rev:text
| - I first visited the Pub in its first week after opening. My expectation is that there would be glitches in service. My family had visited other locations in the chain and had liked the experience. Given that background, I arrived with an open mind seeking a new experience.
Upon arrival at Beachwood Place, you first notice free valet parking. Very nice in the winter, and during busy shopping days. Inside, it has the appearance of a British Pub, with the heavy woodwork and central bar. The greeters were friendly. There is a drink/happy hour/dessert menu, as well as a regular menu. Happy hour runs from 5 until 7 PM with selected appetizers and special sized drinks at reduced prices. The menu has some standard pub items as well as special items inspired by the British Pub motif. The fried pickles were great, spears not chips. Lightly breaded and crisp. If you order anything, order the scottish egg appetizer. It is unique and tastes far better than it sounds. It is a hard boiled egg, wrapped in sausage and coated with parmesan breading. Awesome!
We had two of the classic menu items. The fish and chips were great. Lightly breaded and fried haddock. Fresh tartar sauce. Chips and cole slaw. Huge portion and flavorful. The shepherd's pie was amazing. It comes with a side salad. The pie itself was warm and flavorful. The balance of flavors between the ground meat and lamb were spot on. Certainly not greasy. Difficult to stop eating.
If you have room for dessert and are not allergic to chocalate you must order the glenmorangie pot de creme. It is sin in a jar. Tasty chocolate with 10 year scotch. Heaven.
The bar has a nice selection of draft and bottled beers, both domestic and international. Nice selection of mixed drinks and wines as well.
So why does a pub like this deserve 5 stars? There are many pubs, both local and parts of chains. They have similar menu items, with occasional signature items. This one exceeds expectation in execution. While there are fried items, they are fresh, lightly breaded and not heavy or greasy. Food was seasoned appropriately, not heavily. Service was spot on. Attentive and friendly. Prices were perhaps slightly more than some similar venues, but not terribly so. Overall, I strongly recommend this place based upon first impresion.
|