The Pub at Anson Fills the Void for a True Public House
November 2021
Imagine a traditional, intimate pub setting that is open seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and serves made-from-scratch pub fare along with a pint of the pub’s house beer and Ireland’s oldest red ale-style beer—Smithwick’s.
You don’t have to travel out of state or country to enjoy such an establishment—The Pub at Anson is open for business and is living up to expectations.
Reintroducing a Few Familiar Faces
I sat down with The Pub’s general manager, Leah Morris, to talk about the concept and what folks can expect when they experience the local public house. Morris may be familiar to many locals who have frequented other local establishments such as L.A. Café in Whitestown.
The Pub’s owner, Marcus White, met Morris at one of the local establishments where she worked as a server/bartender part-time while also working a full-time “day job.” When White decided that he was going to build out the available space in which his business now operates, he offered Morris her “dream job”—to run The Pub at Anson as its general manager. Morris happily accepted and brought over other former colleagues to help establish a solid and professional staff at The Pub, including Chef Debbie Prall, who many may recognize from the former Carolina Grill in Stonegate, The Loft at Traders Point and Brockway Pub in Carmel.
Construction on the buildout began mid-summer 2021, and while the grand opening was limited to social media announcements and word-of-mouth to ensure a smooth opening process, the word is definitely out that The Pub at Anson is quickly becoming the local “hang out” for adults over 21 who are looking for great food and spirits in a laid-back and comfortable environment. No pub is complete without a well-stocked bar that boasts local spirits and breweries as well top-shelf selections.
“I’ve learned so much from this experience already,” Morris shared. “And developing relationships with the liquor reps is huge in order to make sure that I have liquor allocated for us. Our house line of vodka is from Alchemy Spirit House. I love their story and like the owner, Mark [Nigbur], a lot. At some point, he wants to come in and show us how to make some of his signature drinks using his spirits.”
The Pub also features craft beer selections from Metazoa Brewing Company, Four Day Ray Brewing and Three Floyds Brewing.
A Delectable Menu
Inspired by White’s international travels while serving in the military, The Pub at Anson offers a variety of “comfort food” options and lighter fare that includes soups and salads, all made from scratch. If you’re mourning the loss of MacNiven’s scotch eggs since its closure in 2020, mourn no more! The Pub’s scotch eggs are outstanding, and the poutine is worth every calorie that is consumed.
The thin, hand-pattied Angus burgers are seasoned to perfection, and the Nashville Hot! Crispy buttermilk fried chicken is worth writing home about, but be forewarned—it’s got some KICK!
The Italian Beef brings a little bit of the Windy City (Chicago) to Boone County. It is one of my personal favorites on The Pub’s menu, and Morris told me it is a recipe that White brought back from Italy.
There are designated daily specials that feature dishes such as fish and chips on Fridays.
Morris added, “I’d say 96% of the menu is all [Marcus], and chef [Prall] has done an amazing job in bringing it all together and making it happen. After we get more established, in a cost-effective way, we can go back and review the menu and sub in some of the local vendors, like St. Adrian’s and other locals, that we can add to things like our charcuterie.
Tell Your Boss You Have a “Conference” and Head Over to The Pub
The Pub has several flat-screen TVs to enjoy a ball game or soccer match with a few pints and plates with your best pals and neighbors. It’s the perfect place to wind down after a long day or to meet up with friends and guests from out of town. Morris expressed that she wants everyone to come in as strangers but leave as members of The Pub family.
“We have a ton of regulars that followed us here from other local establishments,” Morris said. “It’s a laid-back kind of place, and we invite everyone to come try us out.”
Be sure to follow The Pub at Anson on Facebook to peruse the menu and daily specials.
Writer:
Janelle Morrison
Photography:
Janelle Morrison