On a crisp, sunny Friday in early February 2023, Neighbor Roy, our Canadian friend Richard, and I ventured to Main Gate Square for lunch. I had been warned by my physical therapy trainer, Vadim, that Union Jack British Pub would be crowded at noon, so we went a little earlier.

Neighbor Roy had read something about a new British pub near the University in our daily newspaper some months ago, but he want to wait to go there until Richard, who was born and raised in England, could accompany us. I also thought it would be important that Richard could authenticate the place for its real Britishness. So, we had to wait until he and wife, Wendy, arrived to stay in our casita for the winter. They came in mid-January and will stay until early April.

We arrived just before noon and had the place practically to ourselves. Only a few tables were occupied, so the waitress told us to sit were ever we wished. She then brought us water and menus. At first, I assumed I would order fish and chips, a typical British meal. But then I saw the corned beef sandwich and decided that since my dining companions would likely order fish and chips, I would do something different. It was a generous helping of Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, and 1000 island on toasted bread, accompanied with chips ($13.75)

As I predicted, both Roy and Richard ordered fish and chips ($16.00). The only difference being Roy ordered hot tea, and Richard ordered Guinness. I too ordered a glass of Guinness, recalling fondly the time Ms. Karen and I enjoyed a tour of the Guinness Brewery when we visited Dublin, Ireland. Interestingly, Richard, having been raised in England, said he had never been to Ireland.

The Union Jack’s website states, “The Union Jack will be a 100% purely British food and menu pub. Meat pies, fish and chips & everything quintessentially British. While it has a British theme, we still want to cater to all of our American friends and family. We’ll be showing all the American sports and things like that, we’re just bringing some culture to the region.” I suppose that is quintessential British humor.

I’ll let Neighbor Roy tell you about his experience.

Roy’s Take

“Recently, while looking through the Az Star, I found a listing for a new restaurant in the college area, specializing in British food in a public pub. At the time– as our subject matter expert, our dear friends from Canada had not yet arrived in Tucson, I told Jim that we should go, but wait for our Canadian friend, who was born in the UK, but is now a Canadian citizen, who would verify the claims of dining in a British pub in Tucson.”

“With all this in mind Jim, Richard, and I motored over to the U of A area, had to park in a public garage, put Jim’s scooter together, and look for our lunch spot. As most know, the U of A area is loaded with not only fast food restaurants but some of the best ethnic-themed dining spots. We were able to find the British Pub on University Blvd. and upon entering were instantly transported to the UK. Whoever decorated this restaurant had researched pubs, featuring flags of various soccer teams, and British pub decor. From the UK flags to soccer club pennants–it passed original British pub decor. Our waitress helped us select our seating, provided water, and gave us their menus. In scanning the menu I spotted my favorite immediately–fish and chips which I ordered. Throughout the wait for our lunch, Richard gave us hints about the dishes, the beers, and the cultural insides of their preparation. It is great to have a native son when visiting culturally themed restaurants of any nature.”

“Along with fish and chips, I ordered my usual hot tea. What came was a large portion of fish (cod), plenty of fries (the chips), and a small container of cole slaw. We both commented on the large portion of fish in the order. I had great difficulty finishing my lunch–but it is so difficult to find good fish dinners in Tucson, I ate it all! I would give this restaurant 4 1/2 saguaros, based on authentic decor, food, and service.”

“Having been an admirer of the late Queen, Elizabeth II, crowned when I was an undergraduate at Pitt, oh, so long ago, I had expected to see a portrait of this beloved person–even a portrait of King Charles III would have taken it over the top.”

Neighbor Roy, Richard, and I give Union Jack full marks for its Britishness. Richard even pointed out that the British flag was hung properly. The food and service was exceptionally good. We all want to go again, take our wives, and enjoy the other items on their menu. And enjoy another Guinness. We rate Union Jack with four and a half Saguaros, very good indeed, and great atmosphere.

Ms. Karen here:
The Union Jack in Tucson is new as of last October, I think. It is not mentioned on their website yet. OOPS. One question: Where is the dartboard?

Union Jack British Pub
800 E University Blvd Suite 104,
Main Gate Square, Tucson
(520) 372-7014
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 11am – 11pm
Sat 7am – 11pm
Sun 8am – 11pm