A hundred years ago there were five public houses in Shalford: The Horseshoes, The George, The Fox, The Victoria and The Swan.- Now, only The George remains.
The Horseshoes was art alehouse and remains as a private house in the main street near the telephone box. The Fox, which closed in 1994, stood on the left some 100 yards past the school in Church End. It was demolished and re placed by two private houses. The Victoria closed in 1966 and stands on the left, at the top of the hill, leaving Shalford towards Great Saling. The Swan was an off- licence at Park End Lane but was closed about 100 years ago and there is now no trace of the building. The village map of 1603 shows The George but with the main road passing the front en trance towards the church.

The George was, and still is, the only Inn amongst the five public houses; the difference being that at an Inn the traveller can demand bed and breakfast (provided he can pay the going rate), and a dead body can be taken on to the premises. The main fireplace was uncovered during renovations carried out in 1969, and the smaller fireplace, which shares the same chimney, was found in the early 1980’s. Throughout its history The George has been an important part of the village community serving many different purposes including a doctor waiting room and a refuge for villagers during power cuts, floods and snow storms.

During the 1970's and 80's, Dr Goudry (in the photo) of Wethersfield which served Shalford solved the problem of his Shalford patients being cut off from his surgery and the chemists with the mobile surgery shown. Patients waited in the pub and had a drop of natural medicine until it was their turn to be seen by the doctor.
It is sad that many villages in our area are losing their traditional local pubs. These either become converted into private dwellings or are bought by the major conglomerate breweries with the loss of their individual character and freedom to choose their products.
Although steeped in history, The George is nowadays better known for its fresh cooked food, fine ales and wines served in comfortable and friendly surroundings. Under its new landlords Stuart and Steve The George is a survivor - in your hands.
“A survivor in your hands” (An article by John Smith)