next British invasion, and according to Allen Tharp, owner of The Lion
and Rose, it couldn't happen soon enough. With his second English-style
pub restaurant opening this week, and eight more in the planning stages,
Tharp is meeting a growing communal need to gather, mingle and converse
in old world style.
"The irony of technology is that the more we connect electronically, the
less we connect personally," states Tharp. "So by re-creating an
authentic old world pub and dining experience, we're meeting that very
human need to belong. The Lion and Rose is the type of place where you
can socialize in comfortable surroundings and feel immediately at ease."
Despite the seemingly fast ramp up, The Lion and Rose concept was five
years in the making. "My wife Elena and I have always enjoyed traveling
and many times we would stop and visit genuine British pubs and enjoy
the camaraderie that comes with sharing a cold pint. But we never could
find that same ambiance stateside. So we set out, not just to re-create
the experience, but to improve it."
This idea set in motion dozens of trips to English pubs and eateries
dotted throughout Great Britain, with the goal of gleaning the best of
each experience and incorporating it into the Lion and Rose concept.
From the suit of armor at the door, to the plush back, sofa-like
seating, to the etched glass and judge's paneling, the surroundings
create a sense of old world warmth and hospitality.
The research didn't stop at the décor alone however. "A major part of
our focus was on the food itself," Tharp continued. Countering the bland
image of English fare, Tharp enlisted top chefs, test kitchens and
countless taste panels to capture the best the island nation had to
offer. The varied menu features everything from the ever-popular fish ‘n
chips and Shepherds pie to ham ‘n haddie, (haddock topped with cheese,
ham and onion gravy.) "We also feature curry dishes since Indian cuisine
is standard fare in many British restaurants." The Lion and Rose
Restaurant and Pub also offers American and regional favorites as well,
including tenderized, juicy steaks and seafood; along with homemade
soups and sandwiches. The made-fresh garden salads are also popular
choices.
And since no genuine pub would be complete without it, each seat comes
with a view of a plasma screen TV, for those die-hard soccer, cricket
and rugby fans. "We have our share of ex-patriots who can be a bit vocal
during a good match, but that adds all the more to the experience."
Tharp is quick to add that local preferences do sometimes give way to
NBA and NFL games among other top sporting events. Whether seated at the
massive wooden bar or huddled tableside, many avid fans will spend a
good portion of an afternoon in their home away from home.
"We've done our best to accommodate all our customers," Tharp said. That
extended to offering WiFi wireless access to laptop-toting
professionals. This recipe for combining the look, feel, tastes and
sounds of old England is scoring points with more than just sports fans
and business professionals. "The day we opened our first store in San
Antonio, we were slammed," said Tharp. "Above all, I think we're
providing a sense of ownership to our customers. They feel welcomed here
and appreciated and they come to view this place as their own." And if
Tharp has his way, that's one old world tradition that's back to stay.
Press Contact: Allen Tharp
Company Name: Old England's Lion & Rose Franchise, LTD.
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 210-645-4322
Website: http://thelionandrose.com
AndhraNews.net News for May 15, 2006