Walking the streets of Fitzrovia, a pub simply called The George sits at one of the corners, looking like one of many historic pubs in London. With a dark green exterior and lamp lights above the doors, a welcoming atmosphere greets guests the moment they step inside.

The casual yet elegant space within features dark wooden tables, deep red carpeting and warm lighting. This, of course, is the pub where Londoners and tourists come for a pint and some hearty, traditional pub grub. The George keeps its own secret, however.

Just past one of the doors lies another door with glass paneling through which you see a flight of steps leading up to nowhere. Scrawled across the door in clear letters reads Upstairs at the George. From the outside, one might not even know that a separate world exists just above the pub. Upon ascending the stairs, guests enter a quieter, refined space.

© Mark Scott

Sage green walls, light curtains draping the windows, elegant chandeliers and historic-style tables and chairs grace the space. Against the wall, a light green couch lines the back wall and windows, with small lamps and decorative frames adorning the walls. If you dream of dining like a 19^th-century aristocrat, Upstairs at the George has set the perfect setting to do so.

The intimate size of the dining room allows for quiet conversations and an appreciation of the historicity of the building and the delicious food and drinks awaiting guests. The Scottish Langoustine scampi and chips sees the restaurant show off its technique in concocting this delicate seafood to perfection. Crispy and fresh, the langoustine with crushed mint peas and tartar sauce embodies the ultimate British meal.

© Mark Scott

For lighter bites, the summer tomato tart with diced zucchini and other flavorful vegetables in a delicate pastry leave the mouth watering for more. Rounding out the dining experience, the traditional, British knickerbocker glory, consisting of vanilla ice cream, strawberry and white chocolate blondie, is a must.

© Aoife O’Riordan

The hardest part of dining at Upstairs at the George is selecting which wine to pair with your meal. The restaurant’s extensive selection of English wines may seem overwhelming, but narrowing down your preferences, considering what goes well with your dish and asking for recommendations allows you to find the perfect glass of wine. Choosing from the restaurant’s sparkling wine selection is an especially fun task, as each choice is equally rewarding.

The staff’s attentiveness and care for guests cannot go unnoticed, either. Always ensuring drinks are topped up and food meets our standards further elevates Upstairs at the George as a top dining destination in London.

Upstairs at The George

55 Great Portland St.
London W1W 7LQ, United Kingdom
tel 0203 946 3740