The George, Wanstead

It should be made illegal to lambast the George. There are lots of things not perfect about it but:
1) its THE George - all others accross the country pale into insignificance (especially the one on Botley Road in Oxford),
2) YOU were once one of those annoying kids too many years ago, maybe even from Forest too, I certainly was. I remember the days before the last big referb when they knocked the holes in the ceiling (and subsequently filled one in again) moved the bar, opened up the reception room uptairs and removed the sofa near the toliet with all the stuffing picked out of it (that took me hours). Many of these "questionably aged people" may or may not be of the legal age but as long as they stay near the bar area, and we only pass them while getting a drink and on the way to the toliets, hide a snigger at one heaving in the cubicle, and side step the fights, who cares? No one's been stabbed yet here have they?
3) The staff are forced to sell cheap booze, which is why many people go there, and they'll have battered people to deal with. Unfortunately, its Wanstead and the clientele forced upon them are not the most savoury so why should they look happy? I'm sure its not in their contract and they certainly don't get paid enough for what they have to deal with. Bless them, some certainly try. Some can't speak English either but, hey, you can't have everything.
4) The food is acceptable, its not a restaurant, its not a quaint middle of nowhere culinary oasis and did you see Gordon Ramsey walk in? No. So don't complain. The Thai and Indian places next door are great, go there.

I'm sorry to say that however many changes to management over the years there hasn't been that much change from the casual drinkers' side who come once every couple of months. But I don't want it to change, it's great. If you walk in and don't like it turn around again and go to some of the lesser pubs in Wanstead I'm sure you'll be able to complain about the chavs at Russell's or the Cockfield too.

9 Jul 2008 16:37