Pub Grub?

Pub Grub to the best of my knoweledge is simply a phrase used to describe meals that one would typically find served at a pub. Of course its a generic term that you can use to refer to something you got on your own. "How about we get some pub grub from Tesco for dinner". Bangers and mash would be a great example.

Think of it the way I might say "Diner Food" to an American. It describes a general class of food that you would go get.

In Ireland 'pub grub' would include Irish Stew, Guinness Pie, Seafood Chowder. In the UK probably roast beef and yorkshire pudding,roast lamb, shepherd's pie, bangers, mash and mushy peas, just to name a few items.
We call it 'comfort food'.

We found that in many Irish towns, the pub grub was identical to the food being served in the adjacent restaurant but was much cheaper. Example: The seafood chowder, which quickly became a staple of mine. The atmosphere isn't as fancy as in the restaurant proper, but if you want to mingle with the locals, you'll be better off in the pubs.

In the UK, pub grub would include not only Bangers & Mash, but Shepherd's Pie, Cottage Pie, Fish & Chips, Steak & Kidney Pudding, and Ploughman's Lunch. All washed down with a pint.

Thanks so much for the info. Pub grub it is for me!
Suz

Be sure to try steak and ale pie! That and roast chicken are among my favorite "pub grub" items!

My favorite Pub Grub are the pies. Steak and Kidney, Steak and Ale, etc.

They're similar to the frozen chicken pot pies in the freezer section only really good, great ingredients and freshly baked crusts.

I also like Fish and Chips. They use better fish and batter than you normally get in the US. I'm not a fan of dripping grease (common in the UK) so I let the fish drain into the paper for awhile before eating.

Thanks for that Brad: not a fan of fish and chips, but my daughter is. She won't be surprised about the grease now. :)
Suz

Yummmm! What I wouldn't give for an order of greasy fish & chips (preferably from Scotland) right now. Who needs arteries;)

For an example of a pub menu here is Wetherspoon's menu.(pdf)

I'm mainly using Wetherspoon as an examples they are a big enough chain to have an online menu, not necessarily as a recommendation - quality wise they are pretty much at the low end (but they are cheap and ubiquitous.) Quality aside, most pubs (that serve food) offer similar menus.

Judging from Brad's previous posts about British food he's eaten at a Wetherspoons or three (and apparently some pretty rubbish chippies!)

Some places also sell Scotch Eggs. Boiled egg wrapped in sausage, bread crumbs and fried until the sausage is cooked. Not for the calorie or fat gram concious, but just one fills you up. The intermingling of flavors is delicious!

Hey Suz, We're going to UK in July (first time) and I found a site that will give you a good critique of the pubs in the area you're staying/playing.
It's fancyapint.com. I simply click the tube station we'll be closest to and see where the 5, 4, or 3 pint rating are in that area. If it's close to dinner time, I check to see what their food comments are (if any). Most will tell you whether you're in a pub that has good ales, knows how to pull a pint of Guinness, or if it's historical, trendy, gay, outside seating, or, as in one, not worth going to at all. There's quite a bit of information that can help you decide.
Karen

Suzanne,

One other tip regarding etiquette in Pubs in the U.K. I've found that in most cases you'll need to order at the Bar. If you sit at a table and wait for service, you could be waiting a long time.

Enjoy the Pub Grub!

Thanks Ken! I probably would have sat down and waited too. Can't wait for my trip...just 43 more days!

Suzanne,

Along with the "pub grub", were you planning to try a pint of Guiness? I find it always tastes better over there. If the Pub has any, you might also try Scrumpy Cider.

The Fish & Chips might be served with "mushy peas". My friends from the U.K. tell me that's the ONLY way to order F&C. They're actually quite tasty (although I imagine that's a matter of opinion).

Cheers!

Here's a "pub grub" menu from a quality pub in Brighton. I know as it's my local :-)

http://www.theprestonvillearms.co.uk/foodanddrink.html

Cheers
Steve.

Being married to a Brit, my husband let me know when the food that was served wasnt "authentic" english grub. Funny thing is, the pubs that served "unauthentic" pub grub were the pubs in touristy areas with chalk board signs stating "we serve authentic english food here". The food was best off the beaten path.

One place I really liked that wasnt touristy was called Sun in Splendour in Notting Hill. Its not far from Portobello road, its on a corner and its Lavender. You cant miss it! Good food, good prices. Plus the bartender was cute:)

Thanks for the heads up Tami...sounds like my kind of place! ;)
Suz