English’s at Town Square aims to put fresh spin on pub grub

If the terms "gastronomy" and "British pub" seem mutually exclusive, English's -- a new Town Square "gastropub" -- aims to change all that.

Despite billing itself as "quintessentially British," English's doesn't resemble a traditional pub.

That's by design, according to Trevor Krumm , who with Matt Aldrich serves as general manager. The restaurant, which seats 168, has been open since early August on the second level of Town Square's north end.

For one thing, "British pubs have a very bad reputation -- bad food, bad service," Krumm says.

But English's -- with its contemporary decor, soothing Britpop soundtrack and wide-ranging menu -- reflects the recent "gastropub" movement and represents a step up from a boisterous neighborhood pub.

In addition to a nicer atmosphere that's more welcoming to families, Krumm says, the menu puts a fresh, seasonal spin on typical pub grub.

Although the menu includes such staples as fish and chips and bangers and mash, more upscale offerings also turn up, from filet mignon to "London tag" tagliatelle.

In addition to those all-day dishes, English's serves brunch from 9 a.m. to noon, plus an express lunch menu, afternoon tea and weekday happy hours, along with such weekly promotions as curry on Thursdays, fish on Fridays and roast beef on Sundays.

As for those who confuse English's with celebrity chef Todd English's P.U.B. at Crystals in CityCenter, it does happen, Krumm acknowledges. "Some people walk in and ask if this is Todd English's place."

No, it's not. After all, Krumm notes, "Todd English is not even English," unlike English's.

Located in Suite 210 at Town Square, 6599 Las Vegas Blvd. South, English's is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are accepted.

Brunch: Welsh rarebit, $6.95; full English, $11.75

Express lunch: Fish and chip sliders, battered sausages, pie flight (miniature steak and ale, chicken and mushroom and cottage pies), $10 each ($5 additional for unlimited draught beers)

Afternoon tea: Sussex cream tea (with scones and jam), $10; Cream tea (with finger sandwiches and pastries), $18; Pimms o'Clock for two (with strawberries and cream), $20

Appetizers: Smoked salmon crostini, $7.75; English cheese plate, $8.25

Sandwiches: Grilled ham and cheese, $9.95; Queen's (sliced filet), $16.95

Entrees: Cod & chips, $13.95; London tag (tagliatelle and herb sausage), $13.95; bangers and mash, $15.95; steak, mushroom and ale pie, $16.95

Desserts: Bread & butter pudding, gelato sandwich, $8

Information: 478-8080

-- By CAROL CLING