The George & Dragon Country Inn is situated in the heart of one of Rutland's picturesque villages, Seaton. With the building dating back to the 1620's the pub itself if full of charm and character.
The pub has always had a personal place in my heart as growing up in Harringworth the pub was a regular local for my family for meals and events. It is also a very special place for my family as it was actually where my father proposed to my mother all those years ago.
Echoing the year the pub dates back to, inside the bar is full of eclectic interiors really reflect the rustic and rural county it's located in. With 2 restaurant areas in total you can choose to dine in either the bar area with rustic character and cheery atmosphere from the locals, or the quieter more private restaurant which has a cosy Italian feel.
The George & Dragon loves to support local businesses too with Oakham, Grainstore Brewery ales always on tap and sourcing produce from local butchers and bakers.
The George & Dragon gives a warm country welcome with charming low ceiling and character beams in the bar area, which opens up to a lovely dining are surround the open warm fire.
We visited on a night the 6 Nations Rugby was showing on the G&D's TV, the atmosphere in the bar area was absolutely amazing!
I think what makes The George & Dragon special is the feeling of a traditional English pub, without a modern restaurant renovation like most we see these days. Tom & Ginny (the owners) have kept the true style and emphasised the incredible building and its history.
As I mentioned, the other dining area has an Italian design with rustic features and gingham table clothes. Usually the quieter place to dine, but is also a great place to hire for a family event or large dining celebration.
Something about using the gingham and Italian styling to the room make it feel homely and cosy while served by the G&D staff who are mostly family or friends.
The large menu has something for everyone with ingredients from local suppliers such as Kings Cliffe Bakery and Cuplin's Butchers of Uppingham. Course start from:
Prices:
2 Main Courses - £24.95
2 Courses - £16.95
We had to hardly wait for our food to arrive and it was all cooked by owner, Ginny and served by family friend and bartender, Alison. With my garlic mushroom starter presented beautifully on wood in a warm pot with Kings Cliffe Bakery's bread. I was expecting the starter to be thick and rich, however it was very light and wasn't overpowered by the butter aftertaste I sometimes get with similar dishes. In fact it was lovely and light and just the right amount of portion to be followed by a main.
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| Starter: Garlic Mushrooms |
For main I ordered the chilli and lemon linguine full of steamed and roasted vegetables. It was the ultimate spring or summer dish I can imagine eating in the pubs beer garden for lunch in the summer sunshine. The portion size was quite large, so much so I did have to take a 'doggy bag' home with me.
Just the right amount of chilli with a citrus edge this main went perfectly with the glass of Chilean Sauvignon Blanc I had with it.
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| Main: Lemon & Chilli Linguine |
My other half went for the sirloin steak which game with chips, mushrooms, a grilled tomato and a side salad. The steak itself was from local butchers just 5 miles up the road from Culpin's Butchers in Uppingham. My partner said the steak was a lovely cut and slightly more rare in the middle than the edges but went perfectly with the cripsy thick cut chips.
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| Main: Sirloin Steak |
For desert, we shared the stunning vanilla cheesecake that came presented beautifully with a berry drizzle and pot of cream. Rich and fluffy I couldn't have managed a whole one myself as I'm not really one for deserts but sharing it went down very, very well.
(View sample menu here)
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| Dessert: Vanilla Cheesecake |
Not only does The George & Dragon offer a pub and restaurant with large customer car park, beer garden and outdoor seating to the front of the building, but they also have 3 rooms available which were recently renovated in a modern and light decoration.
The 3rd room has a gorgeous window seat which allows you to admire the gorgeous country village views. As well as a rear view of the beer garden which is beautiful in the sun in the summer months.
Bedroom 1 has a stunning view from the window of Seaton's very beautiful church and church yard which looks gorgeous at sunset.
Overall, I think I can end with saying that The George & Dragon of Seaton is a real county gem and one we should support as the authentic feel, warm welcome, gorgeous food and English pub tradition it reflect is really one to remember.
The George & Dragon
2 Main Street, Seaton, Rutland, LE15 9HU
Opening Hours:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 17:30 - 22:30
Wednesday - Thursday: 12:00 - 14:30 / 17:30 - 22:30
Friday: 12:00 - 14:30 / 17:30 - 23:00
Saturday: 12:00 - 23:00
Sunday: 12:00 - 19:00
