According to Seattle chef and butcher Kevin Smith, crafting a perfect meat pie is an art form. He finds American pot pies lacking as they rely too heavily on the pot itself. "For me, the authentic approach is to create a freestanding pie," he explains. The pastry should be self-supporting, a skill that English cooks have perfected over generations, adding a touch of theater to the dish.
Smith's new English pub, Little Beast, features a menu that celebrates these meat pies, filled with hearty ingredients like beef shank in Guinness gravy and lamb korma with a hint of chili. This venture resonates with Smith's South London roots, emphasizing traditional English fare. Both London and Seattle share a chilly climate, making comforting food essential. "It's about dishes that warm the bones," he notes, highlighting the cozy ambiance he aims to create.
His vision for Little Beast is to truly embody the essence of a classic English pub--rustic, unpretentious, and welcoming. Patrons should feel at home, able to casually drape their coats over chairs. The pub has quickly gained popularity, earning the title of Restaurant of the Year from Eater Seattle in 2025.
British-style pubs and country restaurants are increasingly appearing across the United States, with notable establishments like Wilde's in Los Angeles and Dingles Public House in San Francisco. In Chicago, the Piccadilly Pub embraces the neighborhood pub concept, while in Philadelphia, chef Ange Branca has introduced a pop-up that serves loaded English "jacket potatoes."
In New York City, chef Ed Szymanski has crafted a culinary landscape that reflects his longing for home, with restaurants like Dame and Lord's. Soon, chef Jess Shadbolt will unveil Dean's, another British seafood venue. The resurgence of desserts like sticky toffee pudding has also inspired pastry chefs nationwide.
Once the subject of ridicule, British cuisine is now experiencing a renaissance, with chefs like Lilli Maren seeking to elevate traditional pastries. "The negative reputation stems from the fact that British food is meant to be enjoyed, not just admired," she states. Emerging chefs are eager to showcase the rich flavors of their heritage, infusing personality and humor into their presentations.
Social media has played a pivotal role in reshaping perceptions of British cuisine. Chefs are now sharing enticing visuals of classic dishes, making them more appealing to a wider audience. This newfound interest has led to a fascination with British food in the U.S., as Americans are drawn to its uniqueness.
As British restaurants continue to open in the U.S., the culinary exchange is enriching the dining landscape. With establishments like Gymkhana and Dishoom making their mark, the diversity of British cuisine is being celebrated on a global stage.