For a small town, Bexley has no shortage of pubs and choosing one can be tricky business. Being the product of a consumer society, I chose the one with an attractive window display.
Sitting boldly on the corner of the High Street, its imposing grey paint job was brightened by drawings on the windows advertising its Halloween parties and Christmas bookings.
Duly tempted in, the inside was similarly smart – colourful bunting and splashes of colour throughout, such as on the blackboard, bringing a little vibrancy to the classy exposed brick and sober greeny-grey paintwork.
A TV sat over the handsome disused fireplace alongside a couple of games machines. Altogether with mainstream pop like Nelly Furtado’s I’m Like a Bird, it gave a feeling of being laid back and pleasant.
Adverts dotted around for buy one get one free cocktails and its extensive selection of rums indicated that perhaps things get a bit livelier of an evening. But on my daytime visit, things were chilled with half a dozen punters quietly enjoying a drink and a mother-daughter pair tucking in to some chunky burgers.
As I approached the bar, I was greeted by a friendly smile from a pleasant young barmaid while a helpful shorter older lady in an apron (I assume the chef) poured the second part of my order.
Sure, between the two of them they attempted to take a cash payment on the card machine and upgraded a half pint order to a pint (good call, as it turns out) but it was done with such good nature I couldn’t find it in myself to be annoyed.
It was an impressive selection on tap too, with a handful of craft beers – among them Meantime, Brewdog Punk IPA and Yardbird Pale Ale. The best thing, however, was its own George Bexley ale.
It took a while to settle but the eventual taste was hoppy and delightful.
The George, High Street, Bexley.
How it rated:
Décor **** Handsome with just enough colour
Atmosphere **** Pleasant
Staff *** Friendly
Drink **** Bonus points for its own beer
Price *** Not bad
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