Does watching other people burn massive amounts of calories participating in seemingly random Olympic sports (shooting? badminton? race walking?!) have you hankering for a nice plate of fat- and cholesterol-laden English food? If so, you're in luck. Although it will never be mistaken for the streets of London, South Florida is home to a handful of British pubs and restaurants, as well as other spots where you can snag a taste of the Union Jack. After the jump, find a list of seven places to go for the gold in Broward and Palm Beach counties. (For a list of places where you can celebrate the 2012 Olympics in South Florida, click here.)
Traditional English fare
Kingshead Pub
Get a seat at the Tudor-style pub in Sunrise, or chase down the Kingshead Pub food truck (hint: You can track the mobile food purveyor on the Kingshead Pub Facebook page, here). The pub has also added a market with British goods so you can stock up and continue the party at home with your wine gums and Branston pickles.
The Blue Anchor Pub
This downtown Delray institution serves traditional British dishes like the toad in the hole (Yorkshire pudding stuffed with a banger and gravy) and the ploughman's salad (with English blue stilton and English pickled onions, among other fixings). The "real" English fish 'n' chips come with peas, and the roast beef is served alongside Yorkshire pudding. Finish it off with an English cherry trifle and a pint of English ale and you'll be singing "God Save the Queen" in no time.
Lion & Eagle English Pub
An authentic British pub in a run-of-the-mill strip mall that has collected a loyal crew of regulars who swear by the pub's grub and ales. You'll find curry, baskets of fresh-made chips, Scotch eggs, and a place to watch your footy games whilst holding a pint of ale aloft.
The Pub at Pembroke
In all honesty, you'll find nearly just as much "fusion fare" on this chain's menu as you will hearty traditional British eats. That said, you can still find favorites like the Scotch egg, fish 'n' chips, English pot roast, shepherd's pie, London broil, and bangers and mash. In addition to the regular menu fare, the pub is offering Olympic-themed specials and events throughout the games.
Anglo-Indian dishes
Indus Indian & Herbal Cuisine
Curries and kormas are an important aspect of modern British cuisine, and Indus offers lots of the favorites, including the all-important chicken tikka masala.
High tea
Let's Have Tea
Practice your etiquette at this English tea room and gift shop in Davie (6923 Stirling Road). The spot is open for afternoon and high tea, as well as private parties and "girls' day out" events. Bust out your loveliest Queen Elizabeth hat and call 954-584-8888 for a reservation.
Tealicious Tea Room
The winner of the New Times' award for Best Tea Room in 2011, this Delray Beach spot is straight out of a Jane Austen novel with porcelain, silver, and vases of roses dotting the über-British space. Stop in for a cup of tea or go all out with the full-on tea service, complete with tiers of sweet treats and other fancy little nibbles.
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