Authentic British pub to open in Westchester

What do you get when there's a homesick Brit living in in the heart of Northern Westchester?

A British specialty store, The Hamlet, which Drew Hodgson opened three years ago in Mount Kisco, with his [American] wife Leigh, and a new country British pub, The Ambleside, opening soon (check their social media for updates) just up the street.

What makes The Ambleside Pub different?

The goal, said Hodgson, who was born in England's Lake District, was to create a family-friendly country pub complete with cozy nooks, a (fake) fireplace, a dart board and lots of knicknacks and artwork reminiscent of what you'd find in Britian. Keeping it authentic also meant creating a 3-foot 4-inch bar that's shorter than the average American bar to accommodate people standing (there are no stools). [American bars, in case you're wondering, are generally 3 feet, 8 inches.

The bar was also made using 100-year-old reclaimed wood from Manhattan (look up to see the intricate carvings!).

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And while the bar is certainly a standout feature, it's the handpoured traditional cask ales that are the real stars of the show (and a point of deference). The pub even has its own keg room (in the center of the room) along with its own specialty brew. Ambleside's Best Bitter is a collaboration with Old Glenham Brewery in Beacon, another British-owned company.

The beer, according to Hodgson, is a point of pride.

"Anyone familiar with British pub beer, especially in the north of England, is used to what we call real ale or what Americans call cask beer or warm beer," he said. "It's served at cellar temperature — about 50 degrees — and it’s a hand poured traditional real ale." Along with Ambleside's Best Bitter, there will be a "fantastic pint of Guinness," in addition to Kronenberg, an IPA, and a traditional British cider being made by Hardscrabble.

In total, guests can expect seven draft beers and five to six bottles. And, as in England, you'll be able to order a half pint.

What about food?

Food is not a priority, said Hodgson, who emphasized that they're not a restaurant. That said, you will find the kind of items that exist at a pub such as Shepherd's Pie, Bangers and Mash, Fish and Chips and Cornish Pasties.

"We're one of those places where you can come in and have a drink and no one is going to bug you to eat, " said Hodgson. "But if you want food, we'll have it."

Just at with pubs in England, there's no table service; instead you order at the bar.

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Let's talk decor

The space, which had long been Billy's Hair Salon, has been a year in the making and took a lot to transform.

Though the Hodgsons had an architect, all of the décor ideas were their own and were painstakingly put together to be authentically British. That means horse brasses on the wall, red cushioned backs, short black stools and snug nooks featuring an array of items from Hodgson's parent's home, thrift stores as well as vintage tins from Leigh's aunt.

Any meaning behind The Ambleside Pub's name?

Yes. It comes from the Lake District and is a nod to Hodgson's self-professed homesickness.

Ambleside is a village he spent a lot of time growing up — his grandparents and great-great-grand parents lived there — and he has many fond memories of the village. Plus it has that "true country vibe" he always enjoyed — and that he's tried to transport across the pond.

It's also the logo he and Leigh used when they opened The Hamlet.

As for the reason he wanted to open a pub in the first place? "In a single word: homesick," he said.

"For many many years I've been bugging my wife about how much I miss the English pub culture," said Hodgson, "Especially at Christmas as Christmas Eve is when many families go to the pub. Finally, she turned to me and said 'Just build one.'

"So here we are a few years later with our own pub."

If you go

Address: 23 E. Main St., Mount Kisco, 914-733-6008, theamblesidepub.com

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Price: From $4.50 for a half pint to around $9 for a full imperial pint (20 ounces). Food will range from $7 for a basic pasty to up to no more than $20 for dinner. Though there's definitely an emphasis on beer, wine is also available.

Good to know: You can get half pints, just like Britian. And the pub will open early for British sports so enthusiasts, including the large Westchester ex-pat community, can watch. Said Hodgson: "If they start at 7 a.m. our time, then we'll be open at 7 a.m." The pub has a capacity for about 100.

Another fun tidbit: There are six TVs.

Jeanne Muchnick covers food and dining. Click here for her most recent articles and follow her latest dining adventures on Instagram @jeannemuchnick or via the lohudfood newsletter. 

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: The Ambleside: Authentic British pub to open in Westchester NY