Trials is a British pub in the heart of San José. It is close to the law courts (hence the name) and is therefore a couple of blocks away from the city centre. It is, however, right on the light rail line, and that runs all night, so you can get home regardless of how many pints you have had. The owners, who are Brits themselves, probably chose the location because it got them an old, Victorian building with exactly the right atmosphere for a pub. If it wasn't for the fact that the bar staff has American accents rather than Australian you could easily believe that you were in London. The look of the place says that, the beer selection says that, and so does the menu.

Fanaticism about warm beer is one of those facets of the British character that I have somehow managed to avoid. I like a good pint of Guinness, but that is served cold, as are most Australian and American microbrews. I am thus poorly qualified to pronounce on the quality of the beer that Trials serves. I did, however, note that they had Boddingtons, Tetleys and Fullers ESB on tap. There was also a fine selection of bottled beers from Youngs, Sam Smiths and even Bellhaven. This is in marked contrast to other supposed British pubs in the Bay Area, all of which seem to serve mainly Harp, Bass and (yeuch!) Newcastle Brown.

Kevin and I visited Trials after going to Peggy Sue's for dinner so we were not in need of food. However, the menu looked strangely familiar: bangers and mash, shepherd's pie, fish & chips. Trials serves all those things that you used to get in British pubs before they discovered the convenience of badly microwaved pots of rubbery lasagne.

I very much liked this place, and I'm sure I will be back many times. For British tourists in the USA it is a small reminder of home. For Americans is an authentic taste of London without having to go there, and without the smog of traffic and cigarette fumes that would permeate a real city pub. Thank you again, cls223.