Discover London’s last surviving galleried inn, a historic gem in the heart of old London
The George Inn, London: Star guest on today’s episode of ‘ Things Helen Loves- Old London Pubs’. Old pubs are pretty thick on the ground in London, you might be wondering what makes The George so special?
Well, this rather fetching London pub has a unique feature; it’s London’s last galleried inn (more on what that means and why it’s so special in a minute) and it also has a fascinating back story involving some literary connections.
Both Shakespeare and Dickens are said to have frequented The George. If you fancy adding your name to the list of people who’ve dropped into this historic Southwark pub, here’s everything you need to know.
The History of The George Inn
The George Inn was built in 1676 after a fire destroyed the pub that had stood on the spot previously.
At the time, The George Inn wouldn’t have been all that different to other pubs around London. Stage coaches were the way to travel, served by a network of coaching inns just like The George.
Galleried inns used to be a common sight in this art of the city. The timber framed pubs were the place to make merry. Southwark was disreputable, notorious for its theatre scene, prostitution and bear baiting. Sounds quite the night out, doesn’t it?
The inns were designed around a main yard with galleries which allowed guests to watch performances being staged in the courtyard below. Rumour has that Shakespeare was a regular here and staged some of his plays in the courtyard at The George Inn.
No one seems to have solid evidence of this, but with the Globe being just along the way, it makes for a good and credible story.
There’s also a Dickens connection. Charles Dickens was a regular and that connection has been evidenced. Dickens mentioned the George in his writing, and the inn now proudly displays a certificate of his life insurance on the wall. Because nothing says we appreciate your custom like displaying someone’s life insurance.
Before I dive into this one, I have to give a shout out to a fellow blogger, Mari over at Mari’s Travels with her Camera who recommended The George to me. Thanks Mari, I appreciate it!
Between the Great Fire of London, WW2 and the decades of rebuilding that followed just about all of London’s galleried inns were lost. All but one -The George Inn. How did it survive? A mix of luck and circumstance.
The building fell into the hands of a railway company who demolished part of it to create warehouse space but saved the South face, the galleried exterior that can be seen today.
The George’s future was secured long term when it was Grade I listed and acquired by the national treasure that is The National Trust. FYI, the National Trust owns a quite a few pubs. I had no idea.
The Modern- Day George Inn
Tucked away through a set of gates just a short stroll from The Shard and Borough Market, The George Inn is still a fascinating place to explore. Walking through the gates and across the old cobblestones takes you into a little corner of London’s past.
And before you ask, no that doesn’t include the prices. The George Inn is run by Greene King who are serving up a solid food menu, range of real ales and a fabulous spritz menu, all at reasonable but very much modern day prices.
The pub calendar includes a nice little programme of events including outdoor cinema in the courtyard, live music and charity events. Given the pubs historical connection with ‘Inn-yard’ theatre, it’s like a not to the inn’s roots.
Things to do Near the George Inn
- Explore the streets of Southwark, and see the beautiful mix of old and new London.
- Pop into the Hop exchange, a heritage building and home to a little coffee shop
- Head to Borough Market for good food and a good atmosphere
- Visit The Old Operating Theatre Museum & Herb Garret to see Europe’s oldest preserved operating theatre housed in a church attic.
Full Guide to visiting The Old Operating Theatre Museum & Herb Garret here.
Find The George at 75-77 Borough High St, Southwark.
If you’re a history lover exploring London, you might also enjoy this post- Roupell Street: The Time Capsule Street in Central London
Helen x
And thanks for the shout! So, so glad you managed to get to see it before it closes (but perhaps not if enough people can object) and that you enjoyed your visit. Your pictures do it justice and I’m sure if readers pick up on this blog they’ll be flocking there. Isn’t the Hop Exchange fantastic? Did you visit the Cross Bones graveyard while you were in the area (otherwise known as The Prostitutes Graveyard? Another must see place there https://www.historic-uk.com/…/DestinationsUK/Cross-Bones-Graveyard
Ah no I missed the graveyard- one for next time! I’m hoping the George will stay open, it wasn’t showing any sign of slowing down but the NT website says it will close so… who knows! I’m glad we got to see it inside and out though just in case.
Wonderful, I hope they don’t close it though. The only pub I can think of thats the oldest I`ve been in is the New Inn, in Northgate St, Gloucester. Its a lovely pub and has a gallery too and it used to have plays performed in the courtyard as well, In fact I think they still do. I used to live in Gloucester quite a few years ago and remember plays being there from time to time. Never seen a play there sadly but been in the pub a few times.
Just googled the New Inn, Gloucester and it says it was built around 1450 so a few years old 🙂
I’ve just looked it up, that’s a beauty! I’d love to visit if I’m ever in that part of the world.
A friend of mine is about to move to Gloucester so with any luck I’ll get to visit your galleried pub as well!
This really is a hidden gem Helen as I’ve been to Borough Market on numerous occasions. I certainly hope that it’s not going to close in November but I’ll do my best to get there before then just in case. You might recall from my visit to Belfast just before Christmas that we had dinner in another gorgeous National Trust pub, The Crown Liquor Saloon run by Nicholson’s who have a portfolio of historic inns. Another interesting city for you to explore! Hope your weekend has gone well. Marion
Yes, I do remember your post about the Crown, with all it’s beautiful woodwork and sung style seating. I do hope to get to Belfast one day, the more I see the more I like. Pleas do feel free to drop a link in the comments to your post, I’m sure anybody interested in a pub with character and history would enjoy it.
Thanks Helen x
This sounds wonderful. I’ve never been, and getting there before November is a big ask, so I really hope that it gets a reprieve. Your photos and potted history are very enticing.
It will be a shame if it closes, but I have noticed Greene King are closing a few of their pubs so that may be the issue. I hope the National Trust will find a way to keep it going. Well, if not that one there are plenty of other old pubs in London. This Northern bird can’t get used to London prices though, that’s the only thing!
Oh no you showed us such a gem and it may close, what a shame. I suspect it will be a couple of years until I get back to London. Sounds my kind of pub. I love old pubs with higgeldy piggeldy rooms.
Yes, pubs with character all the way!
Wow, a hidden gem. Hope to visit this place one day. Thanks for the info
Thank you, it’s a lovely place definitely worth a visit.
Love London pubs! I know where my next pub visit in London will be…
Great! Now I know where I’m going for a drink next time I’m in London:)