We were seated and given a menu by the host and that was the last service we got. 15 minutes later we got up and walked out and nobody even noticed. We headed up to Piccadilly Circus and got on the tube for Covent Garden where there are a variety of good choices for dining.
The first pub we saw was the Nags Head and that’s how they won the coin toss. The pub was quite crowded and it wasn’t easy to find a table. We finally found a small one with two high stools. Not wanting to be too brave and daring I went over to the bar and ordered two orders of scampi and chips. Al always says just order something for me that I will eat. It being a pub and all, we also ordered two lagers. There was a menu but I didn’t take the time to check out the specials board until after I had ordered.
In case you aren’t familiar with the terms of English dining, scampi is breaded fried shrimp. This is a safe choice, every pub I have ever been to serves it and it usually is quite good. As it was here as well, a generous portion with French fries and green peas. We also got a little paper cup of tartar sauce. The green peas were really the high point, firm and tasty, Al liked them better than the chips can you believe it?
Pluses: the meal was on our table within ten minutes. The cost was a little over seven pounds each. Not a bargain but not outrageous either.
Atmosphere: very typical pub, large bar, wooden tables, atmospheric in a very British way. I love the British, I was sitting writing down some of the menu items when a young man asked if he could pinch the menu. Luckily for him, I knew what that meant.
I have no complaints, the Nags Head Covent Garden was exactly what I expected. It is owned by McMullen and therefore serves their beers. I being me, tried to order a Stella Artois and I am sad to say it isn’t served here. I have found in my experience with English pubs, it is less expensive to just order a beer than soda.
