The Heart of Kensington: The Kensington Circus Pub

If you live in Kensington, you’ve likely experienced the charm of the Kensington Circus Pub.

Whether you’re a regular or just passing through Colusa Circle to pick up some fresh

ingredients at the farmers market or treats from Semifreddi’s bakery, the Circus Pub is a

cornerstone of the community.

For 35 years, the Kensington Circus Pub has become a favorite spot for gathering with friends and family. A cross between an American Grill and an English pub they serve classic British Ales and West Coast brew in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The pub’s menu is as much a draw as its drinks. While you’ll find essential bar snacks like fries and onion rings, the Corn Fritters are a must-try, offering a satisfying balance of sweet and savory. For heartier fare, the Circus Pub features high-quality pasta dishes, along with a tempting array of burgers and sandwiches.

However, the spotlight remains on traditional English dishes. Of course, there’s the iconic Fish and Chips—made with cod strips deep-fried in a beer batter and available in servings of three to six pieces, perfect for sharing. Other standouts include the hearty Shepherd’s Pie, featuring stewed lamb topped with mashed potatoes, tomato-cilantro salsa, and cheese. Another pub crowd-pleaser is the Bangers and Mash, which pairs juicy pork sausages with house-made mashed potatoes and rich gravy.

My wife was ecstatic when she saw Sticky Toffee Pudding on the menu. Her favorite dessert it’s a moist sponge cake bathed in warm toffee sauce, which restaurants don’t often get right. In this case, it satisfied a harsh critic and was a truly comforting end to the meal.

Beyond its food and drinks, the Circus Pub thrives as a dynamic music venue. Friday and Saturday nights come alive with an eclectic mix of live music. During our last visit, we were treated to some French Cafe Jazz, with its upbeat accordion and spirited violin, with a few couples getting up from their tables to dance (yes, we were one of them). The events calendar is an exciting showcase of everything from country and rock to blues and bluegrass.

Their most popular event, literally called the “Beatles Thingy,” is held on the last Sunday of

every month. It’s an energetic Beatles sing-along where the band and the audience take the stage. I repeat, you can experience live-band Beatles karaoke right here in Kensington. The Kensington Circus Pub is more than just a place to eat and drink—it’s a reflection of the community’s spirit. At its epicenter is Scott McFadin, who bought the pub in 2012 after

spending time as its bartender. Since then, he has worked hard to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive environment with a staff that combines attentive service with genuine friendliness, and makes everyone feel at home from the moment they walk through the door.

Scott’s stories about the pub’s past also provide a fascinating view into our local history, filled with anecdotes about notable guests, including Zsa Zsa Gabor, members of The Cure, and even Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. Did you know Maya Angelou resided a few blocks away on Colusa in the 70s?

Whether you’re drawn in by the food, the live music, or the history, there’s no denying that the Kensington Circus Pub is a quintessential part of life in Kensington. Congratulations and thank you for 35 years of being a place where stories are shared, friendships are forged, and the community comes together!