Lion’s Heart Pub: A Bit of Britain in Bucks County
By Joy Elizabeth Ward
Washington’s Crossing is as American as apple pie; a picturesque location from which General George Washington launched his Christmas Day attack, turning the tide of the Revolutionary War and building momentum for American Independence.
So why is there a British pub happily prospering smack dab in the middle of this colonial crossroads?
“I spent a great deal of time in the British Isles; I even married my husband, Rick, in Scotland,” explained Kyle Montemuro, the owner of Lion’s Heart Pub “and I spent a lot of time in the friendly taverns overseas.
Bucks County is beautiful; I wanted to make my home here and I noticed that there wasn’t anything quite like a pub in this area.”
For those who haven’t spent time in taverns across the pond, a pub is much more than a bar; it’s a welcoming place with a ‘come as you are’ attitude offering food, drinks, games and companionship without pretense or pressure.
Washington Crossing and neighboring communities have welcomed the casual, relaxing and friendly atmosphere of Lion’s Heart Pub for just over two years, savoring 15 beers on tap, bottled micro-brews, the camaraderie of pool and darts and a unique menu that highlights the best of British fare.
With such staples as Bangers and Mash, Shepherd’s Pie and Fish and Chips, Lion’s Heart Pub offers a delicious meal for British expatriates, those dreaming of the misty isles or anyone with an appetite!
“Our burgers are very popular; they sell like crazy!” said Kyle “and we offer them with fresh ground beef or, in the Lion’s Heart Burger, the traditional ground lamb.”
Vegetarians will also find a non-meat burger, as well as a tempting selection of homemade soups and freshly-made salads.
“Everything is made in-house, from the soups and stews to the dressings on the salads; it’s a much better taste,” explained Kylie.
Care and attention is lavished on every dish on the menu which offers and eclectic sample of foods from Britain and flavors from around the world: mussels, pierogies and Creole-style crab cake appetizers easily share the table with Chipotle chicken, fresh fish, vodka rigatoni or Steak and Ale Pie.
“With our daily specials,” laughed Kyle, “we offer everything from filet mignon to burgers!”
If you’d like to enjoy the food of Lion’s Club Pub but haven’t the time to spare for darts or friendly banter, the full menu is also available for take-out; just call 215-493-0904.
The British influence doesn’t end with the food: the magnificent bar was built in England in 1902 and the décor reflects Kyle’s adventures across the pond.
Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30am until a late-evening closing, Lion Heart’s Pub opens at 4:00pm on Mondays and is closed the 2nd Monday of each month for a private party.
“But for St. Patty’s Day, a Monday this year, we’ll be open for lunchtime, with a large buffet of traditional food, $3 green beer and a great time from beginning to end!” guaranteed Kyle.
Actually, the St. Patty’s Day festivities will begin Saturday, March 15 as Bass Ale kicks off the fun with a promotional party that includes specials on their ale and black and tans; a piper is even scheduled to squeeze out some olde country melodies at 7:00pm.
Music is not reserved for St. Patty’s Day, though, as there is live jazz on Sundays, 2:00-5:00pm, and the relaxing sound of an acoustic guitar Tuesday evenings, 8:00-11:00pm.
Sports fans aren’t left out, as Lion’s Heart offers all the American sports, in addition to rugby, soccer and Australian Rules Football, on two 42” TVs and a mammoth 100” screen, perfect for March Madness.
When that season finishes, the pub will resume it’s monthly Cigar Dinners in April.
Venture to Lion’s Heart Pub, 1118 General Washington Memorial Boulevard in the heart of Washington’s Crossing and enjoy the pleasures of a British Pub right here in Bucks County.