The Royal George, Appledore has only just re-opened after an extensive refurbishment. I hadn’t been into the pub before it closed, so can’t comment on the change the re-furb has brought. All I can say is that it looks amazing now! Some pictures of the pub are on the website. The interior has a nautical theme (of course!) and the massive glass windows overlooking the beautiful estuary make it a bright and inviting place to eat.

As always, I checked that they can adequately cater for me. This not only satisfies me that it is safe to eat, but moreover, I do think it’s fair to pre-warn establishments that I require a gluten free meal – especially as I am very sensitive to any cross contamination. Moreover, I always work on the basis that with sufficient advance notice they may even sort out a pudding for me!

We started off lunch with a cider to share. I’d not tasted the lime and kiwi flavour before and I have to admit, it has now become my favourite flavour! Served over ice with a wedge of lime made it a lovely refreshing drink.

Starter at The Royal George, Appledore

Now, I am not particularly fond of fish, but hubby is, so when we eat out he does his best to load his belly up with as much fish as the courses will allow! However, on this occasion, I did relent on the starter. This was Appledore crab (caught in the bay right outside the window – literally! and dressed by the chefs that morning). As we were sharing the starter, we asked for the accompanying toast to be placed on a separate plate. The crab was delicious – so fresh and very well seasoned.

Main course at The Royal George, Appledore

Hubby’s choice for the main course was Royal Appledore Hake with Phoebe’s mussels, leek, fennel and shellfish sauce. He said it was divine. Everything cooked to perfection and the combination of leek, fennel and shellfish really complemented the flavour of the hake.

I fancied something meaty and thus asked for the burger – which could be made gluten free without the bun. I’m not particularly bothered about having a gluten free bun with my meal as I find it’s too much food in one go with the fries etc. Moreover, if I had a bun how would I squeeze in dessert? The burger was home made and very tasty. As with all the other food, it was very well cooked – just so it was moist and not bloody.

I get very excited when I can have chips out (as frying them in the same oil as other non-gluten free goods renders them not suitable for me), so it was a real treat to have a burger and chips. The thousand island sauce was also home made and really tasty with just a little hint of heat. It was honestly a great burger!

Dessert at The Royal George, Appledore

Could we squeeze in dessert – of course we could! We were offered a de-constructed cheesecake which could be made gluten free. I was a bit sceptical about how it could be made nice, and not sickly, without the biscuit base. However, to say that it was one of the best desserts I have ever had would be an understatement! The ‘cheese’ part of the dessert was a light, creamy kind of mousse accompanied with a raspberry sorbet. It was absolutely delicious and I am so glad I left room for it!

All in all the food and the service was beyond excellent. We would highly recommend it!

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 12-11pm, Sunday: 12-10pm.
Gluten free friendly: Very gluten free aware.
Child friendly: Children and babies are very welcome.
Disabled access: There is access for a wheelchair.
Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome.