This is the Hollywood good old boy’s pub you’ve been waiting for. Owners Jared Meisler and Sean MacPherson (Il Covo, Roger Room) have transformed the former dive into a spacious country tavern where grand iron chandeliers and wall lamps illuminate British paraphernalia on the walls, red leather booths and two dark wood-paneled bars and dining room. A friendly and helpful staff serve up a full bar of beer, wine, spirits and a stellar selection of specialty cocktails pair perfectly with a menu of elevated pub fare for vegans, locavores and omnivores alike. Chef Ralph Johnson, formerly of NYC’s gastropub the Spotted Pig, brings organic, local ingredients to a menu of pub favorites. Opt for Mary’s Vinegar Chicken or a Worcestershire aioli-smothered burger, both served with "chips", thrice cooked and possibly the tastiest this side of the pond.
Vitals
Good for: Bring a date for drinks and supper in one of the booths. Singles can drop in after the dinner bell and hold up at the back bar. Take advantage of daily happy hour from 4-7pm, which sees reduced prices on their specialty cocktails, red and white wines, bar snack and well drinks.
The scene: Couples and larger groups fill the front bar and dining room most nights of the week. This is a social crowd and if heads are hung low, it’s because they’re reading Facebook feeds and checking in on Foursquare.
The playlist: A mix of British pop and American rock, from the Beatles to the Black Keys, are on the playlist, while a rotating brigade of DJs turn up the beat Thursday nights (10pm) in the back Maharajah Room, where dancing is a big possibility depending the vibe.
The bartender says: Those unfamiliar with Welsh Rarebit, should enjoy the cheese-topped toast with a beer and a bump—the Coach and the Horse, pays homage to the former resident, Ye Coach and Horses.
Drink this: Spice things up with the Ginger Minge, a blend of Damous Grouse Scotch, ginger juice, lemon juice, ginger beer, that's nicely balanced start to the evening. Ladies can opt for the Twiggy, a classy quaff of champagne, Bombay Gin, Aperol and St. Germain, in which sweet elderflower shines. Beer and brown spirits are aplenty—there are over 30 local brews mostly by the bottle and a variety of bourbon, Scotch and whiskey.