The George Tavern

"Claimed To Open In: 1623. Although it was rebuilt around 1820 so it’s basically brand new. Ye Olde Factor: A horse-drawn cart, sweet maidens wearing aprons, and an east London dog who suspiciously isn’t wearing a crochet vest. These are just a few of the things you’ll see depicted in the gorgeous old tiles behind this Grade-II-listed pub’s bar. The gigs at this loud and proud Shadwell pub are also legendary. Alleged Notable Regulars: Once again, Charles Dickens, because writing Bleak House was clearly thirsty work." - jake missing, heidi lauth beasley, sinead cranna

"For A Late-Night Pint When we need a pub that has zero respect for our circadian rhythm we go to The George Tavern. Like a lot of the world’s famed party animals, this Grade II-listed tavern-venue hybrid in Shadwell has its own Wikipedia page because Geoffrey Chaucer wrote about it, Nick Cave has played here, and most notably, we lost a Benefit eyeliner in the bathroom circa 2am a couple of years back. There are gigs almost every night of the week and its post-midnight weekend hours have rescued many a tipsy Londoner from a sad Simmons fate. " - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, sinead cranna

"When we need a pub that has zero respect for our circadian rhythm we go to The George Tavern. Like a lot of the world’s famed party animals, this Grade II-listed tavern-venue hybrid in Shadwell has its own Wikipedia page because Geoffrey Chaucer wrote about it, Nick Cave has played here, and most notably, we lost a Benefit eyeliner in the bathroom circa 2am a couple of years back. There are gigs almost every night of the week and its post-midnight weekend hours have rescued many a tipsy Londoner from a sad Simmons fate. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch" - Heidi Lauth Beasley

"The George Tavern is an East End boozer in the heart of London, a live music venue showcasing a wide variety of independent and established acts every week. It’s an interesting location with a lot of heritage and as a result it is regularly used for photoshoots and as a filmset. Right now they are asking for help as developers intend to knock down and build six luxury apartments on the adjoined derelict site. Should plans go ahead unchallenged they will not only suffer in terms of business and trade, but also lose out on what makes The George Tavern so special to thousands of people – its live music. .." - Sennep

"Famed for: Artists, a big literary history, and a good old fashion knees-up. The George Tavern is a grade II listed pub on Commercial Road that is effectively a boozy safe space for artists, eccentrics, and anyone who doesn’t want to get into an argument with Trevor down the local who thinks it’s his business that you’re discussing feminism over a pint. This Stepney boozer has also been the setting of countless big-deal gigs over the years and is mentioned in the works of both Geoffrey Chaucer and Charles Dickens. Its modern day reputation for being the go-to spot for secret (and not-so-secret) bohemians is mostly down to the direction of landlady, artist, and certified hun, Pauline Forster, who has tirelessly battled with developers for years to ‘Save The George’. Thanks to its 3am weekend opening hours, loud late-night music, and endless assortment of gigs, The George is hands down our favourite pub for a proper feelgood birthday or a Friday night blowing off steam and sinking pints in their back garden." - heidi lauth beasley