When a devastating fire destroyed Churchill’s Pub in June 2003, many people feared that the landmark was gone forever. It was with much relief that they reopened on December 26, 2004 to a very warm reception. When I asked a local where I should go for a good lunch, she assured me that the hottest spot was the recently reopened Churchill’s Pub. Since we had eaten dinner twice at the Six Pence Pub, we had reservations about eating at a British pub one more time. I am so glad that we overcame those reservations.
They have a beautiful new location on Bay Street, almost across the street from the Hyatt. The first thing you notice as you walk in the door is the gorgeous 34-foot mahogany bar
handcrafted and imported from England. Two dining rooms offer you a choice of warm decors.
Now a great location and a pretty bar are one thing, but what will keep us coming back is good food. Forget everything you have ever heard about bland British food - it ain’t happening here. Not that you won’t find all your old favorites: bangers and mash, bubble and squeeke, shepherd’s pie, fish-and-chips, and ploughman’s lunch. They have an interesting selection of burgers, headed by the mad cow burger and followed closely by the black and bleu burger. I love a restaurant with a sense of humor. I choose a Caesar salad and asked if they would add a scoop of their curried chicken salad.
It was love at first bite. From the pumpernickel croutons, through the apple and walnut chunks, and right to the anchovy-laced dressing, it was a winner.
Al being Al had the prime rib sandwich served with horseradish mayonnaise on a hoagie roll. No one will need to twist his arm to get him back here. Joe had the shepherd’s pie, and he is quite the expert. It is the best he has ever had, which is quite a compliment, I must tell you.
Wayne our server was a doll. This man kept our glasses full and us very entertained. It was extremely busy when we arrived, and it took a while for us to get our food, but we were always well taken care of.
For dessert, Al and I split another bread pudding, this one with a buttery bourbon sauce.
Oh, baby, was it good! Joe had some sort of chocolate torte - not very English but deadly sinful.
This restaurant really has something for everyone, from a vegetarian sandwich to banger and bacon batty. They offer a fine selection of continental and American brews, but we had ice tea. They have rooftop dining opening soon and pool tables in the basement.