George Hotel

Keswick. Cumbria. Established in 1655, it was originally christened The George and Dragon. The suffix "and Dragon" was dropped following the accession of King George I to the throne in 1715, leaving it as The George. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I the pub was known as a notorious trading haunt for unscrupulous merchants dealing in stolen plumbago (graphite), which was plundered from the world famous mines in nearby Borrowdale. It was here that James Radclyffe, the 3rd Earl of Derwentwater, quaffed a tankard of ale from his saddle outside the doors, before riding off to join the ill-fated Jacobite Rebellion of 1715 - a choice that ultimately led to his execution on Tower Hill.

The building retains the classic hallmarks of a traditional 17th century coaching inn, although the stuccoed exterior facade is late Georgian. The interior includes low ceilings, exposed oak beams, and traditional sash windows. There is also a historic rear yard space, which once accommodated stagecoaches and horses navigating the mountain passes. Although it is run by Marston's, it offers several local beers, including an Amber Ale from Wainwright that paired perfectly with the delicious fish and chips I had. A good start to my Keswick crawl.