The Keg & Beagle
The best place in town
For anyone based even remotely on the eastern side of Johannesburg, the Keg & Beagle is an iconic establishment set just off Linksfield Road. If you mention the Keg & Beagle in conversation to anyone in the area, the response is generally the same, please tell Chris I say hi.
Chris Williams, the charismatic and likeable owner of the Keg, is one of those people who takes a keen interest in every one of his patrons, regardless of how often you frequent the place. He makes it his personal duty to take care of the needs of his customers and this is despite the fact that he has a great crew to look after the Keg when he is around, or not. His waitrons are well spoken, friendly and knowledgeable, the bar staff are sharp and get you your drinks quickly and the managers are professional, yet absent enough not to irritate you every three seconds.
When reading a write up on a restaurant, one tends to want the writer to cut to the chase and get to the juicy bits, and it is those juicy bits that set the Keg & Beagle apart, from all other Kegs, all other pubs and even some of the finest restaurants in Johannesburg. So what might you ask is the secret? Well, having a professional in the kitchen, an owner who is pedantic about quality and a relaxed environment all make a recipe for success.
The food:
When you close your eyes and imagine pub grub, it is generally a basket of chips, topped with some or other greasy meat product. The Keg & Beagle has the traditional pub fair, but sets itself apart by adding some supremely unique and delicious items to the menu. Some you can find at other Kegs, and then there are those other meals which are endemic to the Keg & Beagle. Having eaten at more than just the Keg & Beagle, it is easy to see why the food at this particular Keg stands out. The menu may be the same from one Keg to the other, but the way in which the food is prepared is world class.
Some of the favourites on the menu include the Tornado Fillet steak roll. A succulent 200g beef fillet, topped with a mushroom sauce, avocado, the regular trimmings and BBQ sauce. With a side of chips to accompany the steak roll, this amazing meal will satisfy any hunger. The chicken and prawn curry is prepared to a flavourful sauce that tastes genuinely of India, yet does not burn the pallet and spoil the meal. The mild yet spicey curry is served with all the traditional accompaniments and is great all year round, but especially during the winter months.
The beef Carpaccio and beef trinchado are the stand out starters at the Keg & Beagle. The Carpaccio (yes you read right, a pub serves Carpaccio), is generous, well seasoned and is served with a sweet and tangy sauce, rocket and parmesan cheese to deliver a home run beginning to every meal. The trinchado is a tasty Portuguese dish, where rump steak is served with a deep and rich spiced gravy. It is accompanied with bread to lap up the excess sauce you fail to shovel into your mouth during your meal.
Trying to describe how great the simple things like burgers and platters are would take up more space than most people have the time to read, so I suggest popping into the Keg & Beagle next time you are anywhere near it, and try something out. We guarantee you won’t regret it.
Obviously the Keg & Beagle also has a fully stocked bar, offering local and international favourites, wines, coolers, spirits, a great selection of craft beers and drinks specials aplenty.
They also host regular quiz evenings, karaoke evenings, live bands, live sports and they even cater to the fan clubs of Manchester United and Manchester City.
For bookings contact Chris, Matt or Carl on (011) 882 9553
Shop 25
Linksfield Terrace Linksfield Rd
Dowerglen