Tucked right where US 192 meets US 27 in the Clermont area, Best of British Pub is one of those places that makes you do a double-take from the road and want to pull in. Before you’ve even reached the front door, you get the sense that someone here really cares about getting the details right. A vintage double-decker bus sits outside, purely decorative for now, though one can’t help but imagine how wonderful it would be if it were eventually converted into a unique dining space. Alongside it, a cornhole setup offers a nod to the pub’s adopted American surroundings, while a classic police box stands sentry by the entrance, charmingly repurposed as a Little Library for the local community. It’s a warm, playful, and surprisingly thoughtful introduction to what awaits inside.
And stepping inside is where it really clicks. The interior is exactly what you’d hope for from a classic British pub… the kind of space that feels lived-in and welcoming, where the decor tells a story without trying too hard. Dark wood, familiar touches, and the general sense that this is a place built for lingering over a pint and good conversation. But what elevates the experience beyond mere aesthetics is the authenticity of the people behind it. The owner greeted me at the door with a genuine British accent, warm and unhurried, and took the time to make me feel at home. As it turns out, the entire staff hails from England. That kind of authenticity is genuinely rare in a themed restaurant or pub setting, and it makes all the difference. This isn’t a British pub concept, it’s simply a British pub that happens to be in Florida.
I visited at lunchtime on a gorgeous day and, at the owner’s suggestion, settled in at one of the outdoor tables. The al fresco seating area is a lovely spot, and with the double-decker bus and the general charm of the exterior surroundings, it’s easy to forget for a moment that you’re sitting along a Florida highway. The atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried, which felt entirely in keeping with the pub’s spirit.
For the meal, I went straight for the fish and chips. It is the obvious and unavoidable litmus test for any self-respecting British pub. I skipped the mushy peas, a decision I made without much deliberation, though in hindsight I’m glad I did… not because they wouldn’t have been good, but because of what arrived on the plate without them. This was a serious portion. A beautifully deep-fried, generously sized piece of fish dominated the plate, accompanied by a mountain of chips that would have challenged even a hungry pair of diners. It’s the kind of meal that arrives at the table and prompts a moment of genuine surprise, followed quickly by the quiet resolution that you are going to give this your very best effort.
The fish itself was the star of the show, and it earned that billing. The batter was golden, crisp, and well-seasoned, encasing a piece of fish that was moist and flavorful throughout. It’s the sort of fish and chips that reminds you why the dish became iconic in the first place… simple, satisfying, and done with obvious care. The chips were solid too, holding their own through much of the meal with a decent texture and good flavor. Toward the end, they softened somewhat, though by that point I was so thoroughly and happily stuffed that it was difficult to hold it against them. Whether the sogginess was a result of the Florida heat, the considerable time it took to work through such a generous serving, or simply the nature of the dish is genuinely hard to say. It felt like a minor footnote rather than a real criticism.
If there’s one practical takeaway from the experience, it’s this: don’t go in alone and hungry with heroic intentions. The portion size is generous to a fault, and the smart play is either to share the meal with a companion or to embrace the doggy-bag without shame. Either way, you won’t leave hungry… not even close.
Best of British Pub is a genuine and welcome find for the Clermont area. It has the feel of a place that was built with real love for what it is, staffed by people who know exactly what a proper British pub should be, and serving food that delivers on the promise of the setting. If you find yourself anywhere near the US 27 and US 192 junction, it’s well worth pulling in. I’ll certainly be back.
