The George Staples, Blackfen

This is a friends local pub, two minutes from his house. I've visited him for the last 36 years but have only been in the pub in its former guise, The Woodman, on one occasion. It was not the most welcoming of places in the past. It is now the George Staples and under new management. The pub has an open plan layout and is now very light and airy. It does have a pool table and the usual fruit machines, none of which are of interest to me but these are cleverly located at one end of what is basically and "L" shaped room. They are close to the Karaoke area. Inspite of the open nature of the pub, any noise from the younger drinkers is easy to avoid (I'm 64),having said that, there is apparently no "Segregation" by age. The new Landlord seems to have created an atmosphere where everyone mixes well yet each age group can still have its own part of the pub if they want. Taking this further, mixng of diverse ages seems to happen at the "George" more succesfully thsn in most places.
On my visit in July we were in the pub on a daily basis, one day we were there twice - unheard of in the old days.
The decor is very up to date, but homely and relaxing. The food is excellent, and the service friendly. I'd not normally visit a city pub ona Friday or Saturday night but on my visit the atmosphere was relaxed throughout.
If you're in the area, don't miss it!

12 Sep 2008 09:43