In contrast to a bar, the word “pub” conveys the idea of a friendly, comfortable atmosphere in an establishment that offers great food and service in addition to just libations, and the McGregor Public House in the Bell Tower mall captures the essence of the word perfectly. Even if you have dined there before, there’s always something new to try as the owners periodically reinvent the menu while keeping the crowd favorites. The service is snappy because the friendly servers work in tandems, so someone comes by frequently to ensure your needs are tended to, and sometimes that server is one of the owners.
The appetizer menu offers many tasty options to accompany your beverage of choice. You’ve undoubtedly heard of Welsh rarebit (originally called “rabbit” to satirize that peasants could not afford meat), but have you ever tasted it? Here’s your chance with their newest appetizer, the rarebit bites ($13). Slices of sourdough bread, flavorful unto themselves with shredded Dubliner Irish cheddar, spices and bits of dill pickle toasted onto them, surround a bowl of beer cheese sauce. The sauce is smooth and creamy, yet has a rustic cheese tang, and with the broiled-brown bread for dipping, proves a perfect accompaniment to brews like Guinness. Just remember to ask your server for a spoon because you will want to scrape the bowl for every drop.
Another very traditional pub appetizer is the sausage rolls, cleverly named stitches in thyme ($14). McGregor Public House dresses up the flaky pastry filled with Irish banger sausage and onion by topping each with a sprig of fresh thyme before popping them in the oven. Served with a dipping ramekin of HP sauce, the popular British condiment, and a garnish of mustard-vinaigrette dressed arugula salad, the three rolls are ideal for sharing or could be a light supper for someone with a petite appetite…