As the old joke goes, in Hell the policemen are German, the mechanics are French, and the cooks are English. But unlike there (and unlike at our other favorite British-style pub, Black Labrador), the British fare here is quite good. Check the chalkboards for weekly specials, like Wednesday’s $18 curry and a pint. Those British curries are decent, if you like the style, which is a bit rich and spice-poor. Burgers are oversized, and you can opt for delectable roasted Brussels sprouts instead of fries; steaks are cooked expertly. Fish and chips have come pretty soggy, but the homemade malt vinegar is kickin’. For dessert, there’s a show-stopping bread pudding. Avoid anything far beyond the realm of the crown: Thai and Mexican-influenced dishes are disastrous.

This is an ideal place to stop by after work for the outstanding beer selection, both on draft and in bottle; there’s also a pretty good single-malt Scotch selection. You can also watch a game on the telly without the oversexed, fratty feeling of other pub-style bars. Large, wooden doors lead into a dimly lit dining room with small lamps on each table. There’s a fire burning away in a hearth at the end of the dining room, and the patio’s full of chatty people and their dogs. Hey, if this is Hell, sign us up.