8000 Bedford Euless Rd
North Richland Hills, TX 76180

From Across the Pond, a place inconspicuous to those who are not searching to stumble upon it, is a tiny pub settled on the side of the highway in North Richland Hills, Texas. The manager and co-owner of the pub, Lee, grew up in North London on Abbey Road (think The Beatles). After moving across the pond to The States, he decided to bring a taste of home to one of the most unlikely of places — Texas. Widely known for its Tex-Mex and hearty BBQ, most would suspect Texas to be one of the last states to welcome British cuisine with open arms, but From Across the Pond has received abundant positive feedback from the local Dallasites.

As a dark painted building located next to a Travelodge hotel, From Across the Pond is a spot that can be easily overlooked even though the sign is visible from the freeway. Based solely on the outside appearance and location, the pub appears to look more like a dive bar rather than a dine-in restaurant. But after entering the establishment, the inside appearance conveys the feeling of being in an authentic English pub with its dim interior, laidback vibes, and friendly atmosphere. This feeling, one of welcome yet mellow-ness, was one I had been seeking to find upon returning to The States after my month spent pub-hopping around the bars in Oxford, England; unsurprisingly, Innisfree pub here in Tuscaloosa does not convey anywhere near the same atmosphere.

From single diners at the bar to large families with tables pushed together, this cozy little pub has established an environment that suits guest of all types. Even though From Across the Pond promotes a more casual style aesthetic, it’s dark and intimate atmosphere still makes it a great choice for special date nights. While most of the decor is cheesily British (Doctor Who fans will be excited about the TARDIS placed in the middle of the restaurant), the dart boards and beer signs add a genuine touch that help create a feel more true to a typical English pub.

Although, do not let the laidback ambiance of this establishment fool you, From Across the Pond has service so impeccably fast that it’s like lightening. Within minutes of entering the restaurant I was not only greeted by the hostess but ushered to a table. I also took note of the other patrons that entered while I was dining, and noticed they all experienced the same quick sit-down, as well. For those who aren’t familiar with British dishes, the menu can be on the confusing side, but the waiters are more than happy to help explain the dishes and even make suggestions based on how adventurous you’re feeling. While I did not have the pleasure of meeting Lee, the owner, during my dining experience, multiple patrons have had the pleasure and were more than ecstatic about his personal visits to their table; his son can also be found making rounds, too. So, if you’re in a hurry then From Across the Pond is the perfect place to dine. Although, I recommend taking your time and staying a while.

After being seated, I gazed my eyes upon the most extensive gluten-free menu in all of Texas. I decided to start with the pub’s most popular appetizer, Scotch Eggs. After hesitantly ordering this unknown dish, I couldn’t help but notice all the tables covered in plates of the leftover trimmings. Soon, a plate arrived to my table with two soft-boiled eggs, wrapped in sausage, fried, and served on a perky bed of green spinach leaves. The eggs oozed runny, sunny yolk that flowed like a river onto my plate when I broke into them with my fork. The crunch of fried sausage added an extra texture that nicely complimented the soft bites of egg. All dipped together into the mustard helped enhance the accent flavors of egg, rather than mask it with a tangy sauce.

Once I was done scarfing down the bits of crumbs left on my plate, I started in on the pubs award-winning Fish & Chips; my expectations were naturally set high after having truly authentic fish and chips all summer in England. Set in front of me on a plate was a pile of steaming, glowing, golden-brown goodness. The cod filets were perfectly fried so that they were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. A spritz of lemon made it into a perfect and light bite. Seasoned just the right amount, the chips came in a pile as big as my stomach was hungry. Each tender, mouth-watering bite sent me back to a memory of eating the famous dish around different spots in England.

My personal experience at From Across the Pond was overall pleasant and satisfying. The staff was friendly, the decor reminded me of a real English pub, and the food was “brilliant” (as the Brits would say). For anyone who is looking to try something new or is looking for authentic British comfort food, then From Across the Pond is the place to go. You will truly experience a “royal treatment” from their attentive wait staff, and will certainly find something to love on their extensive menu. I plan to make From Across the Pond a regular dining establishment for myself, while also dragging others along to add something to their diet besides Tex-Mex. Cheers!