by Debbie Gaylord

Kings Head British Pub  
by Jeanne Lagoutarus
www.kingsheadbritishpub.com  6460 US Highway 1 North, St Augustine, FL 32095 (904) 823-9787From pint to pudding (Sticky Toffee Pudding, that is!), King’s Head British Pub will have you wondering why it’s taken you so long to find this hidden gem. Immediately as you step through the doors, you are embraced by the old world charm, amazing smells, and warm “welcome”.

For starters, we ordered the Scotch Egg and Sausage Rolls. Both were delicious and there was plenty to share. Of course we washed them down with the perfect pint, at the perfect temperature, served with a smile. They’ve got a nice variety of imported beers on tap, as well as bottled beer. Wine is also available, but no liquor. Making a dinner choice was tough because everything we saw coming out of the kitchen looked and smelled amazing! Everything from Bangers and Mash to Cottage Pie caught our attention. However, we couldn’t resist the traditional Atlantic Cod Fish and Chips. It was fresh, flakey and lightly beer-battered. The Cornish Pastie, a fluffy pastery filled with beef, rutabagas and potatoes, was also a very pleasant change of pace. It will take you back to that special little pub you visited in Gloucester way back when...

Sticky Toffee Pudding! Need I say more? Oh yes, with custard! BEST! THING! EVER! Warm, gooey, and definately something I will be going back for! 
   
Following dinner, we enjoyed a few games of darts and even challenged a couple friendly blokes to a game. If you want to feel like you’re “on holiday” for an evening, leave your passport at home and head on over to Kings Head Pub. We’ll meet you there! 

by Amanda Wood (2015)

​St. Johns residents looking for a restaurant that encompasses casual beach energy with high end cuisine should look no further than The Reef.  Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic, with stunning vistas of the ocean in every direction, dining at the Reef gives one the feeling of being aboard a yacht, complete with a first class chef and live entertainment.  
    The Reef originally opened as Compton’s in 1989 on a high dune overlooking the ocean at North Beach.  The story goes that Mr. Compton, a local businessman and Mr. Usina, whose family is of direct Minorcan descent collaborated to create the new restaurant.  Compton’s was popular but closed about a decade later in 1999 when Mr. Comptom fell ill.  In 2002, after a brief but unsuccessful time as ‘McMulvie’s Reef’ the Usina family took over direct ownership of the property continuing business as The Reef, as it is known today.   Since then under the ownership and support of the Usinas and the management of Jeremy Ticehurst and his team, The Reef has achieved a reputation of excellence.
   

​ Located as it is on the beach in a tourist town the concept is relaxed elegance.  Outside, The Reef is a rustic-looking building with weathered boards and a North Florida feel.  Inside, the scent of sea air mixes with diverse spices and fresh seafood while live music plays in the background every Friday and Saturday.  It is a place where everyone and anyone is welcome, whether it is celebrating couples, families with children, casual groups or business people. People love the food, the daily happy hour, the music and the staff. Indeed, at the heart of what makes The Reef amazing is the well trained, courteous waiters, hostesses, bartenders and prep cooks who assist Executive Chef Bob Henle.
    Manager Jeremy Ticehurst is passionate about  maintaining a  local focus. The Reef sources food, mostly seafood, produce and fruit locally whenever possible and has extensive bar offerings, including cocktails from The St Augustine Distillery, wines from San Sebastian Winery and craft beers from St Augustine, Jacksonville and around Florida.
    As befits an oceanfront restaurant there are an abundance of fish and seafood dishes, balanced by some fine meat and vegetarian dishes. Chef Bob Henle lived and worked in Spain for many years and that influence can be seen in his special creations.  Standouts include; the chicken liver pate with delicate onion and sage herbs; the Zarzuela, a Catalonian bouillabaisse seasoned with saffron; or the mouthwatering, spicy Datil Peppers Shrimp and Grits. 
    The Reef is also renowned for its award winning Sunday Buffet Brunch. With a dizzying array of hot and cold items, carving station, crab legs and complimentary champagne, it's a wonderful way to relax for a couple of hours with friends or family.
    The Reef also features a second floor banquet room with two balconies that seats up to 80 and offers the same great setting and ample parking. It's an ideal place to hold receptions, rehearsal dinners and family or business events.
    So here's an idea. This holiday season, head down to North Beach with visiting family members or a group of local friends and treat them to all The Reef has to offer. It's the quintessential taste of the good life in St. Johns.