Pub food classics and why we love them
There’s nothing quite like tucking into a delicious pub meal. Whether you’re partial to classic pies and steaks or slightly lighter options, good old-fashioned pub food never goes out of style.But why are the classics just that…classic?
The serving of food in pubs is an age-old tradition, dating back hundreds of years. By the 16th century, taverns and inns were popular hotspots for travelling merchants, where they could enjoy ale, accommodation, and something simple yet filling to eat. Fortunately, we no longer have to make do with bland slabs of meat, bread and cheese. Nowadays, pubs nationwide specialise in delightful dishes to tantalise the tastebuds of customers everywhere. Let’s take a look at five classic options.
Fish & Chips
Who doesn’t love a plate of crispy battered fish accompanied by fluffy chips, garden (or mushy) peas and a juicy slice of lemon? Although the origins of this pub grub classic are debatable, it’s widely believed that fried fish was likely introduced to the UK by Jewish refugees from Portugal and Spain in the 16th century. In the intervening years, this dish has become synonymous with seaside escapades and summer holidays.
Whether you prefer your Fish & Chips with salt, vinegar, ketchup, or tartar sauce, you can always guarantee a generous portion with Greene King. With myriad coastal pubs where you can relax allow the brisk, sea breeze to blow away the cobwebs, as well as plenty of inland locations, where you can get a taste of the ocean without venturing far, a hearty portion of Fish & Chips never goes amiss.
Sunday Roast
Gathering around the table for a hearty Sunday roast with your nearest and dearest is one of life’s great joys. The tradition of tucking into a joint of roast beef was popularised in 1485 during the reign of King Henry VII. His royal guards, affectionately known as ‘beefeaters’, would enjoy a feast of roast beef every Sunday after church. The trend caught on and thus, the nation’s passion for this pub classic was born.
Some of us still opt for beef, while others prefer chicken or lamb. One thing’s certain, a Sunday roast from a Greene King pub is bound to leave you feeling satisfied and ready to tackle the week ahead. Plus, there’s never a bad time for a Sunday roast - gather with your loved ones for a long-awaited special occasion, or pop to your local when you just can’t be bothered to cook. Either way, you can always count on our cosy pubs for a comfort food feast.
All Day Breakfast
A centuries-old tradition, many believe the fry-up has its roots in the early 1300s. However, breakfast as we know it didn’t materialise until the 19th century. Due to the Industrial Revolution, many British workers swapped their meagre portions of bread and porridge for hearty helpings of protein-rich bacon, eggs and sausages to help them through the tough working day. Thanks to a marketing campaign by Heinz in 1927, baked beans remain a staple item on our breakfast plates today.
Of course, the best time to enjoy an All-Day Breakfast is at breakfast time. By staying in one of our comfortable Greene King Inns, you can get a good night’s sleep and enjoy this timeless pub grub classic to kickstart your morning. Whether you opt for a classic Full English, or you prefer to forgo the meat and tuck into an equally tasty Veggie Breakfast, our breakfast menus have something for every taste, including sweet options. Pancakes with syrup, anyone?
Burgers
What makes the perfect burger? Of course, we all have our own opinions. It usually starts with a toasted bun and involves a well-seasoned patty, melted cheese, crisp lettuce and a juicy slice of tomato, and some variety of sauce. Whatever your preference, you won’t be surprised to learn that the humble hamburger started life in America, despite many believing it originated in the German city of Hamburg, home of a cut of beef called the Hamburg steak. Due to the rapid growth of fast-food chains in the states during the first half of the 20th century, the burger quickly gained popularity, eventually evolving into the dish we know and love today, which can be both delightfully simple and impressively gourmet.
However you like your burger, you can always find one at your local Greene King pub. From immense towers stacked sky-high with cheese, bacon and onion rings, to veggie alternatives made with tasty herbs and spices for a wonderfully fresh take on a traditionally hearty classic, our burgers are carefully crafted to satisfy your cravings. And who could forget the sides? You can’t have a burger without hot, crispy fries or thick-cut fluffy chips – delicious!
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Love finishing off with something sweet? Nothing says pub grub quite like a good old-fashioned Sticky Toffee Pudding with lashings of custard or double cream. Quintessentially British, this traditional dessert was popularised in the 1970s at the legendary Sharrow Bay Country House Hotel in the Lake District. While recipes often change and develop over time, Sticky Toffee Pudding has remained steadfast, with plump dates and a rich sauce.
This crowd-pleasing pudding is a go-to for many for being the perfect end to a hearty meal. While cake is great and ice cream is fine, Sticky Toffee Pudding always feels like a real treat thanks to its luxurious texture and perfectly syrupy flavour. You can find an excellent variety of decadent desserts at your local Greene King pub, but our Sticky Toffee pudding is a sight to behold and not to be missed out on!
Where to enjoy pub classics
Here at Greene King, we’re passionate about crafting tried-and-tested pub classics with outstanding flavour and quality in every bite. So, whether you’re out for lunch with the family, dinner with that special someone, or a catch-up with friends, you can’t go wrong with some classic pub grub. The best part? You’re never too far from a Greene King pub!
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