The George in Tunbridge Wells – find out what we thought!
With several outdoor spaces to choose from, a cocktail bar and its own secret brewery, is The George Tunbridge Wells’ best hidden gem? We were invited down to The George to check it out – find out how we got on…
This is a collaborative post.
Set slightly back from Mt Ephraim, opposite the bridal shop Isabella Grace and The Wells Free School, The George is perfectly located for a drink in town. When we found out that they had its own brewery and a cocktail bar, we wanted to find out more…
Our visit to The George pub in Tunbridge Wells
From the outside, The George looks smart, and it has two cute little terraces out the front. It’s a former coaching inn, originally built in the 1700s, so there’s plenty of history in those walls.
As you go in, it first seems like a traditional – and relaxed – pub. There’s a warm welcome, loads of drinks choice and they’re also completely fine with kids too.
On our visit for this post, we went on a late Friday afternoon and the pub was buzzing with after-work drinkers. There was a really good, happy vibe without it being OTT.
As well as the front area, there’s a good sized tucked away terrace out the back. You go down a staircase and then there’s plenty of comfy seating out there – some of it is covered. There’s also plenty of twinkling lights and it feels really cosy.
PLUS there’s a garden outside The Taproom, so wherever you sit there’s going to be some sunshine (if it’s a sunny day, obviously). More on The Taproom later…
A true Tunbridge Wells pub
The George is owned by Richard Simm and Jason Dorman who co-own the infamous Tunbridge Wells Forum too. Richard and Jason also own The Ragged Trousers and The Sussex Arms (often just called The Sussex) on The Pantiles, which they saved from closure back in 2008.
They’re Tunbridge Wells folks through and through, and are passionate about the town and independent pubs. And it’s clear to see in all their pubs. We think they’re some of the best independent pubs in Tunbridge Wells.
Food and drink at The George
The George has a delicious menu, including small bites such as deep-fried brie and nachos, as well as full meals. They also do a Sunday lunch from September to April.
The drinks at The George include their own beer, made in their own brewery on site – Fonthill Brewing Co. This part of the business is run by Paul Fillis, who originally worked as a chef before helping Richard and Jason open the George and retraining as a brewer. Run from the old coaching inn’s stables, the brewery makes real ale 10 firkins at a time, and they’re sold exclusively at The George, Ragged and Sussex. They also produce their own kegged beer.
The Taproom at The George
There’s also The Taproom at Fonthill Brewing Co. This is run by Richard and Jason’s partners, Ali and Bob, at The Gin Box. The Taproom Gin Box bar is open on Fridays (from 5pm) and Saturdays (from 12 noon) and serves amazing cocktails as well as their in-house beer.
Plus a massive array of gin. Anything you need to know about gin, The Gin Box team will know – and they’re always happy to answer questions.
As well as being somewhere to meet friends for cocktails and try out multiple gins (responsibly of course), this could be a good pitstop after an afternoon of shopping in Tunbridge Wells?
The venue is cute and intimate, with a snug upstairs indoor space and a gorgeous area to sit outside. This space can also be hired for private use, if you’re looking for a quirky and fun place to host a party.
Our thoughts on The George pub
We were so impressed during our visit to The George. The pub is clearly thriving, and it’s so good to see an independently-run business in Tunbridge Wells doing so well.
There are different areas to drink in, depending on your mood. The staff are so friendly and welcoming, and we really felt at home straight away.
Clearly the owners are hugely passionate about what they do. They really care about the Tunbridge Wells community, and work hard to create a space that is going to appeal to lots of different people.
The George is open Monday-Wednesday, 4-11pm; Thursday and Sundays 12-11pm and on Fridays and Saturdays 12 noon until midnight. Visit them at 29 Mt Ephraim TN4 8AA, or take a look at their Instagram for more info.