George and Dragon

11 High Street, Erlestoke, SN10 5TX

(01380) 830167

I pass through the delightful yet bustling village of Erlestoke everyday on my journey to work, so thought it would be nice to take a look inside and have a warming pre-Christmas lunch with friends.

The George and Dragon pub has a traditional appearance and is set among pretty cottages at the heart of the community near the village church and the beautiful Erlestoke woods.

On entering the pub we were welcomed by a rather chatty parrot who is a fixture of the place and loves any attention bestowed on him.

We took a seat in the Cricketers’ corner with its array of memorabilia and a huge cricket bat which even I could score a run with. Howzat!

The village cricket club sits behind the pub along a narrow track beside the woods.

We were served by a charming waitress who explained the specials board and menu.

Shirley and I both plumped for mussels in a creamy garlic sauce as a starter (£4.50) while Alan decided to have a pudding instead at the close of the meal.

We were both delighted with the mussels which were shelled and covered with a generous garlic sauce with bread for dipping.

For main dishes I opted for pan fried tuna supreme served with vegetables and new potatoes (£8.95) which was medium cooked and tasted delicious with the vegetables being al dente, just how I like them.

Alan chose the braised lamb’s liver and bacon, onion gravy and seasonal vegetables (£8.95) which he said was a very tasty dish full of flavor and served in a generous portion.

Shirley had the garlic pork medallions with vegetables and potatoes (£9.45).

Shirley is a great fan of garlic and was pleased that the sauce was a mixture of mushrooms and garlic with a pork tenderloin, cooked perfectly. It all tasted divine.

Shirley and I had a coffee each and enjoyed the warmth of the roaring log fire while Alan picked a banana cake with custard (£3.95) from the dessert menu.

The cake was moist and filling with a smooth custard. We all really enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere of the George and Dragon pub with its child friendly policy and community feel and the place was full of locals popping in for a pint, chat or meal.

The total bill for the three of us came to £45, which we all thought was great value.

Family run, 11th century free house in conservation village

Once hosted Harold, last of the Anglo Saxon kings who died in 1066

Lunch and dinner Monday to Saturdays, lunch only Sundays

Just off Wessex Ridgeway

Children and dogs welcome

Skittles alley and quiz nights

Partial disabled access

Our Eating Out is an independent review carried out by the Gazette without prior knowledge of the owners.