Gastropub, What Is That?

 What is a gastropub? It is a restaurant that serves high-end beer and food.  Or think of it as a cross between a French bistro and a British pub.
The term was originally coined in 1991 by an English pub in London, the Eagle that was taken over by two new owners who had decided to keep the casual pub atmosphere but wanted to serve delicious, Mediterranean-inspired food along with cask ales.
Traditionally British pubs were drinking establishments and had very little emphasis on food and if pub meals were served they were more than likely basic cold dishes such as a Ploughman’s lunch which is a meal of bread and cheese, typically with pickled vegetables and salad.  In the evenings, vendors near the pubs would sell shellfish, mussels, cockles, etc., to the pub customers thus Pub grub began expanding to include more British food items.
The gastropub experience started taking off in the United States in the early 1990’s.  With maturing, sophisticated palates combining with the effects of the recession have led to the growth of this trend.
Many chefs are leaving fancy restaurants instead trading them in for laid-back pubs that have accessible pricing so they can attract regular customers rather than the sporadic diners who only come for special occasions.
Gastropubs have become popular gathering places for many reasons. They are comfortable, warm and sociable and definitely not low-key. They boast a casual yet tasteful atmosphere that welcome the foodies, the wine snobs and the beer geeks alike. Many gastropubs serve local, craft beers, handcrafted cocktails, boutique wines and culinary wonders at affordable prices.
The emphasis in gastropubs tend to lean towards and use the local, seasonal and organic ingredients in their cuisine, or otherwise known as farm to fork/farm to table which means the menu is constantly changing.  So to make it clear gastropubs are simply an eating and drinking establishment that provides good food, good drinks and good company that offer a combination of quality, comfort and value.
Newhall Refinery is a gastropub that offers farm to fork/farm to table cuisine, 22 craft beers, and new craft cocktails. They are located at 24258 Main Street in Old Town Newhall.  For further information, please call 661-388-4477 or visit our website at: www.newhallrefinery.com. We hope to see you soon at Newhall Refinery!