Conceived by Cincinnati-based restaurateur Nick Sanders, The Pub would be a so-called “gastro” pub if it were located in England, the British terminology for a tavern that serves more than just the run-of-the-mill expected food. The menu combines the best of traditional pub fare with dishes including Seared Ahi Satay, Ham & White Cheddar Panini and Grilled Salmon Flatbread. The classic favorites such as Fish & Chips, London Broil, English Pot Roast and Shepherd’s Pie are all excellent.
Servers at The Pub (Mercato)
On a recent visit, we stayed with the classics of Fish & Chips and the Shepherd’s Pie – both were the best examples of those dishes. Where else are you going to find Shepherd’s Pie, anyway? The fish is haddock for the Fish & Chips, the portion is generous and the batter was perfect. Here’s a reminder that “chips” are French fries and “crisps” are potato chips.
We stayed with some classic beverages, too. They serve Guinness Stout on tap (as well as another one called Belhaven Scottish Stout) along with beers from England, Europe, Scotland, Ireland and the United States. The Pub would be the place to order a Black & Tan or a Half & Half – so hard to find nowadays. For authenticity, there is also a long list of single malt scotches. There is a good cross section of red and white wines, too.
To give you an idea of the beer selection on tap, there are 9 English ones, 4 European ones including Stella Artois, 4 from Scotland, 3 from Ireland including Guinness and Harp, 4 American and then a few that rotate periodically. Prices range from $3 for a 10-ounce half pint to $5.85 for a 20-ounce Imperial pint. The Pub offers a beer sampler to taste any four with 5 ounces each. On top of the draught beers, there are about 40 bottled beers from all over the world.
The Pub (Located at Mercato)
The Pub is modeled after the classic corner pubs of London, while the interior features traditional style furniture and accessories shipped over from Britain. You’ll see artwork, photographs and posters that will bring back memories regardless of your generation (no pun intended, but, I noticed a poster of “The Who” which took me back to younger years and “My Generation”).
The centerpiece of the restaurant is a beautiful, handcrafted wood bar which becomes one of the busiest social spots in the Naples area. Even if you take advantage of the generous outdoor dining, stick your head inside to see what a great job they have done with the interior design and decor.
The menu as well as the list of beers & beverages appears on their website, although without prices. Appetizers range from Deviled Eggs at $5.95 to $11.95 for the tuna (and there is a seafood combo platter at $18.95). You’ll find a touch of Florida on the menu, just to remind you of where you actually are on the planet, like fish tacos with blackened grouper. The sandwiches, burgers and meals range in price from $8.95 for sliders to $13.95 for Fish & Chips or the bourbon glazed salmon. Their rendition of bread pudding is “spot on,” by the way.
If you visit that website, you will also find a schedule for live music and special events.
The Pub
9118 Strada Place
Naples, Florida 34108
(239) 594-2748
Website
We love The Pub! Working on making them one of our exclusive stops for our organized pub crawls.
Cheers!
We took a group of 20 to the Pub last night for happy hour. The service was wonderful. The staff was friendly, helpful and organized. We all ordered drinks and food, and the food came out hot and at the same time! Our server, Paige, was especially good. She got our checks to us promptly and correct.