Discovering brilliant British pubs with brown landlords

A unique establishment, Desi pubs combine all the warmth and community spirit you would expect from a British pub with brown landlords running them. The history of these establishments is chequered in racism and many of the landlords were once denied entry in pubs or faced hostility inside. They’ve created a unique inclusive environment, with special menus that are affordable, accessible and delicious! You can read more here (subscription only): https://www.thejuggernaut.com/desi-pubs-history-reinvention-gladstone The pubs I went to are: 1. The Gladstone, London, is run by bro sis duo Meg and G in London’s Southwark. My son said it was the best chicken tikka masala he’d ever eaten. We loved the tikka sliders too and will be back for the Anglo Indian Sunday lunch! 2. Soho Tavern, Walsall and elsewhere, has a creative menu combining chaat and the owner’s own vegan creations with Desi Pub specials like the mixed grill. Monica Sawhney and I loved the kebab platters and tikkis 3. I walked into The Ivy Bush Bar in Smethwick unannounced in between meals but they have a Nepalese chef who travels back to find recipes. On my list of places to go back to! 4. The Red Cow, Smethwick, mixed grill combined visual appeal, taste, texture and theatre and yes, those naans were immense. If you go, you must meet Bera Ji, he’s a wonderful and warm personality 5. Rahul Sharma of the Regency Club, London, is going to some incredible lengths things having taken over from his father. The curries felt fresh and light, the kebabs were incredibly juicy from the Robata grill he installed and we couldn’t stop eating the mogo chips. Rahul also went vegetarian for three months to create the vegan menu and it’s ace! Big thumbs up from Anjli Vyas who ate at East African Desi pubs growing up in Leicestershire. With grateful thanks to Monica and Anjli for their expert inputs, company and appetite. If you get a chance to find and support a community spirited Desi Pub, please do. #desipub #britishasian #indiancooking