The Best of British Pubs

The Best of British Pubs

I married a good looking U.S. Marine Corps officer 50 years
ago and he promised me that I could go home – to Great Britain – regularly. I have been blessed to be in the travel
industry, and reckon I have been home over 150 times. With a Scottish father, and a Welsh
mother, I grew up with an excellent knowledge of those two countries, as well as England. I had grannies in the Western Highlands of
Scotland, and in North Wales.

The first thing I do when I home, after checking into a hotel, I find a pub to go to and have a meal. Opinions differ as to what makes a smashing pub. Is it the friendly atmosphere, a cozy interior, antique furniture, lots of interesting old polished brass ornaments like horseshoes, roaring log fire, bells, and of course the location is important. My father once told me there are over 70,000 pubs to choose from and although I can’t haven’t been in that many, I do have my favorites.

If you are brave enough to rent a car and drive on the other side of the road, and cope with one lane roads in many of the counties, and very narrow ones with high hedges which frightened the heck out of my tough Marine when he was with me on a trip, then I recommend you taking advantage of the bed and breakfasts offered by many of the country inns. In some you will find locals who play a fiddle, the piano, and have a sing song. In Wales the pubs are closed on Sundays but I remember a pub in my granny’s village which let people in the back door on a Sunday if you were one of the locals. I have found that the pub which is really off the beaten path and in the gorgeous countryside, is usually one of the best as regards accommodation, meals, and if you are lucky, perhaps a great golf course and smashing fishing for trout or salmon in the loch (lake) or river close by. Many of them grow their own fruit and vegetables, and have smashing gardens of flowers to sit in while you enjoy your meal with a beer.

I would take a train to whatever part of the country you want to visit, and then rent a car. Don’t pick one up at the airport.

Village life and all the gossip takes place over a beer in the pub. Even the vicar is kept up to date. People love to play darts.

My favorite foods are Fish and Chips with sloppy peas, and a shandy (half beer and half lemonade)

For lunch I have a Ploughman’s plate. Chunk of cheese, apple, pickle, and a crusty cob.

British weather is unpredictable. You should always carry a brolly (umbrella) and wear layers of clothes and sensible shoes. I can remember enjoying many a meal wearing my wellies…… rubber boots up to the knee, because the rain puddles were so bad.

Here are a couple to whet your appetite.

London. The Grenadier
Pub , 18 Wilton Row.

This is a very historic pub used by the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. It has a ghost. An officer was beaten to death for cheating at cards. Great place for lunch.

London E.C. 4 – Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

145 Fleet Street - tube station – Chancery Lane

In the newspaper district, rebuilt in 1666 after the great fire of London. The sawdust on the floor is changed daily, and its not open on weekends. Steak and kidney pudding, and roast beef and Yorkshire pudding is smashing.

London, the Museum Tavern

49 Great Russell Street – tube – Tottenham Court Road

Opposite the British Museum and the heart of the famous Bloomsbury district. Great place for afternoon tea, smashing scones.

The Castle, Harrow on the Hill, North West London

If you fancy a little trip to a typical London suburb, this is a good one. Take the tube to Harrow on the Hill. Known for its architecture, and good food.

Ladies don’t drink beer.
They drink shandies.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Avenue

Menlo Park, CA

650-961-2340 direct