The George Tavern

Shadwell’s unkempt George Tavern may not be much to look at, but it has become a formidable cultural powerhouse under the aegis of artist-musician landlady Pauline Forster. It’s in a pretty dodgy-looking locale &, frankly, it fits right in with its graffiti-ed loos, ramshackle smokers’ patio & scuzzy vinyl upholstery. As a boozer, it’s basic. Cheap grub (£5 lasagne or cottage pie) & inexpensive drinks (the usual crowd – Guinness, Stella, generic spirits) are less of a draw than the scene itself. The George is best known for live music, but there’s a gallery & a range of spaces for theatre & cutting-edge performance. Both staff & venue are friendlier than they look.