Bangers and mash, fish and chips, or just good ol’ football and beer – when we need to cross the pond on a budget, there’s only one spot in St. Pete that does the trick. Studio Public House, located in Grand Central at 2950 Central Avenue, has become our go-to for great eats, cold drinks, Premier League games, and happy hour fun.
Helmed by Chef Michael Crippin, the celebrated Executive Chef from longtime Beach Drive British staple Moon Under Water, Studio Pub delivers the all the best things about English pub life without leaving the Burg. Chef Mike’s famous curry (the same recipe that became a sensation at Moon Under Water) stars alongside an incredible lineup of British staples, Indian-inspired apps, creative sandwiches all cheekily named for famous musicians, and an excellent selection of local and international beers.
Meanwhile, with scarves hanging from the rafters throughout the bar, Studio Pub is one of the best places in town to catch Premier League and international soccer action year-round. Chef Mike is a Manchester United fan by birth, but all supporters are welcome, and truly you won’t find a better atmosphere in the neighborhood to catch the games. They open at 10 am every Saturday for Premier League games, while also showing any Bucs, Lightning, Rays and Rowdies games on tv.
And of course, we have to give Studio Pub credit for having some of the best happy hours and daily deals in town. During these hot months, you can still catch all their summer deals and take advantage of great food and drink that’s easy on the wallet (though in truth, their full menu is among the most affordable anywhere this close to downtown).
Every hour is happy hour at Studio Pub
One of the best deals comes in the form of their Dog Days of Summer lunch specials. Monday-Friday from 12-4 pm, Studio Pub offers a variety of $5.99 appetizers (we’re huge fans of the Curry Queso Nachos), $10.99 entrees (fish and chips, anyone?), and scratch-made pecan pie for only $4.99.
On their own, the regular happy hours and everyday specials are almost impossible to beat. Happy Hour lasts from open to close Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, offering $3 select beers, $5 Stella Artois drafts, and $5 house wines. You can also take advantage of $21.99 Champagne Rivers on Saturday & Sunday from 11:30 am until 5 pm. Pair that with live jazz on the patio every Sunday, and you’ve got your Sunday Funday plans all set. Oh, and on Sundays, all hospitality and medical employees receive 50% off their food bill until 8 pm.
Most tantalizingly, the two culinary dishes that Studio Pub and Chef Mike are best-known for get full days of their own. On Monday and Wednesday from open to close, select curries are only $11.99. And on Thursdays, you can get a mega-sized portion of his classic English fish and chips for only $12.99. Add in a couple $3 happy hour beers, and you’ve had a tasty and extremely filling night out with a $20 bill.
Studio Public House brings pub life to St. Pete
Housed in a former recording studio, the venture by longtime Moon Under Water Executive Chef Michael Crippin has brought the pub life to St. Pete’s burgeoning Grand Central District. The Studio Public House is an homage to the building’s history and to the British public houses – or “pubs” – that inspired its warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Crippin describes the menu as simple, unfussy food that’s easy to enjoy and is meant to hit the spot when an empty stomach walks in. “Simple,” however, should not be confused for anything other than flavorful and interesting. From a crunchy BBQ chicken sandwich and Chef Mike’s famous dragonfire vindaloo to a Mediterranean salad and massive piles of fish and chips, the offerings pique the interest of any palate.
While the food is what gets people in the door, owners Michael and Alison Crippin say the friendly, laid-back vibes are what keep regulars around. It isn’t Cheers, but if you come more than once, they want to know your name. And for their staff, they’ve streamlined the side work – taking much of it on themselves – so that servers can spend less time cleaning and more time at tables and at the bar talking to customers.
Sitting in the dining room that used to serve as a sound booth, surrounded by records affixed to the walls, Michael and Alison described The Studio as a hangout that “can be lots of things to different people,” but is ultimately a comfortable place to have a pint and something to eat on your own or with a group.
“It’s a neighborhood bar,” Michael says. “An easy place to get what you want.”
Studio Public House, located at 2950 Central Avenue, is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 12-9 pm, Friday from 12-9:30 pm, Saturday from 11:30 am – 9:30 pm, and Sunday from 11:30 am – 8 pm. Follow Studio Pub on facebook and on instagram for the latest. More information and a full menu can be found here.
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