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English Fare, Family Fun

Kensington Pub is known to patrons as “KP” or “K-Pub.” From the outside, it’s obvious that it’s an English pub. In summer, the establishment’s brick walls are covered in green vines and its sign features the jowly face of Bufford, its English bulldog mascot. But the pub’s real charm and the reason people keep coming back is the staff. Owner Lynn Porteous purchased the pub in 1993 and since then, dozens of her family members have worked here — some of them for decades.

“Having the family here all working together keeps us close,” she says. “If my family decided to do something else, I would sell the pub.” And when regulars and new customers come in, they’ll be treated like family, too. “If you come here two or three times, the staff is going to know what you drink and what your main dish is.”

“Having the family here all working together keeps us close” - Lynn Porteous, owner

UK Comfort Food

“It’s real traditional English comfort food,” says Lynn of the pub’s menu. Beefy Cornish pasties, sausage rolls and plowman’s lunch are just a few bestselling entrees. And of course, there’s the Morgan Raye Deluxe, a sandwich named after Lynn’s daughter. It’s been a pub favourite since 1995. Kensington Pub also offers a long list of cocktails, wines, spirits and 30 domestic and international beers on tap. Brews include English-style Honker’s Ale bitter beer and British Columbia’s Granville Island IPA.

A Neighbourhood Gem

Lynn says the pub is a meeting place. A loyal group of regulars visit for the great food and attentive service. “We don’t have a big turnover in staff, so when they come in, they always know their server and the staff knows pretty much everyone who walks through the pub,” she says. It hasn’t always been so easy for the Kensington Pub. When the Tenth Street bridge was closed for repairs, the business was nearly forced to close. Once this main traffic artery reopened, business rebounded more stronger than ever.

“I’m most proud of our success,” says Lynn. “I love my staff, and I love looking at the faces of the customers here. To be able to have it for so long and to keep thriving is a good feeling.”