If the George and Dragon were a person, it would be Noel Fielding. Riding a stuffed polar bear. Reading Vice Magazine. At one time just another run-down East End boozer, this Shoreditch favourite has recently become a haunt for every budding fashion designer and art student east of Old Street.

The Venue
Although hygiene freaks would probably be wise to give the place a wide berth (or at least go equipped with a bottle of Dettol), the George and Dragon does have its own brand of raffish charm. On Hackney Road, you’re down at the seedier end of Shoreditch High Street, and far enough away from all those ‘cool bars’ that have recently pervaded the area to feel like the grime is real and not carefully applied with wads of daddy‘s money.

It’s worth heading down there just for the decor, which is unapologetically stuck at the kitsch and sparkly end of the design spectrum, with retro ‘80s undertones. The bar itself is small, in fact there’s barely enough room to swing a Kim Wilde mix-tape – although it does make this a good place to go if you want to make new friends quickly.

The Atmosphere
The George and Dragon is clearly a pub with nothing to prove, and as a result provides punters with a relaxed, friendly environment, perfect for kicking off an East End all-nighter. The CD jukebox features a pretty eclectic playlist (Paula Abdul featuring MC Skat Kat, anyone?), whilst certain nights see the great and good of Hoxton and Shoreditch take to the decks for more of a party vibe. The bar’s small size does mean the place gets packed out fairly quickly, except on summer nights when the crowd spills out onto the pavement outside where the eyeliner-wearing boys and girls in grubby prom dresses intermingle with the local wildlife.

The Drink
The drink menu at the George and Dragon focuses on economy over style, with a basic selection of draught and bottled beers, wines and alcopops. You’ll also notice pretty much everyone drinks out of plastic cups, and you’d be advised to try chatting up the bar staff if you want a fresh one for each drink.

The Last Word
If you want to be seen hanging out with some of the coolest, trendiest kids in the edgiest area of London’s urban youth scene, go somewhere else. If you just want a fun, attitude-free night out with some of the most diverse and interesting people you could ever meet, the George and Dragon may well be for you. Just don’t forget your Dettol!

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