The George Tavern

The coolest pub in the area, most of the local bars are pit bull friendly east end locals pubs or almost in the city fancy places, so this place gets the young hipsters, the old actors, the punks, the artists, everyone interesting. Their furniture is very distressed.

Long held in local lore, The George holds its ramshackle head high in a list of London's top night spots. To say that its scene and crowd are consistent is somewhat misleading, as it attracts a wide array of people who unite most readily for their contrariness and less for their style or their adherence to any particular scene or movement, a feature that makes this place refreshingly un-London. There is, however, a definite punk edge, evinced by the Barcelona pin-faces who pile onto the side patio for cigarettes any time of year, and the general sway of the musical acts booked in most nights (expect to pay a small cover if you arrive after eight).

Drinks are somewhat on the expensive side, but long waits at the bar are virtually unheard of, saved by staff that may seem surly but are rather delightfully low-key.

Non-locals need not be put off by night transit: both Commercial Road and Whitechapel High Street are surprisingly well-served by the system. All in all a reliable place to grab a drink and feel both at home and away at once.

You definitely have to be in the right mood to appreciate this place - and come on the right night. It is definitely not best for a quiet drink after work on a Monday. No matter how great the choice of music, the volume at half past six was deafening - especially alienating as there was noone there about from the two of us and the bar staff ...

I can imagine The George coming into its own on a rowdy Friday night when it probably turns into just the sort of place I love - a punky music pub like in the good old days! Glad I didn't judge the book by its cover as it's usually not a good idea to order wine in a proper boozer, but the white was rather nice.

The pub stands rather lonely at the Stepney end of Commercial Road and I think you have to be local to see its full potential and really love it. Apparently there is a campaign going to save it from redevelopment and I hope it will be successful!

Though the outdoor appearance of The George resembles something in a slow state of decay, it has in recent years reinvented itself as one of the spiritual homes of East-End hipsters. Inside you'll find a warm and vibrant atmosphere populated by a young and uber-trendy crowd. Comfortable leather sofa are dotted about and there's an outdoor seating area in which to relax with a pint.

I heard a rumour that Kate Moss used to frequent this place, but don't let that put you off, the George stocks an excellent range of beers, ales and spirits and regualrly plays host to local bands and DJs.

With a late license that takes you through to the wee hours I'm thankful I live close to this excellent party pub.

Shut it down. Rudest bartenders in the world. A two count pour of whiskey is 9 pounds. The ladies behind the bar cannot be bothered by your presence. Patrons seemed cool though. Great DJ sets last night.

A fantastic little pub in the heart of Soho, with great character, lovely features and a laid back atmosphere.

Whilst looking a tad grimy from the outside, this is a wonderful hidden haven I'm happy to have discovered.

I loved the cut glass light fittings, furnishing details, and the comfy traditional 'old world' feel.

A great place to have a few drinks and a chat with friends, although I expect it gets a bit busy pre/post show time.

Think traditional pub, great if you're not looking for anything 'gourmet or craft', although had a few drinks options a bit of variety (whereas I just went for a good old fashioned G&T).

Shabby old pub in Shadwell but that's meant with affection as this is one of my favourites in London as my friends band used to play here lots. This is a great little pub to watch bands and listen to great music, it's very understated and looks like it has been plucked out of a Manchester housing estate in the 70s, a bit grim and rough around the edges but I love it.
Sat nights have a great DJ playing 50s music like Dion and Little Eva. There's also always a great crowd here, never packed and often you'll see the odd beehive or two dancing along to the 50's sounds.

The George is not exactly your typical East London local, but it's definitely a venue worth seeking out. It feels curiously like some kind of mixture of traditional pub and a Brooklyn hipster hangout, and that is exactly its charm. It feels almost verging on derelict - peeling paint on the ceiling, cobwebs, a bar that feels almost plonked in the corner. Plus so many of the windows are blocked out, and the bizarre number of decoy doors, that a first-time visitor would be forgiven for think it had long shut up its doors.

But it has a great community feel - free Wi-Fi during the day, a varied range of entertainment in the evenings: I've seen eastern European folk, sea shanties, cheesy DJs. Plus I think there are non-music offerings as well.

The garden space is a godsend and has plenty of seating. The toilets are appropriately grim, but you're distracted from that by the riveting inch-think layers of graffiti on the walls.

My only reservation, and I realize that I sound like a stuck record in these reviews, is the fairly pitiful bar offerings. The dull range of beers on-tap is made even worse by the fact that half of them constantly seem to be off. But, ho hum, you can't have everything in a venue, can you? Oh, yes, you could. Please. Go on. You know you want to.

Oh god, how I would have loved this place when I was 15-18. However...10 years on and it is just all a wee bit cliched. Went on a Friday night after meeting the boyfriend after his travels from Glasgow at Shadwell DLR station, and needing a little pick me up, I suggested going here as it really is the only pub within spitting distance.

Initally was quite pleased that there was no cover charge, and after a thorough search of his case, we were in. Cue the 'standing out like sore thumbs' part...a band akin to a very early Gang of Four were on, with a very, very, very hipster (and I do hate that word) crowd. As in...blokes in sequin minidresses, girls with super-retro handbags and perfect 'i just woke up from a 48 hour bender' hair and make up, as well as the ubiquitous smell of dried in Jack Daniels and stale joints. Toto...we're not in young professional wine bar land anymore.

We did manage to get a seat (ie a barrel) outside and with our case and lack of one-off clothing, we did feel a bit conspicuous. The drink was cheap, the band...left us cold (shouting 'THE DLR! THE DLR!' over clumsy chords ain't my idea of music) and the atmosphere was a bit threatening; someone had their bag stolen when we were there, and glasses were continually being broken.

We ended up leaving about 20 minutes later (I hadn't even finished my drink - unheard of!) - but in all honesty I would give this place a go again with a few more folk, and with this being at least the second stop of the night - being stone-cold sober did not help matters!

Also ladies...inevitably - no loo roll.

Not exactly the place you would think it is from its outside and the ... well, unwelcoming atmosphere of the area.
Inside you'll find a dedicated crowd of regulars, very cool theme nights and events, eclectic music and a light-up 70s dance floor. How cool is that?!


Good choice of drinks, very good prices, real candles on empty bottles, interesting people. It also has a back area for smoking which is nice and the most poetic / hilarious scribbelings on the bathroom wall I have ever seen in London...


Watch their website for upcoming events, it is a very lively scene and there is always something coming up. Definitely worth the detour from Shoreditch!!! A bus stop is right in front of their door.