George and Dragon Clifton

Just back from a wonderful two days at the George and Dragon in Clifton. If you are looking for a relaxing break on the eastern edge of the Lake District then look no further! Handy for trips to Lowther Castle and for walks around Ullswater. We couldn’t fault G&D’s bedrooms, bathrooms, bar or dining room. Food was delicious (special mention for the cheese soufflé and the chocolate brownie with ice cream) and the service outstanding. Star performers were Daisy, who knows how to make a really mean flat white, and Mike, a perfect host behind the bar. If I had but one small grouse it would be that the mark up on the wines was on the high side, but then again everything is more expensive nowadays. We really enjoyed our stay.

Really positioned whether you are heading north or south on the M6. Room was large clean and comfortable. Good value for money with friendly staff who made us very welcome. The staff really made the stay. Dinner and breakfast were delicious, particularly breakfast. Our room had the kitchen extractor fan outside it, but it really didn’t disturb our night at all. What we did have was a very large, really comfortable bed.

This was our second visit (by chance put in the same room as before) and enjoyed as much as the first. The food was very good, the scallops in particular were absolutely delicious, but did feel the evening menu fairly limited and having no eggs “for about 15 minutes” at breakfast wasn’t ideal. However it’s a lovely place to overnight for us with quality bedding, brilliant breakfast and very friendly staff. I just wish the bathroom was a bit bigger!

If there was an option to score 3.5 I would. There is lots to like about the George and Dragon; great location as an overnight stop on the way to Scotland, well appointed rooms, coffee maker, fluffy towels and friendly staff, welcoming to dogs, but sadly I feel it's not quite as good as it could be - especially considering the price. The fixed menu is a little restrictive and seems to have meant the much reviewed famous pies and scotch eggs are no longer available. Why not celebrate dishes Grace Dent at the Guardian and The Times have celebrated? We had booked before Grace's review came out, but since reading had plans to tuck in to the aforementioned specialities, it seems a misstep to pull dishes guests might use as a reason to book, and had been highlighted in a very recent review. The beef main was delicious, the individual elements of the pork dish also, but the pork itself was a little tough. Service is friendly if a little stretched, we had £50 of wine added to our bill by mistake - discovered at checkout and there were some pauses in service between courses or to collect plates, as staff juggled several roles at the same time. We and other guests booked with dogs - paying a fee to do so - but breakfast hadn't been laid in the bar which put pressure on the two busy staff and another delay for us. We couldn't get the shower to hot and the shower tray fills with water very quickly, hinting at some maintenance needed. There had seemingly been a mishap with a glass the night before and there were shards of glass glinting all over the floor at breakfast. None of these things are catastrophic individually, but all together led to a disappointing overall stay. Would I recommend The George and Dragon? Possibly - mainly due to the location and ambiance/decor but I'd check what was on the menu first and pay close attention to what was added to my bill on departure.

Warm welcome - huge bath which was very welcome to a well chilled traveller - very comfortable room and excellent food for both supper and breakfast. This solo lady traveller felt very well looked after!

You'd have to try very hard to find fault with a visit to the George & Dragon, and I couldn't! From the cosy well stocked bar, good local beer to the very comfortable and well appointed rooms. Excellent bed, firm but comfortable, pillows, that you sink into and pleasant decor. The restaurant equally excellent with a delightful menu, refreshingly different dishes and all freshly prepared and presented. Breakfasts cooked freshly to order equally excellent. Would love to have stayed longer, and would return anytime.