections, it’s one of the city’s most unique and charming pubs.

The George Inn is believed to have opened in the 16th century. This historic pub has long been treasured by London’s literary legends, with both William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens said to have admired its galleried charm.

A few fascinating facts about The George Inn:

• Its front galleries were once a common feature of London inns.

• Many similar structures were lost during World War II, making The George particularly special.

• The original George Inn was destroyed by a fire in 1676.

• Charles Dickens was a regular when the inn operated as a coffee house, even mentioning it in his novel Little Dorrit.

• Over the years, the entrance has welcomed historical icons like Winston Churchill and Princess Margaret, as well as modern celebrities including Madonna and Beyoncé.

It is now managed by The National Trust and stands as the last remaining galleried inn in London, making it London’s final surviving galleried inn and a must-visit for history lovers!

London’s only remaining galleried Inn

Stepping inside, it’s easy to see why The George Inn holds this unique title, from its historic galleries to its vibrant courtyard, it’s a rare glimpse into London’s past!

By the 16th century, the George Inn was already well-known, thanks in large part to its strategic spot near London Bridge, the sole link between the City and Southwark at the time.

Travellers found it convenient to conduct business in London while staying overnight in Southwark.

The bedrooms were located upstairs, along the galleried section of the building, allowing guests to overlook the bustling courtyard below and experience the unique charm of this historic inn firsthand.

The George Food & Drink offer

No visit to The George Inn is complete without enjoying its food and drink offerings. From hearty traditional pub fare to refreshing drinks, the inn blends history with a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.

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.

We 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.

For lunch, we chose The Coach House Bar, situated in one of the two buildings across from the historic 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 Pulled Mushroom Chilli (not the most photogenic, but absolutely delicious!). Perfect for sharing, as I simply couldn’t decide which to try first!

I found the meat main to be my clear favourite, though I must admit, the Mushroom Chilli surprised me with its originality.

Everything you need for a great visit!

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 love the idea of holding a meeting surrounded by the historic charm of this iconic pub, blending productivity with a truly unique atmosphere!

At The George Inn, it feels like stepping back in time. You can wander through every nook and cranny, along creaky old stairs and winding corridors. The atmosphere is truly unique, it even reminded me of a classic wooden theatre, like the Globe Theatre.

Take a moment to soak in the atmosphere, exploring the inn’s every twist and turn. It’s this adventure that makes a visit to The George truly unforgettable!

Make the most of your day in London by visiting Borough Market, just a short two-minute walk from the inn. A true delight for all your senses!

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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!

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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.

You can explore even more of my London Pubs recommendations right here!

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