Tim, Leigh, and I headed to Penny Lane Pub last week prior to heading to the ballet. Penny Lane is located on the corners Franklin and 6th Streets, and sells itself as a traditional English pub. I have visited Penny Lane a few times, both at its old location and its current location. The pub is spacious; the bar is set off in a room with tables on the side. If you pass through a foyer, there are additional tables out of sight of the bar. There is also a semi-outside section, a former open air space that is now enclosed, although plenty of natural light still pours into that area. Apparently, there is a spacious upstairs area that I have never visited.
Usually, the British owner is on-hand to give a hearty welcome to all guests, chat with them, and flirt with the ladies. When our group visited recently, he was not present. We were seated quickly and drink orders were taken promptly by our waitress whose curt friendliness was adequate. Penny Lane has a nice selection of British beers on tap, although nothing truly rare or remarkable. The menu has the typical British fare – shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, bangers and mash, etc. None of this food appeals to me (actually, none of the entrees appealed to me). Our waitress brought over the pub menu, which had about 5 sandwiches featured. I opted for a burger with fries. The burger came cooked as ordered, with tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. It was fine, but not remarkable. The fries were those big, thick fries that I don’t like because they are too mealy (I always douse them with vinegar and salt to make them more edible). Both Tim and Leigh ordered shepherd’s pie, which came prettily presented with mashed potatoes atop the meat and pea stew. Both Leigh and Tim enjoyed their meals.
As mentioned above, I have visited Penny Lane several times before, primarily for drinks. I do like the bar and the atmosphere for drinking is nice. I don’t think the food is very good, but mostly because none of the options appeal to me. I give Penny Lane Pub 2 out of 5 stars – great for a drink, not so great for entrees.
2 out of 5…thats blasphemy! perhaps your opinion would be different had Terry (the friendly English fellow who you mentioned) was around.
Comment by John — November 20, 2007 @ 10:34 am
Penny Lane’s selling points are the atmosphere and the beer. Of course, if you’re in the mood for a meat pie (cottage pie as they call it), I have to say they have the best I’ve had in the city.
Comment by tim — November 20, 2007 @ 11:47 am