Dragonfly Brewery opens at The George & Dragon in Acton

From the outside, the George and Dragon looks pretty standard. It’s dark and atmospheric, as any good bar should be, with comfortable seating and agreeable staff. The large open dining room that forms the heart of the establishment is welcoming, the sort of place that just begs you to come read your paper with a pint on a sleepy Sunday afternoon. If you didn’t know any better this could easily be mistaken for a local in one of the home counties.

Until you spot the gleam of a copper still that is. Hidden in the back room, behind the main bar, there is a room. In its centre sits an island bar, with shelves stacked high with bottles. Behind that, there’s a modest little microbrewery named the Dragonfly at work. That alone would be enough to set the pub apart, after all the act of brewing on the premises is becoming increasingly rare. It’s the beer itself though, that hints that this place might really be the start of something special.

Dark Matter is arguably their strongest creation. A full bodied black stout with a serious kick to it, it’s delightful, in a powerful, unrelenting sort of way. The richness of it is exactly what you would expect from this type of beer, and it’s certainly robust. Burgers made with this gorgeous stout, and paired with triple cooked chips, have become one of the pub’s most demanded dishes and it’s easy to see why.

The presence of acclaimed brewer and experienced brewer Conor Donoghue is felt throughout. The bar menu, for example, is a perfect example of the level of thought that has gone into creating the perfect beer drinker’s environment. Deep fried mac and cheese may sound bizarre, but the creamy richness pairs beautifully with an Indian Pale Ale, whilst those deliciously fatty chips are best washed down with a pint of wheat beer.

Having discovered the perfect combination of superb beer and genuine passion, the Dragonfly brewery seems destined for greatness.

Daniel Masters

To book a table at Dragonfly Brewery at The George & Dragon, 183 High Street London W3 9DJ , call 020 8992 3712  or enquire here.