George and Pilgrim, Glastonbury

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user reviews of the George and Pilgrim, Glastonbury

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

Ah, we have another new management. So far, so good. They answer the phone instantly, and they actually serve! Good luck!
psychicyclist - 12 Feb 2012 11:16
I'm speechless at the demise of this place. The "management" do NOTHING. I mean NOTHING at all, and now there is no food (again). Ringing them to enquire about anything at all is pointless, as no one has answered my calls on the last FIVE occasions.
psychicyclist - 6 Feb 2012 11:26
The Landlord and Landlady are friendly enough, when they are about. The staff are friendly, courteous and mostly efficient.

I haven't eaten here for a long time but the food looks and smells good. Large portions, in fact, too large some may say. Reports I've heard from friends and other customers are generally good. There used to be problems with orders coming out late or getting mixed up, thankfully that has been rectified since the new people took over.

They have taken on a lot of staff and made sure they very rarely run out of beer.
There's nothing worse than a bar without beer after all.
Cheapest pint of Guinness in town I believe (other than the Globe!)
The ales are a little on the cold side, but nonetheless well kept, lines are clean and bar is well stocked.
The prices are quite reasonable for a major tourist destination and hotel.

It's sometimes difficult to get served quickly when they are busy but they are generally pretty good.

They really have turned it around since taking over from the French couple that recently ran the place.

As for the comments about smokers standing outside, yes there are some that do, but the majority of them will quickly move out of the way when necessary.

Overall a great place.
exarch - 3 Sep 2011 16:44
I forgot to mention the reintroduction of some live music in here again, mainly on Sundays around 8pm. The quality of the music quite honestly is stunning! I can't imagine anyone disagreeing with that!
psychicyclist - 30 Jul 2011 17:58
Love the arrival of the suit of Armour! I cannot remember what pub I was in the other day, but the ale really was cold, and I seriously did NOT enjoy it. Ice cold bitter/ale is definitely not good. However having now drank in the George and Pilgrim recently, all I can say is maybe the ale was cold, but It seems just right to me, perfect in fact. I see there are new managers (again), they seem OK, although one hardly ever sees them. Having witnessed food being served, it looked unusually good., and the bar staff seem MUCH better than last time I was in there. I do wish managers, staff etc would somehow persuade smokers to stay out of the doorway.
psychicyclist - 30 Jul 2011 17:53
Yes Malcom.
Arbitarily_down_the_pan - 19 Jul 2011 22:13
Ah! That could explain a few things!
Grand_Mufti - 19 Jul 2011 10:52
As I said, you are mistaken (and in so many ways). The only two establishments I have frequented in Glastonbury, and you appear to be the manager of this one. No matter, as I shall not be back, and as for being "about 70", I wish that it were so!
Regarding my erudition; I would not say it is extraordinary, but I suppose a working life as a technical author may have rubbed off some rough edges.
Aside from that, I have no idea what you mean by the rest of your rant.
Learn your trade, and you could attract more customers!

ReInnCarnation - 18 Jul 2011 17:40
Yes, libelous yob. How could I forget your extraordinary literacy ? Remember readers, you will now see Fine_Ale_Arbiter and ReinnCarnation mysteriously agreeing with each other, always liking the King William, and slagging off nearly everywhere else...Just like The_Final_Arbiter and Dr_Pangloss did. PS, it was not me that requested your removal last time, (it really wasn't) although I certainly thought about it a lot and enjoyed it when you were "both "struck off. You're about 70 aren't you ? Aren't you a bit old for all this trouble making you seemed to be obsessed with ?

Arbitarily_down_the_pan - 12 Jul 2011 13:07
I'm afraid you are mistaken as well as being insensitive to the correct temperature of beer in this country.
Perhaps you are a lager drinker or an American yet to be educated about proper ale. By the way,
I have no idea what you mean about slander, but you probably meant libel anyway.
ReInnCarnation - 11 Jul 2011 21:57
I get the feeling that Fine_Ale_Arbiter, ReinnCarnation are just the same old slanderous yob again.....The bitters are not particularly cold.
Arbitarily_down_the_pan - 11 Jul 2011 17:36
This place LOOKS OK, but fails to deliver. I didn't stay to sample the food, but as F.A.B. says, the beer is far too cold.
ReInnCarnation - 11 Jul 2011 16:22
Why is all the beer served so cold? Ruined it for me.
Lots of staff with nothing to do, and local chavs similarly occupied.
Fine_Ale_Arbiter - 17 Jun 2011 07:02
Got my eye on you, GM!
Fine_Ale_Arbiter - 7 Jun 2011 23:29
Saw him again today. Is he only out and about at the beginning of the week?
Fine_Ale_Arbiter - 7 Jun 2011 23:29
The Final Arbiter was out and about yesterday, but I see he walked past this establishment. Must have been on the way for fish and chips.
Grand_Mufti - 1 Jun 2011 11:39
Groan, I wondered if that was him back from the dead.....but who is this GodLover who thinks all pubs are great ? That's not you as well is it !?

Arbitarily_down_the_pan - 30 May 2011 14:34
You should never make assumptions.
Better to stick to what you know, if anything.
Fine_Ale_Arbiter - 30 May 2011 13:24
Grand_Mufti.....Yes, the French duo have gone.....already. GodLover.....The original final arbiter was struck off about a month ago for his years of abuse of 99% of pubs and about 99% of other reviewers. Dr_Pangloss was mysteriously struck of at the same time.
hoonkerama - 27 May 2011 08:37
Great. We now have a failed landlord and the other two failures on this site. The pub is great with lots of historic conotations. The beer is perfect - in particular the tribute.
GodLover1321 - 26 May 2011 23:27
Has the French duo gone then?
Grand_Mufti - 26 May 2011 12:40
Why does Relaxinnz consistently take the nearest monkeys off the street to run the George and Pilgrim ? Lisa so far has been the only one to do it properly, and these geniuses got rid of her.
Arbitarily_down_the_pan - 26 May 2011 11:27
Re-Grand_Mufti...I think the barmaid you refer to was probably the new landlady. By far, she is the least helpful member of staff, and the most, as you say, "up herself".
hoonkerama - 26 May 2011 09:50
Had a reasonable pint of Otter here today. Barmaid's really up herself.
Grand_Mufti - 20 May 2011 23:05
This pub has stopped selling Hecks local real cider & now offers only chemofizz.
jgurney1 - 24 Apr 2011 14:59
Well, unfortunately we're back in Derby now. We LOVE our yearly visit to Glastonbury, the weird shops, cafes, Abbey ruins, the people. the Tor! Our food and drink in the George and Pilgrim was OK apart from the tattooed madmen at the bar both days running. Avoid eye contact, don't go to the bar until he's either gone outside to smoke or gone to the loo, and yes, there actually was a fight involving him. On chatting with one or two locals, they informed me this was happening quite often. Was he asked to leave? No!
proboozer - 18 Apr 2011 08:01
Beautiful old building that claims to be the oldest purpose built public house in the south west and built in the 1400's. The pint of SA Tribute quaffed on carnival night was v good, 8/10
fat_beer_badger - 28 Dec 2010 14:04
Not good really, the main front door is constantly clogged with smokers that are often reluctant to move for you. Once in, it is no better really. You often seem to have to sort of, "work" at getting served. The female bar staff seem unable to tear themselves away from the increasingly yobbish regulars that dominate the bar. The tables are virtually never clean, they are often still littered with food long after people have eaten. I actually witnessed a customer asking for a cloth to wipe the table themselves, even then the staff just carried on gossiping with this bunch of loutish older men.
psychicyclist - 28 Nov 2010 17:27
Good beer - Butcombe IPA & St Austell Tribute - and fine old building at least from out front, but seems to have been vandalised as you walk through and looks nothing like it should given its history. Quite friendly atmosphere though with eclectic range of customers.
martaddick - 3 Oct 2010 16:30
Ha ha ha F-A's back ! Yes, I suppose the beer should be mentioned. To me, the staff, management etc are at least as important as the quality of the beer, and I have to say that I also think the quality of the staff is seriously plummeting. Julie tends to do the work of three people. Oh alright then, the beer's fine.....
hoonkerama - 14 Sep 2010 09:52
What about the beer?
The_Final_Arbiter - 13 Sep 2010 16:34
I think most of the barstaff are great at their jobs. There are some lush barmaids too! Food is good, locals are great fun, especially a fellow postie. Will visit again when i'm next around.

postiejim - 13 Sep 2010 16:29
Bit disappointed with most of the bar staff. The new girl seems useless, blatantly reluctant to serve or in fact do anything. As for the new long haired scruffy young guy, nightmare, for a start he acts as though he owns the place. He seems constantly absent from the bar, and when he is behind it, he seems to find anything to do apart from actually serve. However the very nice looking slightly older girl who's been there for a good while still seems as efficient, competent, and nice as ever.
psychicyclist - 26 Aug 2010 11:34
Decent enough pub in Glastonbury town centre. It's quite an old building so I'm sure there's a lot of history in it. The interior is traditional albeit a little dark. The staff are friendly and there were 3 ales available.

I didn't have any food but I think it's a good place to so. IMHO it's worth a visit if you're in the town centre.

7/10.
wezmiester - 22 Jul 2010 17:22
Good. Run well. The Butcombe is excellent. Very food orientated.
psychicyclist - 24 May 2010 14:27
again lunchtime, quite busy as glastonbury pubs are at this time of day.i take most are hotel guests.the beer was reasonable but so it should for the price
forestwood - 9 May 2010 11:21
Well, we now have proof that the Sunday roast dinners here definitely have more than three miniscule roast potatoes.
hoonkerama - 26 Apr 2010 19:56
Nice to see this pub has local Hecks cider (£1.20 more than Wilkins at the Rifleman, but that is a bit out in the suburbs).Did not try the food.
jgurney1 - 14 Apr 2010 18:01
Dear FA, aren't you over doing it a bit? For a start, the lock on the loo door so far has never been activated (locked), and anyway, why shouldn't they want to reduce outsiders from using the loo? As for the food, well, you may well be right. Pubs are just pubs. As for your "French" comment, isn't that a bit beneath you? Yes, they're French, and? I'm rarely happy with anywhere I must admit, but YOU. There is no pleasing you, it's OK in there. Maybe we should buy a pub between us and have a go at creating the perfect place?
hoonkerama - 12 Apr 2010 09:15
Perhaps I should add that the licensee wears jeans!
That's as bad as the bloke at the Mitre (Although, to be fair, he's hardly ever in his own pub.)
The_Final_Arbiter - 6 Apr 2010 23:27
Oh dear! What a mistake to make! King William was absolutely rammed with diners, so we opted to give this place another go, as they advertised "Roast Sirloin of Beef" for Sunday lunch. Sounds good to me, so we walked in and I had a look to see if there was anyone I knew in there. As I did, the barmaid (who looked as though she'd had a rough night) asked if we were looking for a table to sit and eat, as all vacant tables had "Reserved" signs on them.
This set mental alarm bells ringing, but I went along with it, and ordered two of the aforementioned SIRLOIN meals. Well the beer was OK, but food was disgusting.
Firstly, they were passing off topside as sirloin.
To make matters worse, it was so overcooked that it was somewhat akin to corrugated cardboard, and was accompanied by a couple of small broccoli florets, three miniscule roast potatoes and a partly mashed melange of carrot and swede leftovers.
Apart from that, I am not used to surrendering my card as a guarantee that I will not "do a runner", particularly when I am sitting almost opposite the bar (my running days were over about forty years ago!).
After a little while, I decided a trip up the alley to "pump ship" was needed, but imagine my astonishment when I saw that there was a security lock on the door, with a notice which stated that the code for entry could be obtained from reception.
I asked for the code, and expressed my surprise at this over-the-top security. The French wench explained that this was the only pub in the town which has a problem with people coming in just to use the facilities.
Oh no it isn't!
All in all, a very disappointing experience, and I shall not return until these people go back to Normandy or wherever, and this place goes back to being run properly, with staff who know what they are doing, and someone in the kitchen who can cook properly.
The_Final_Arbiter - 6 Apr 2010 15:33
I recently had a few Guinesses (Guinnii, Guinnae?) and a steak with the bits. Very nice too, but as in all pub kitchens, when they state on the menu "Grilled tomato", it's tomato, but not grilled. The French bloke and his wife seem quite pleasant, now they've settled in. I still haven't seen this "record rack" though!
The_Final_Arbiter - 23 Mar 2010 19:21
It seems OK, good even. Never ending new management is very off putting, but the French connection seems alright. The landlady seems to be getting better. Maybe she's new to England or something, and YES....I have seen her smile at last...!
You never know, somebody there may even sort out those 2 or 3 obnoxious idiots permanently slumped at the right of the bar...
hoonkerama - 8 Feb 2010 08:08
I think I was wrong about the new French manager, he seems pretty OK. We've yet to see the, "manageress" smile or anything other than appear hostile yet though.....I'm watching, come on, you can do it, "hello, how are you", you could say, go on, try it, it won't kill you.
hoonkerama - 17 Jan 2010 12:05
Doh.....Gone already. Check out the new lot...Wonderful (Groan)(Next) !
The G and P will be as hospitable as the Market House Inn in no time !
Who is behind this phenomenal incompetence !

hoonkerama - 8 Jan 2010 09:37
Indigenous people of Glastonbury, please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think there's been many many attempts over many years to eradicate the. "drain smell" or whatever it is, but have never been entirely successful. However, it has been much improved...I.E. it is very rare now that it can be smelt.
Meanwhile, I myself am very happy with the new couple running the place. Definitely my favorite place in Glastonbury to go, no complaints, advice or anything.....All good as far as I can see...
hoonkerama - 4 Dec 2009 10:44
Popped in to see if anyone I know was in. (None were) I was assailed by the "Drain smell", which I thought they'd eliminated. Two staff, six customers (plus Mr Knight).
Went home.
The_Final_Arbiter - 7 Nov 2009 02:44
Come on, it's OK in here again. The husband and wife team seem great. The staff seem OK enough. Let's get posing !
hoonkerama - 27 Oct 2009 08:08
The G and P has always had pretty attractive girls working there.....BUT ! What about the new one, Sarah ! God almighty, beautiful ! The new boss seems OK, I'm starting to cautiously enjoy going there again.
whatsgoingon - 6 Oct 2009 09:59
Popped in here (on behalf of our reader) yesterday to see what's going on.
This is the third time I have been in here over the last three months, and, as before, two or three customers seated at tables, but no sign of bar staff, so I went home.
A pity really, as I had hoped to see Cecilia, and her record rack!

The_Final_Arbiter - 18 Sep 2009 09:40
Lovely pub.
Needs more organisation, love and care.
Housekeeping not brilliant needs more work.
Better bar staff, cecelia everyone know's for the wrong reason's, her rack records
Graham is nic.e, needs to do more.
More credit should be given to Theresa and Martine who are great! who make it better!! x
truestar - 21 Aug 2009 14:45
Was here in June before and after attending the festival, and thought this was one of the highlights of the small town. The Hecks cider was kept beautifully and we were happy to stay for a while and sample plenty of this. Didn't eat or stay here, but go for the cider alone.
Dan1976 - 31 Jul 2009 16:34
Aaaaarrrgh ! This new "landlord" has ruined it. This scruffy, rude, ignorant, uncaring git is slowly but surely turning the George and Pilgrim, a long standing respectable hotel, into a back street of somewhere like Slough.....SHIT HOLE ! Already the trash from the other toilets are starting to clog the doorway with their smoking, leering, not moving etc. The food seems like a load of tinned, frozen crap, some of the beers seem permanently run out, and most disturbingly, some of the new staff are the crap from the other crap pubs. He''ll have a dartboard and a pin table next.....Hurry up and crawl back to whatever beer and brawl you came from.....
whatsgoingon - 23 Jul 2009 12:09
As usual, the Final Arbiter is fairly accurate...posers by the barrow load, psychics, clairvoyants, mediums, healers, witches, god's, goddesses, kings and queens...there all there, but all insane !
The staff however are excellent. I've never seen such a bunch of attractive girls all serving in one pub ! They're not just gorgeous though, they're perfectly competent as well. The male staff are just as competent. I find the landlord a bit "lacking", but he'll do I suppose.
whatsgoingon - 6 Jul 2009 17:03
Fine town pub of great historical and architectural interest - not to mention friendly staff, some well kept ales and decent food at reasonable prices.
BobOs - 26 Aug 2008 20:56
Having read your other reviews, that's pretty much a gushing endorsement, Arbiter - steady on!!
matt_k - 30 Jun 2008 20:23
Mainly for tourists and poseurs.
Little local trade, which should tell you something!
The_Final_Arbiter - 28 Jun 2008 13:11
Visited this pub in the last couple of days.

Several local beers, and Guinness, Strongbow and another cider.

New age music. Grade 1&2 building.

Friendly staff, amazing architecture. great windows. See my pic.

Also offer accommodation. 15 rooms, some 4 poster beds.


chris_debian - 18 Mar 2008 19:21
Tremendous little boozer with an ecclesiastical feel. Decent beer, nice staff.
matt_k - 19 Feb 2008 16:54

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