The George & Dragon (Clifton)

A short drive north of Lowther Castle near Penrith you will find the George & Dragon. Owned by the Lowther family, this 18th century coaching inn has really made its mark in the world of gastro-pub dining. In 2017 it was named as Cumbria’s Dining Pub of the Year and in 2018 it was named as the Best Pub In Cumbria in the National Pub and Bar Awards. It should come as no surprise then that when you enter through the door of the George & Dragon you are in for a special treat.

The pub was fully refurbished in 2008 using local craftsmen who created an interior that is in keeping with its Georgian heritage. There are flagstone floors, cosy armchairs, wood burning stoves, and hops hang from the ceilings creating that authentic pub look. At Askham Hall and Lowther Castle the Lowther family have strived to create places where visitors can relax, and the same can be said of the George & Dragon.

Food & Drink

The George & Dragon prides itself on its links to local suppliers. Consequently, it serves real ale that is created by local breweries. There are two regular ales: Eden Gold and Hawkshead Bitter, plus two pumps reserved for guest ales that are mainly sourced from micro-breweries from the north Lake District region.

Wine Menu

The wine list is extensive, with over 70 different varieties. It is here, for obvious reasons, that the pub is unable to source its offerings locally, so instead as many of the wines as possible are from small estates and farms that have demonstrated a strong link to their local community.

There are 17 wines available by the glass, and there are some wines that are from Charles Lowther’s own private cellar that are particularly mature. The bar also stocks an excellent choice of spirits, again with some local varieties.

Food

Food is served three times a day. Almost all of the food that is served is either grown on the Lowther estate or sourced from within a 20-mile radius, so the menus do change with the seasons. A Champagne breakfast is available from 8am until 9.30am with non-residents welcome to attend. Lunch is served from noon until 2.30pm and the lunch time menu has a selection of sandwiches, hot snacks, and main dishes that include grilled items from cattle reared on the Lowther farm.

Evening meals are served from 6pm until 9pm and the menu has a varied selection of modern British cuisine that uses the best produce of the season. The shorthorn beef, for example, is fed on a grass diet and hung for a minimum of 30 days and diners are invited to try some of the lesser known cuts. There are extensive options for vegans and those on gluten free diets. The children’s menu is particularly impressive, with a good number of choices and the option to have half portions from the main menu. The pub will also cook and blend baby puree to order if required.

Other Features

The George & Dragon welcomes dogs into the bar area of the pub only, and not the restaurant. However, there are tables in the bar for dining. There is a small outside seating area at the front of the pub.

Accommodation

The George & Dragon has eleven rooms that have all been beautifully refurbished to a high standard, with no two rooms the same. Furniture and paintings have been sourced from the Lowther family’s private collection and all rooms benefit from en-suite shower room facilities. There are standard single and standard double rooms, with the latter fitted with king size beds.

Standard Plus rooms have a king sized bed and a sofa bed, whilst Deluxe rooms are incredibly spacious with a large en-suite with a roll top bath and a walk in shower. There are no tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms but along the corridor there is a guest sitting room. Here you can make yourself a hot drink and choose a book to read or a DVD to watch using your bedroom DVD player. A Champagne breakfast is served each morning with a £10 supplement per person.

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