Besides its name, from the food to the decor, there’s no question where The Brit Pub’s heart lies: It’s all about England here. 

The Menu

Fish and chips, bangers and mash, and cottage pie were among the requisite dishes. A few surprises required a review of Great Britain’s past. This helps explain the chicken tikka masala and the “Colonial” hamburger.

The morning meal was not part of my dining experience, but it is served all day every day and includes a Full English Breakfast: bacon, black pudding, pork sausages, baked beans, mushrooms, grilled tomato, bubble and squeak (cabbage and potatoes), two eggs and toast ($23).

Critic’s Tip

We’d been warned that the place could be chilly. It was even though the outside temps were breaking heat records. Also, parking is validated if using the garage.

On the Table

Our server said Scotch eggs were a popular starter, while fish and chips and braised short rib garnered a lot of interest among the entrees.

British-style chips (aka fries) caught our attention with two available options: Tikka Masala ($9) and Messi ($11). World Cup fever struck, so we opted for the latter. This was a large plate of thick, skin-on fries covered with silky white cheddar cheese sauce over which HP sauce was drizzled with occasional bacon bits sprinkled atop everything.

HP is most similar to Worcestershire sauce, so it’s tangy with a hint of sweetness. The cheese sauce was decadent and my only minor issue was with the sparsity of bacon. 

We appreciated the kitchen runner’s admonition when he delivered the dish: “This is really messy (Messi).” It was a winner.

Since our server mentioned its popularity, we opted for braised short rib ($29). This was an exceptional preparation with the meat falling apart, it seemed even before a fork touched it. Tender was an understatement. The rich, complex red wine gravy pooled on the plate. 

This was served with mashed potatoes and roasted carrots, green beans, onions and cabbage. The spuds were disappointing. The gravy helped a little, but generally they were bland, lacking creaminess.

Mashers were part of several dishes, including our steak and ale pie ($21), which had the same issues. The pie sat askew on a mound of potatoes and gravy. The amber-colored top crust was a work of art. It hid the meat, which had cooked for so long that it had lost most of its texture. The bottom and much of the sides were soggy, so only the upper crust was flaky. 

This, too, was served with well-roasted veggies. 

The Venue

When an old English phone booth is one of the first things you see if walking in the front door, there is no room for doubt about what to expect. Flags and stylized portraits of British rock stars, monarchs, writers and others adorn the walls.

There are two levels, with the upper darker and, particularly during the World Cup, well-suited for groups and individuals intent on watching the games. Thus, it got loud.

Afterthoughts

The Brit Pub is casual and fun, so it’s best suited for an evening out with friends, rather than for a romantic place for two. Service was very good. 

Know Before You Go

The Brit Pub

Traditional British fare

Location: 645 S. Sierra Madre, Suite 100 

Contact: 719-368-8707; greatbritish.net

Entrée prices: $8 to $36

Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. 

Details: Credit cards accepted. Wi-Fi. Alcohol. Patio.

Favorite dishes: Messi chips and braised short rib.

Other: Limited gluten-free and vegan options available.

El Paso County Health Department inspection: 48 of 56 items in compliance (November 2025).