PUBSPY has been known to judge a boozer by its drinkers and apparently the George and Dragon in Downe is Nigel Farage’s local.

Of course you can draw your own conclusions but whatever you think of the calamitous but oddly charismatic UKIP leader, he is one of the only politicians you can imagine sinking a pint with, right?

It won’t surprise you to discover that the George and Dragon is a traditional English pub in a traditional English village with Tudor beams and blooming flowers.

That authentic old English country pub vibe continued inside too with plenty of dark wood, beams, hops, a fireplace and a central bar with a po-faced Captain Birdseye fella behind it.

You could almost imagine it 150-odd years ago when Charles Darwin used to live down the road and have Christmas clubs at the George.

As we walked in, the Captain visibly tutted before approaching us and grunting his way through the exchange in which I ordered a Timothy Taylor Landlord and my driver asked what hot drinks they served.

“Coffee,” he shrugged, trying to expel as little valuable air as possible.

She opted for a sparkling water, though it’s him who could have done with a bit of a sparkle.

The evening we were in there, the George and Dragon was devoid of atmosphere – and, sadly, Farage. It is not hard to imagine a buzz about the place of an evening, though.

Downe is only a small village, but god knows its people are thirsty.

Next week, find out what I thought about the Queen’s Head.

The George and Dragon, High Street, Downe BR6 7UT

How it rated:

Decor***** Stunning, inside and out

Drink *** Not inspiring

Price *** About right

Atmosphere * Dull

Staff * Bordering on hostile