Top Spots For A Taste Of Britain
The British are coming!
Well, Prince Harry is, at least. The ginger-haired royal will be invading U.S. territory (including NJ!) over the next week, and just in time for his visit, we've rounded up the area's top pubs and restaurants with British flair. Whether it's afternoon tea and a wee crumpet you're after or more hearty fare like bangers and mash, raise your pinkies and drink to the (surprisingly delicious) flavors of Britain -- no passport necessary. -Chelsea Karnash
Black Sheep Pub
247 S. 16th St.
Philadelphia, Pa.
215-545-9473
www.theblacksheeppub.com
Oh, nostalgia: The Black Sheep reminds me of many a pub I frequented while studying abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland, and that's a good thing. The interior is comfy, dark and heavy on the wood (perfect for taking shelter from rain, wind, snow and the pervasive gloom that is all too common in the UK forecast), and the food is yummy and falls on the upscale side of the pub grub spectrum. Also, they serve my favorite cider ever: Strongbow!
The British Chip Shop
146 Kings Highway E.
Haddonfield, NJ
856-354-0204
www.thebritishchipshop.com
Haddonfield's British Chip Shop has about as many authentic British staples as you can get under one roof. In addition to a number of English breakfast options beyond the traditional "English breakfast," the Chip Shop has British entrees, tea, scones, cheeses and pastries, plus a "Sunday Roast" that changes weekly, featuring meat-and-sides with soup for a reasonable $20 per person.
The Dandelion
18th and Sansom St.
Philadelphia, Pa.
215-558-2500
www.thedandelionpub.com
While Dandelion does serve up some delish food and cocktails, did you know that the pub also serves afternoon tea everyday from 3 – 5 p.m.? In addition to Twinings and Teapigs teas, there are English offerings like fish cakes, pates and cheeses, plus a number of sweets--including something called the "Eton Mess" that consists of passion fruit curd, mango, meringue and coconut ice cream. Yum.
Dark Horse
421 S. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, Pa.
215-928-9307
www.darkhorsepub.com
The Dark Horse is situated inside a historic rowhouse on a cobblestone street in Old City, and the menu includes classic British dishes like steak and mushroom pie, bangers and mash with onion gravy, and shepherd's pie with a dash of H.P. sauce. For those craving traditional American pub grub, the Dark Horse also has sandwiches, apps and salads. Head here for a casual happy hour with friends, a "football" game, or a laidback night out.
Elephant & Castle Pub
Crowne Plaza Philadelphia
1800 Market St.
Philadelphia, Pa.
215-751-9977
www.elephantcastle.com
Okay, so it's a chain, but the ambiance at Philadelphia's Elephant & Castle is perfect for downing a few pints, particularly during the warmer months when outdoor sidewalk seating is available. Aside from regular pub grub, E&C offers British-inspired entrees like the Guinness Meatloaf or the Jameson's Chicken, and the food is reasonably priced. Good for groups.
Pub & Kitchen
1946 Lombard St.
Philadelphia, Pa.
215-545-0350
http://thepubandkitchen.com
Pub & Kitchen—with its strange but cute rabbit/pig-hybrid mascot—doesn't purport to be a British pub. Still, their fish 'n chips with mushy peas is deliciously authentic, and the décor (touches of plaid, dim lighting, cave-like interior) is reminiscent of a rural British pub. Look past the restaurant's annoying aversion to reservations and sometimes chilly service and focus on the food; Pub & Kitchen is a great spot.
Stoney's British Pub
3007 Concord Pike
Wilmington, Del.
302-477-9740
www.stoneyspub.com
The website is full of snapshots of men in kilts, "football" (aka soccer), whiskey and sausages, and the Union Jack. In fact, the exterior of the bar itself is emblazoned with the UK flag. And, with a kitchen helmed by Chef Mike Stone, who grew up in England, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
A Taste of Britain
Eagle Village Shops
503 W. Lancaster Ave.
Wayne, Pa.
610-971-0390
www.ATasteOfBritainInWayne.com
With its quaint teahouse interior, A Taste of Britain prides itself on having one of the largest selections of all-things-British in the area. In addition to serving a full afternoon tea, ATOB also offers a slew of baked goods, catering and a shop stocked full of hard-to-find-in-the-US goodies that are imported from Britain, like my favorite McVitie's Chocolate Digestives. Just try one. Seriously.
The Whip Tavern
1383 N. Chatham Rd.
Coatesville, Pa.
610-383-0600
www.thewhiptavern.com
Located in the middle of Pennsylvania's horse country, The Whip features soaring ceilings, a large fireplace and equestrian décor. The menu includes traditional English ingredients (curry, rabbit, seafood), but with an upscale twist—this is no pub. If you can ignore the feats of taxidermy staring you down with their beady eyes, this is a lovely spot for a special occasion.
