English pub food is well-known across the continent and the globe. Fish fried to a perfect golden hue with crispy chips (also known as fries) and a side of mushy peas accompanied by a cold British ale often comes to mind. But there is so much more on the menu to tempt your taste buds! My husband and I recently relocated to a small base just outside of Huntingdon in the United Kingdom. Only an hour train ride from London, it’s easy to pop into the city for gourmet eats and traditional pub fare. However, put the train passes away and just head to the King of Belgians Pub in downtown Huntingdon. You won’t be disappointed.

After drowning in a sea of cardboard, the last thing I wanted to do was cook dinner. My husband suggested that we try out King of Belgians. I peeked at the menu online and found a variety of choices at very reasonable prices. When we arrived, it wasn’t very busy. Since it was a rare sunny day in the U.K., we decided to sit outside on the patio. We each ordered our dishes — the ribs and chicken combo with a Swedish Blonde Ale for my husband, and the homemade steak and ale pie with an Oscar Wilde English mild ale for me.

The brews were nice and cold, with just the right amount of hop in the blonde ale and a nice mellow, nutty darkness in the Oscar Wilde. The service was prompt and friendly. Our food was out to us within 15 minutes. The ribs rivaled some of the barbecue joints we had patronized in Kansas City — they were tender, fall-off the bone with a sauce that was just the right amount of sweet and savory. The steak and ale pie was just as tasty. A flavorful combination of steak, vegetables and gravy filled the flaky pie crust. Complete with a side of fresh local veggies and creamy mashed potatoes, it was the epitome of English comfort food.

We took our time, enjoying the food and the atmosphere. It is a great meeting spot for old and new friends, and it also offers kid-friendly choices. I’m already waiting impatiently to go back and try more of the menu.