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As
soon as I saw her standing behind the bar, I was sure
that I knew her from somewhere, but as we've only been
in Brighton six months, it must've been from another life.
I
knew who I thought she was immediately: a teenage contemporary
from my hometown in Surrey, not a friend as such but a
face from the pub we both used to drink in. The last time
we had met was at a party in Cornwall, six years ago,
so it was kind of weird to think that we'd been following
the same route up and down the country. She didn't recognise
me but then perhaps the years have not been kind.
Ant
and I deliberated on the likelihood that it was her over
our lunch in The George. It's a fair- sized pub, but as
walls and alcoves separate all the areas, it doesn't feel
that way. It is busy most of the time, which is not surprising
given that it is such a nice place to be.
The
food is vegetarian, some vegan (separate cooking pans
are used for each), but there's not much that would deter
even the most carnivorous diner. Burgers, nachos, sausage
and mash, even ploughman's
share space with houmous baguettes, Thai fishless
cakes and Japanese salad. Chips are skinny, portions generous,
as are the prices with most mains for around a fiver.
Everything is freshly prepared on the premises: guacamole,
three bean chilli and the superb Dark Chocolate Mascarpone
Cheesecake which was Dessert of the Day (£2.95) and what
a wedge!
Food
is served all day and kids are allowed in until 8.30pm.
As far as a children's menu goes, they'll do anything
off the main menu for £2.25, which deserves a round of
applause as my kids don't live on chips. They also provide
a non-smoking area and colouring books. This place is
cool.
The
staff endeavour to provide accurate information on the
content of wines and beers and intend to have a full vegetarian
wine list within three months. (In case you were unaware,
most wines and beers use bits of fish in the brewing process.)
They also take their environmental responsibilities seriously:
The George recycles all of the glass bottles from the
bar. You may assume that all pubs do this, but I can assure
you that is not the case.
Most
people come here early in the evening, drink a couple
of bottles of Rioja, fill up on fajitas and never quite
get around to leaving. The George is a woman's pub, no
one will hassle you here. It's just not that kind of place.
I could really get to like The George. Its a pity that
I live in Hove. I might just have to move.
The
George,
5 Trafalgar St. Brighton BN1 4EQ
01273 681055
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