Fantastic neighborhood pub. Lively, terrific food, the staff makes a sincere effort to serve and make sure the customers are well treated. Honestly mostly i love the food. The burger is a best in class. Great ciabatta roll, good meat well seasoned and perfectly cooked, house-made aioli and the fries are from actual potatoes! Along with that a classic wedge salad for a perfect meal. My husband loved the breadth and mix of the available beers; i was happy with the wine. Much more limited wine selection but the pinot noir was all the burger needed for a balanced meal. If you go to watch one of the games get there early for a seat at the bar. read more

I LOVEEEEEE you guys. This is just for the food tonight. Chicken Parm. Not very saucy, not very parmy. loved the crust on the chicken. very little parm. very little sauce. read more

Kensington Circus Pub - New York Steak. Heavenly - British Near Me - Kensington, California

I recently held my husband's memorial at the Kensington Circus Pub because it is such a special place in our neighborhood. Scott, the owner, and his staff were phenomenal in helping us with all logistics and set up. I can't say enough about how chill this place has always been-- is a hidden gem here in Kensington. The beers are exceptional, the food has always been great (we love the fish & chips and burgers, and the corn fritters with a beer after a neighborhood walk is pretty much Heaven). Thank you, Scott and staff for creating a relaxed space for all of us to eat, drink and just hang. read more

Kensington Circus Pub - Our special day at the pub with loved ones! - British Near Me - Kensington, California

7th time. A local bar reminiscent of an Old Englis Pub. Free music from local groups--some of them are very good.

I'm sorry to leave a less than rave review, especially for such a fixture of the local scene. Went there for dinner last night. And the experience fell short on a variety of metrics. A long-standing problem is that they're short-staffed. At least it seemed that way. It took around 30-40 minutes for our food to arrive. And it was loud, hard to have a conversation. And the bench seat had no padding and was super-uncomfortable. The menu is kind of all over the place-- pub fare mixed with Cracker Barrel. I had a turkey burger, which was just okay, but all at fine dining prices. Tired beer selection. The live musicians-- a septuagenarian Beatles cover band?-- sums it up. The Pub clearly has its thing with a certain loyal clientele, but I wouldn't choose it amongst the sea of excellent alternatives. read more

Just saying they can tighten up their table service. I wouldn't want to be the next person there. This "dogs everywhere" thing has gone too far! Otherwise I love the beer, food and ambience. read more

Kensington Circus Pub - Dog at table! Not a good look. - British Near Me - Kensington, California

We stopped here after a long grueling day of competition at Albany HS. Hubs and daughter came here last year and enjoyed the steak. This time we all came and arrived around 8pm on a Saturday and were seated right away. Pub is pretty small and they had a live band playing. Hubs ordered the ribeye, daughter sirloin steak, and I tried the bolognese penne pasta. The pasta had a thick hearty bolognese and it was really good. Both hubs and daughter approved of the steaks. I had a bite and it wad delicious. Not cheap so be prepared but food is solid. Definitely not a place for you if you are looking for a quiet cozy spot but solid food. read more

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Kensington Circus Pub is such a hidden gem & most certainly one of our favorite neighborhood places to tuck into. It's not only a fun place to watch a game with friends, but also just for date night to cozy up to the bar for comfort food, a cocktail or freshly poured Guinness, and conversation. Love the British pub feel! Food highlights: corn fritters, thick cut fries, the clam chowder, Caesar salad, Shepherds pie, fish tacos, tuna melt, B.L.A.T. (bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato), and thick cut pork chop to name a few. As you can see, we've been eating here for a few years - the food is always consistent, fresh, hearty portions, and honestly there's such a variety it keeps the overall ordering experience just so fun! The servers make you feel like family and the ambience is lively, especially when sports are on or live entertainment (check their website for the event calendar). We recently stopped in on a weekend evening for dessert, drinks, and music. They have what's called "England's most popular sticky toffee pudding" with a tagline that reads "so good that we have it flown in"...omg they aren't joking! It's so delicious - warm, in a bath of butterscotch sauce with vanilla ice cream and whip cream...yum! Can't rave about this community joint enough - with indoor/outdoor seating, kiddo/dog approved, ample areas for street parking, we'll see ya again for tunes and toffee pudding soon! read more

Kensington Circus Pub - British Near Me - Kensington, California

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A reputable british pub serving some amazing "circus" fish & chips, fries definitely double fried, blackened and crunchy, and the fish flaky and moist, sooo good! I wasn't too big a fan of the tartar sauce here though. We also had the pepe salad, and it was fresh and tasty as well, and large in size, good enough for a filling meal (it better be with the high prices here). We enjoyed live music by the Undertones cover band between 8-10pm, awesome sounds on the electric guitar and bass, drums, and saxophone. They played great songs including Let's Stay Together, Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You, and If I Ain't Got You (by Alicia Keys). Along with a really good speaker system and sound quality in the restaurant, this set the mood for the perfect night. With a lovely atmosphere including quirky decor and Beatles posters, 5 large TVs for enjoying sports, plenty of tables as well as bar seating, easy parking across the street, and friendly service, this was a great spot to enjoy a delicious dinner before going to a show later in the evening. Even though the drive here was a bit out of the way for us, it was worth it. read more

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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! read more

Kensington Circus Pub - British Near Me - Kensington, California

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Another great St Patrick's Day at the pub. Wonderful traditional St Patty's Day menu . Even though I stuck with the traditional Guinness there was some awesome looking specialty drinks. Service was awesome even though they were very busy. Nice to see a place keep up traditions. read more

I remember Colusa Circle from years ago when Narsai David had his eponymous restaurant there. Narsai's was a big deal back in the early '80's because he was one of the first chefs to serve California cuisine. As it so happened, this casual, family-friendly eatery would've been next door to it, but it's probably a better fit now for the bedroom community Kensington is. In the mood for comfort food, Jamie W. and I dropped by here after walking up from El Cerrito. It was already pretty busy with several big groups, dog owners, and young parents, some of whom may have been sticking around for the live music scheduled a bit later in the evening. Jamie ordered the $15 Tuna Melt which was stuffed with albacore tuna mixed with mayo. It also featured melted cheddar on grilled sourdough toast. Accompanied by their house-cut fries, it was nicely executed (photo: https://yelp.to/A2XMrF98Ml). I went predictably for the $18 Large Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken, and it was pretty standard except for the chicken breast which was generous and succulent (photo: https://yelp.to/Spv2LqNNmq). We didn't stay for the music, but I could see us coming back without hesitation. FOOD - 4 stars...comfort food well turned AMBIANCE - 4 stars...enough room for a lot of locals in here SERVICE - 4 stars...steady servers TOTAL - 4 stars...no Narsai's but good enough RELATED - Exploring this part of Contra Costa County? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2VyCP18 read more

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This is a really favorite restaurant. What is there not to like? Welcoming, attentive waitstaff - Warm, no frills, looking exactly like a pub environment - Lots of consistent local clientele - Good, cold, draft beer selection- Decent wine - check (okay, this is one of the few things that could perhaps be better. But this is a nit! What is available works, especially at the price point) Single, couple, family, family with young children, large group friends?- 'em all. Live music- not every night, but Great, wholesome, appropriately hot, or cold, food served at inarguable price points, and done well- absolutely We always enjoys Kensington Circus Pub. It truly has an English feel to it, and we could not be happier with the fare. In particular their steaks are just epicly tender, flavorful, hot and visually appealing. My ribeye last.night was a masterpiece. One of the best steaks I have ever eaten. Just memorable. This with buttery, garlicked mashed potatoes and broccoli meant I was a happy camper. My wife's 4 filet fish & chips (choose how many filets up to six, I believe) were hot, appropriately battered, and served with good fries (chips) and other sides. I hope you'll come here and become part of this restaurant's history, and make it part of yours across the stages of your life. read more

Kensington Circus Pub - Entrance way - British Near Me - Kensington, California

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Service is terrible here. Very disappointing. Have to wait forever to be served; refills cost money since they serve soda in a can. Boo! I really wanted to like this place but it's a disappointment every time we go. read more

Honestly a little disappointed? Especially based on reviews... Came here with out of town friends for some cozy vibes and didn't receive them. Nobody greeted us at the door, and when we were seated, we didn't get menus. We asked a few times for menus, then had to ask for silverware and water as well (water is understandable but we were handed food with no way to eat it...). Our server had to check in with us a few times about what we ordered. Fish and chips were okay. Salad was very well dressed (ask for dressing on the side if you don't like greens with your dressing!), and the shepherd's pie had an interesting twist. read more

Atmosphere: 3 Beer: 4 Service: 5 Food: 2.5 We were really excited about trying the pub out, giving it a couple of shots. Our first visit was on a weekday. We arrived around 5pm for an early dinner and were surprised to see that the place was overrun by families with screaming children. This seems to be a regular thing as they replaced the dartboard area with a little play area for kids. We had a couple of beers and two entrees: the fish and Chips and their daily special: Mexican Lasagna. The beers were really good (Hazy IPA and British Pale Ale). The food, on the other hand was VERY disappointing. The fish pieces were tiny and the serving of fries (chips) small. Flavor-wise they were unremarkable. I do have to say, however that the Cole slaw was quite good! The Mexican Chicken Lasagna was a disaster, really. The plate came out with a tiny piece of 'lasagna' (4 x 4 with two thin layers), a scoop of rice & black beans. The chicken was very dry. It definitely was not worth the $26 they charged for this appetizer size portion. The two entrees + 4 beers set us back $100. We went back on a Friday with some friends hope being that the ambience would be a little bit better and to try their burgers. That night, the pub looked like a retirement resort. The burgers, unfortunately were nothing to write home about. I don't think we will be going back here despite the friendly staff and good beer. read more

Go for the music! Enjoy it with the fish and chips, burger or corn fritters- and beer, of course. The quality of the music is better than you'll be expecting. There's no cover charge and both the local and touring talent that you'll encounter here is outstanding. The servers are always busy but attentive and friendly. It really does feel like an English Pub, with regulars who are friendly to read more

Kensington Circus Pub - The stage is set just as the small children's play area empties. Something for everyone! - British Near Me - Kensington, California

Always a friendly staff, great beer and wine selection, great food! Be prepared for music on Friday and Saturday, it can get crowded.

DO NOT BELIEVE THE 4 & 5 star reviews! Been coming here for many years and tonight will be the last time! Food is mediocre and the service is atrocious! Been going downhill for a long time but always feel compelled to give it another try. NO MORE!! Called at 5pm to ask if they had a table for two available. Was not asking for reservations, just asking if they were busy. Spanish speaking woman who answered the phone took my name and said she would hold a table, told her we'd be there in 10-15 minutes. When we showed up we were seated by the same woman at a reserved table next to the kitchen. She then told us that her boss yelled at her for saving the table, at which we then thanked her again for saving the table for us - not that we asked her to. She then told us about the beer and wine specials, we told her we would only be ordering iced tea and a Coke. At this point, her attitude immediately changed. She was not nice and seemed irritated that we weren't ordering drinks, perhaps thinking that the check and her tip would not be high enough without alcohol. She then brought us our drinks but with short little straws that didn't reach the top of the glass and required sticking our fingers into the drink to retrieve it for use (the kind of straws that are used for drinks served in lowball glasses). We looked around and saw that there were larger, normal straws being used in the drinks at every other table. At the same time, I realized my iced tea was not sweetened so I asked a different waiter walking by for some sugar and normal sized straws. He brought me about a teaspoon of sugar in a small plastic container, the kind used for ketchup in a takeout order. I asked him directly if they had small packets of sugar and he said no. I said that's really weird and asked if they had sugar in the raw, the kind that comes in the brown packets, and he said they only had splenda in packets or agave. In all my years ordering iced tea at restaurants, I have never had sugar served to me this way. My husband and I both thought his answers and his attitude were just weird and off. So, I asked our original waitress, the same Spanish speaking woman who took our order, for some sugar. She brought me PACKETS OF SUGAR in the normal little white ceramic holder BUT she slammed it on the table. At this point, we realized that we were just not wanted at this establishment. The male waiter lied straight to my face, even after I questioned him, he doubled down with his BS. Why on earth would anyone pay such exorbitant prices for not great food and passive-aggressive treatment from waitstaff?? They CLEALRLY did not want us there so we walked out and will NEVER return. read more

Ordered a guinness and it wasn't slow poured it was fast poured. The fish and chips were salt fish and chips. The cod was grey and not white from all the salt. I'm from Canada where we eat a lot of salt fish and it tasted just like that a deep fried in batter. Friendly waitstaff and good service but my family who live in area said food quality has changed read more

My mother & father live in Kensington. My parents told us to come here for dinner. It was a steady Tuesday night, I noticed just a server & bartender. Our server tonight was Jenny. My son kept looking at her and smiling...it was the sweetest. She was so nurturing and made my son's night and ours by being so kind. I had the smash burger with no mayonnaise, my son kids crispy tenders/chips and my husband had fish & chips. Food came out slower then usual die to tablet not going through. Jenny and Amanda went to the tables to explain the issue. We didn't mind...good came out hot. It was delicious...the fries thick and crispy. Smash burger was a hit...as my husband ate the other half with his fish & chip. We will come back after visit my parents. Thank you Jenny and Amanda read more

I've been meaning to write a review for the Circus Pub for a long time. I love this place. The atmosphere is lively, especially on nights when they have live music, the staff is super friendly, and the food is delicious. The pork chop is a big as my head and the mashed potatoes are about the best I've ever had. They also have a good selection of beers on tap and a full bar. PLUS they have a few TV screens so there's always a game or two on. 5 big stars! read more

The staff here are very kind and work very hard all the time but there are not enough people employed and they allow blatant health code violations with patrons' dogs. The food has large portions but almost everything on the menu relies on large amounts of oil and salt without quality of ingredients or thoughtful recipes. It is quite expensive for the quality that you receive. It is commonplace to wait an excessive amount of time to order and to get the check because it is chronically understaffed. The atmosphere is frequently way too loud to talk to people at your own table. The indoor tables are positioned so close to each other that it is difficult to sit comfortably in your seat and an ordeal to get up or sit down again without bumping people at neighboring tables. The worst thing about this restaurant is that they allow people to bring their dogs inside against health codes. Patrons are incredibly rude and unsanitary with their dogs-- we saw a table indoors give their restaurant plate to their dog to lick clean on one ooccasion. On another occasion, a small dog was literally standing on the dining table while the owners were hand feeding it. On other countless occasions, multiple people have their dogs in their lap licking dining wear indoors. It is honestly absurd just how entitled these guests are with their dogs and I don't understand how this restaurant has not been severely penalized for repeated unsafe health codes. When I complained on one occasion, a server told a guest that they could not have their dog lick the restaurant plates, and the guests argued with the server and made a scene that they deserve to have their dog break health codes. Absolutely ridiculous. read more

Worst fish and chips ever. Cool vibe and I hope the other items on the menu are better.

The food was excellent. It's basically English food but more tasty! They have a good selection of draft beer. The vibes are very cozy and they have a stage for music to start later in the evening. Prior to music starting, kids can play with the toys on the stage which is great. Definitely family friendly with a good kids menu (butter cheese pasta, thank you!). Would definitely come back. Also in a very cute roundabout in Kensington. read more

Excellent service Large portions of great food. Yummy fish and chips! Chicken sandwich was delicious. read more

Enjoyed my meal here, the salad had good dressing, the French fries had good flavor just too thick and soggy for my liking but really good flavor which is important for fries, the fish tacos were yummy and had the right toppings, I do wish they had salsa instead of just hot sauce to give the tacos some more flavor. We ended up getting the dessert to go cause we were too full to eat it now, I'm sure it will be good because I love brownies and ice cream! read more

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Came to the pub with my wife and her parents. We always feel welcome and enjoy the friendly vibe. Our server Jenny was an absolute delight. The Shepard's Pie and Bangers & Mash were delicious and passed the British seal of approval from the expat in our group! We will continue to dine at this amazing, local, friendly and tasty spot. Thank you! read more

Best food ever!! Ive been going there for years and it never disappoints! The live music and a glass of IPA always hits the spot.

Julia and Ana are exceptional servers always kind and very attentive to everyone's needs. The pub is thriving due to the great food, great people, music and most of all the best employees. A big thanks to Lilu such an awesome bartender. read more

The fish & chips were disappointing and I had high hopes for the British-style pub. The fish batter was not crunchy at all and separated easily from the fish. The fish was overcooked. The chips were few and not crispy either. The tartar sauce was a thick chunky relish, not creamy. If you have ever been to the UK, you will be disappointed. Sadly, there is no good british-style fish & chips in the bay area. On a positive note, staff was friendly. Finally, this place is charging a lot for low quality food. read more

This is my third time coming here. I'm new to the area. I was told mixed things, but much to my surprise, I had a blast! I don't know what the past place was like, but the new place is definitely much better. Heidi and Lauren were amazing and so helpful. The food is pub food. Yes, it's not The French Laundry, but it absolutely hits the mark, the service and atmosphere is so lovely. It's a family and comfort place. I know why people go to other places for date night. But if you want an inexpensive, family oriented and fun time...come to this place. Had the best time! Shout out to the lovely staff!! They bring this place alive! No wonder why so many locals told me to try it out! read more

Came to Kensington circus Pub for a birthday celebration for my uncle, who was playing with his band. The pub was packed on a Saturday night and it was a blast! Jennifer was one of the best waitresses I've ever had. We had a large table and even with the packed crowd and chaotic night, Jennifer was calm, got all our orders correct , and checked on us multiple times throughout the night. The menu is inventive and they have a lot of variety. We got the fish and chips and blta sandwich. The tartar sauce with the fish and chips was delicious as was the mashed potatoes side. They have a lot of great beers on tap, but the star is the fieldwork hazy IPA. I'm looking forward to coming back for the great service and welcoming pub! read more

They say they have the world's best fish tacos...and they might just be right!! I debated between giving Kensington Circus 4 or 5 stars, but the fish tacos, atmosphere, and service really pushed the entire experience to 5. The old-timey-feel to this pub was so warm and welcoming, especially the fire place! Our group was pretty large and the place was pretty full, but the staff still did a good job of trying their best to accommodate us. I loved the little toy area for the kids, but during our visit the band took over that area, which was fine and totally fun. Who doesn't love live music!?! The beer selection was interesting but they were out of half the beers on their menu which was a tad annoying. But as I said, those fish tacos...I can't think of a time I ever had better. Go and get them!! read more

Walking in, it was pretty packed. But the service was immediate and Ashley greeted and seated us with a smile. She handled the bar and service consecutively and did an incredible job. I was very impressed with the atmosphere altogether. The ode to the Beatles in the corner of the room gave that nice authentic British vibe while accommodating a vibrant menu with fish and chips and a Toffee pudding that was shipped in from England (DELICIOUS). At first we ordered a Manhattan (as it was Manhattan Mondays) both Manhattans (traditional and bourbon) was delightful. Next up we had a lemon drop (as pictured) and the presentation was as perfect as the drink. As we enjoyed our night and ordered more. We seemed to be some of the last guests (when I took the photos) at the end of the night. The vibe on the inside was very nice. Accommodated with music by classic rock artists which personally I loved! I can't wait to try the rest of their menu and I wish I took more photos but the Gyro Platter was to die for and the popcorn chicken was so good I got a second order. Thank you so much to Ashley for your service and to Julia for accommodating our table as well as helping with fresh silverware upon dropping mine (oops!) As someone who also works in service and accommodates a lot of guest as wells I was very impressed and I look forward to trying the rest of the menu. Especially the fish and chips. I will certainly be back for more. Keep up the great service, it was a pleasure! read more

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Good food and great entertainment! It is a great place to stop off at after a full day of work .

In the past years I used to come here often and enjoy the experience. I stopped by today and the experience was terrible, new staff terrible service. All 3 servers passed me for 17 minutes before helping me. I then ordered my food it came and the server never came back to see if there was anything else I needed. I would've order another drink and a to go order for later, but after the terrible service I just asked for the check and left. Didn't feel welcomed at all, I'm just say Kensington Circus Pub do better I am a long time customer discovered this place in 2014 supported this place during the pandemic as well. Only giving it 2 star because of the food... service sucks read more

A group and I came here on a whim after our show, and when I say I was blown away, I mean it. From service, to quality, to price, this place is doing it right. We happened to be sitting in Jenny's section, and she was so lovely. She took care of us and even though the place was packed, like multiple turn over on tables packed, Jenny made sure to keep us updated on food times, and drink orders. She was the epitome of what good service is! She even brought out extra onion rings because our food was taking longer than expected! Did she need to do that? Not at all- but on top of all of that, the owner came out to apologize about food times! It was incredible! this place gets it - if you want repeat customers, you make them feel like family, and that's what we felt like, family. Now let's talk about the food and the quality of it. My husband convinced me to order the rib eye, which I had no intention of doing, but my guy has a special talent for instantly knowing a quality kitchen, and let me tell you, he hasn't been wrong yet! The quality of the steak they serve is better (and larger) than most restaurants in SF. It was a marbled thing of beauty (not to mention, bigger than my head!) This place is gem, and if you happen to be around at the right time of night, you might just see the mayor, Odin, stop by for a special treat! read more

Cozy neighborhood spot. Burgers and pesto pasta are excellent . The owner is friendly and is often seen chatting with the customers. Weekends bring in bands and full crowds. read more

Kensington Circus Pub - Burger/fries and Bolognese with a side of pesto n veggies - British Near Me - Kensington, California

The people that work at the circus pub are so kind and beautiful that the combination of them and the live music (le jazzu feat. Mark Gill, Sarah.etc) makes me feel as if I'm on a vacation in France read more