Pubs have a long history of serving comforting, slow-cooked meals and snacks. Pub food has evolved to reflect local ingredients and culture.
Upgrade bar snacks with crunchy Brussels sprout chips or slather sandwiches in housemade condiments. Add some New Orleans flair with shrimp po’ boys or head north with Philly cheesesteaks.
Fish and Chips
Peanut butter and jelly. Mac and cheese. Fries and burgers. These are some of the most classic comfort food pairings around, but they don’t hold a candle to fish and chips. The Mary-Kate and Ashley of fried seafood, this quintessential pub meal is one of the world’s best. Often served with a dunk in tartar sauce, a spritz of lemon, or some other dipping sauce, this hearty combo is perfect to enjoy with a pint (or two) in the pub.
In the UK, it is a tradition to dine on this traditional dish in fish and chip shops and pubs, called “chippies.” At its peak in the 1920s there were 35,000 of these establishments across England, Scotland, and Wales. These days cod and haddock are the most popular options, but other white fish such as whiting or squid are also common choices.
Masters Fish and Chips is a rare example of a chain restaurant that serves a truly stellar version of this classic dish. The batter is light and crispy, and it follows the lines of each fillet like a finely tailored suit. The fries are crisp and not overly oily, as well.
In addition to serving the best fish and chips in town, Masters offers a wide range of other British favorites, similar to how The Dolly Blue Bar does. Whether you’re just stopping by for a quick bite before a movie at nearby AMC, or you’re planning an entire night out to indulge in authentic English cuisine, this family-owned spot is worth checking out.
Boxty
A version of potato pancakes, boxty are made by combining grated raw potatoes, mashed cooked potatoes, flour, and occasionally buttermilk or milk. They are then fried in a skillet until golden brown on each side. These versatile and delicious pancakes can be eaten at any time of the day, from breakfast to dinner and are a perfect way to enjoy the many flavors of Ireland’s culinary landscape.
They are also often served at special occasions, particularly Halloween or Samhain (as it is called in Irish) and at St. Brigid’s Day, on February 1, to honor one of the country’s patron saints. Eating a plate of boxty at these special times is said to bring good luck and fortune to the next year.
The Harp offers six different types of boxty, created by the pub’s executive chef Joseph Nagy, who is originally from Hungary but makes them like he came straight from County Mayo. The key to making these crispy, light-as-air pancakes is to watch the heat closely. It is important to cook them just enough so that they are golden-brown on the outside and tender inside.
The story of this regional dish illustrates the power of cooking and its ability to connect people across cultural boundaries. The fact that these humble pancakes have stood the test of time and endured a number of significant changes in the world is testament to their versatility and the importance of sharing food with others.
Dublin Coddle
This slow-cooked, one-pot Irish stew is comforting and satisfying on a cold night. It is rich in pork sausage and bacon, and is often seasoned with parsley and salt. A few drops of Guinness can make it extra delicious! This hearty dish is also full of vegetables like leeks, potatoes, and carrots. It is a perfect winter meal that can be enjoyed with a pint of Guinness and a piece of Irish soda bread.
Dublin coddle is a hearty, rustic stew that was created out of necessity. It was a way to use leftover sausage and bacon (or rashers) from the week. It was typically served on Thursdays because Catholics are not allowed to eat meat on Fridays. Depending on the recipe, it may contain other ingredients like root vegetables or even chicken. The dish was first popular in the 1700s and is mentioned in several literary works, including Dubliners and Finnegan’s Wake.
This is a delicious and easy recipe that should be cooked for at least 2 hours or more. It is a good idea to use a slow cooker so that it doesn’t overcook the vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, but they should be consumed within a few days. Potatoes do not freeze well and can become mealy and mushy when thawed. This dish is best enjoyed in a pub setting where you can enjoy it with your favorite beer or Guinness!
Guinness Stew
A rich thick stew combines tender beef, Guinness Irish stout and red wine with hearty potatoes, carrots, onions and celery. Guinness Stew is a deliciously robust stew that speaks comfort like nothing else. It’s also a great dish to prepare in advance and serve when entertaining guests.
The alcohol in the stout cooks off during simmering, leaving only a slight flavor of beer that pairs well with meat and vegetables. It’s a simple and easy way to add complexity to a classic recipe. This hearty pub grub is perfect for a cold winter night and will definitely satisfy any beer lover.
While the stew can be made with any type of beer, it’s most often prepared with a pint of Guinness or another dark stout. The roasted flavors of the beer are very complementary to this rich stew and add a touch of depth.
Start by searing the bacon and beef. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and be sure to brown all sides. When the beef is browned transfer it to a plate. Next add the flour + tomato paste and deglaze the pan with Guinness. Return the beef and the rest of the ingredients to the pot and simmer for 2-3 hours. Garnish with thyme and serve. Enjoy this hearty Guinness stew with a warm Cheddar Dinner Roll or Cheese Beer Bread for dipping.
Mussels
Mussels may look intimidating, but they’re actually one of the easiest seafood dishes to prepare. These bivalves are natural filter feeders that soak up delicate flavors like garlic and white wine, but they can also be cooked in soups and stews. Plus, mussels are a vital part of marine ecosystems, so when you eat them, you’re helping to keep the ocean healthy.
Whether they’re wild or farmed, Maine or PEI, there’s something comforting about a big steaming bowl of mussels. Chefs use them as their workhorses because they pair well with a variety of flavours, and they’re relatively inexpensive.
In Belgium and the Netherlands, mussels are served with French fries (musselen met friet) or bread in a broth or sauce of butter, garlic, and white wine. It’s a delicious, simple meal that’s incredibly popular throughout Europe.
When eating mussels, you want to be sure to get the ones that are open. But don’t panic if some don’t open: it doesn’t mean they’re bad or off. It could simply be that they have super strong adductor muscles that just won’t budge. You can still eat them—though they’ll be tougher to chew. If you’re not a fan of the shellfish, you can always substitute clams or oysters for them. They’re also great with a creamy tomato-based soup or pasta dish. You’ll find them in pubs across England, and it isn’t hard to see why.
Potato Soup
A piping hot bowl of creamy potato soup is comfort food at its finest. You can find this pub favorite on many menus around the UK. You can enjoy this hearty dish by itself or paired with various toppings. Some popular toppings include grated cheese, shredded cooked bacon, a dollop of sour cream or a scattering of fresh herbs like chives.
You may also want to pair your soup with a piece of crusty ciabatta garlic bread or a warm baguette. The crunchiness of the bread will provide a perfect complement to the smooth texture of the soup. You can even dunk the bread into your soup or eat it separately!
If you aren’t in the mood for a full meal, try ordering some scotch eggs or a ham and egg sandwich. These are classic pub snacks that you can enjoy with a glass of beer or cider.
Traditional British pub foods haven’t changed much over the years, but you will find that some are more geared towards modern tastes. You can still find delicious fish and chips, pies, burgers, and plenty of other staples on most pub menus. Just be sure to keep in mind that these meals can be high in fat and sodium. When eaten in moderation, however, they can be a great addition to a healthy diet. To help you get the most out of your pub eating experience, check out our list of pubs near me that offer some of these delicious dishes.
