London Grill's new management introduces new menu

This week a new menu was introduced at London Grill in downtown Kalamazoo, but that's not all that's new at the restaurant that features English pub fare. 

 

Since mid-February Rebecca Stephens and Scott Campbell have been the new managers of the popular dining spot on East Michigan. Peregrine Realty, the owner of the property brought in the couple to run the restaurant. 

 

"Since then we've been getting to know the old customers and greeting new customers," says Campbell. "We're the keepers of the public house." 

 

Longtime customers will be relieved to know that some of their favorite menu items (like the sticky toffee bread pudding) will still be offered. Campbell, however, likes to make daily changes to the menu and new dishes that fit the restaurant's theme soon are going to be showing up regularly.

 

New to the menu are dishes like ale steamed mussels and a number of different burgers such as the one that brings together beef, lamb, Stilton blue cheese, herb mustard and other spices on a special bun with a side of hand cut chips. Knife and fork sandwiches -- they don't have bread on top -- such as one with beef brisket is another new addition. So are cod fritters.

 

A self-described "voracious" student of everything related to dining, Campbell says he has delved deeply into pub culture, learning what makes an English style public house a success. Indian food is high on the list. He says he and his wife are striving to create the same experience for diners that they would have in London. 

 

The gastropub movement, led by chefs who can't afford a big, fancy restaurants, but who serve amazing food in a pub setting, also will be an inspiration for London Grill's new management team.

 

At the same time, produce and meats from Michigan's farms will also be integral to the menu, Campbell says. 

 

Campbell owns Eleven Co., named for the balance represented in the number 11, balance being a state most people are seeking these days. He's has many years experience at the head of a number of successful restaurants. Some of them featured Italian food. His restaurant Brewster's Italian Cafe in New Buffalo, which is now under new ownership, was one of the first in Michigan to bake its pizzas in a wood fired oven. He's also worked with his mother's company, Gammy's Artisan Pies, which will also be on the menu.

 

Entertainment at the London Grill will continue on Friday night's and though it typically has not been offered during the summer during downtown festival season, Campbell says they are working on a musical lineup through the summer months. Music fans also will want to note that Sunday afternoons from 4 to 6 p.m. the Celtic music jam and workshop can be heard. Typically, seven to 13 different acts turn out for the event, Campbell says. 

 

And as if that weren't enough, Campbell says he and Stephens are planning to reopen the London Grill in Plainwell later this summer. Stay tuned.