MOK - Man of Kent — Restaurant in Toronto

A few friends from Toronto suggested going when I was in town for meetings back in November, and then during one of the meetings a British colleague suggested we go - as he had also heard awesome things from friends.

I consider myself a lover of food: Japanese, French, Chinese, Italian blah blah — these cuisines are renowned for flavour, and when it comes to British food you always hear the same "bland" or "grey" reviews. I wasn't sure if this was the right call.

It was lightly snowing when we pulled up to Man of Kent, and in those few short steps from the curb to the pub's doors, you could feel that cliche Toronto windchill attempt to steal all my good vibes like an icy dementor from Harry Potter.

As soon as we stepped inside, the pub's warm charm welcomed us and wrapped us in complete comfort as Oasis played lightly over the speakers. After a long flight, and a few arduous meetings, all I wanted was a beer. They came through with a proper sized pint that actually tasted like the clean their beer lines (a lot of pubs don't often enough, especially the chains) because it was FRESH.

I ordered the scotch egg to start, and it was mindblowingly good, crispy outside, filled with a spicy sausage (with a bit of heat) and a nice oozing egg yolk. This was the most flavourful scotch egg I have ever had.

For my main, I got the Fish and Chips and my friends got the Sunday Roast special: I stole a few bites of their's and it was SUCCULENT, vegetables cooked perfectly and a nice warming gravy on top.

My fish and chips were excellent, every bit as crisp as you could want, with flaky haddock, and the first time I had mushy peas that didn't look nuclear! They added a nice lively bite between the rich mouthfuls of crispy fries (chips) fish and a fresh zinging tartar sauce that added a nice contrast.

Make no mistake, this is rich comforting food that makes you feel like you've been transported to a pub in Newcastle, and it goes down so well with beer and the cold weather outside.

I honestly didn't think British pub food could be this incredible or flavourful but it hit the mark so well and I will be back the next time i'm in town. They are doing something really special here, it's a unique/authentic experience that will...

Have visited MOK many times, and have always had an amazing time whenever I visited. Whether it be during the summer (on their amazing patio) for Sunday BBQ’s or during the winter for come comfort food, MOK is a vibe all year round!

Atmosphere:

dope ambiance, with appropriate lighting for the vibe noise level is typical of any pub/bar/resto on Ossington. Great place to have some dinner and drinks with friends.

Service:

Staff is always great. regularly checks up on the table even when during max capacity, without being intrusive great selection of spirits & beers on tap, and bartenders mix a variety of well-balanced cocktails typical to any pub/bar

Food:

the STAR of the show Pies by Squires has provided MOK with a traditional English pub menu with a modern twist & flair the food was fresh, flavourful and you can tell that top tier ingredients were used highly recommend taking out a frozen Pies by Squires pie to also enjoy at home. the Bone Marrow & Short Rib pie is so fire From a 2 star Michelin resto in London, to Buca here in Toronto, to here at MOK; Chef Adam Squires is a prince in the Toronto food scene, and his reputation definitely precedes him

Price:

amazing value for the price point the price is very reasonable for the quality and...

Popped in for a quick pint earlier today. Sat down with my partner and we ordered 2 pints of Guinness. Two were delivered, one pint was fine and the other had lipstick over the rim. I returned it and requested a fresh one. A new pint was brought over but this one had rubber in the pint and on the rim. If you've worked in a bar before, its the rubber matting that pint glasses are stacked on.

The lady serving us took back the pint and poured it into another pint glass, telling us that she tried to save the pint. I wasnt happy about this but my partner didnt want to debate the issue.

Check came and paid without hesitation. Added a 15% tip despite two dirty glasses. Left afterwards and didnt notice till later that I was charged 27 dollars (before tip).

I called the Man of Kent around an hour later and asked how much a pint of Guinness was. 11 dollars plus tax. Therefore, my bill should have been 22 plus tax at 13% equals 24.86. Why was I charged a higher amount?

It seems like the bartender was worried about receiving no tip and added it on despite me tipping 15%.

This is completely unfair and I would like an explanation why I was overcharged.

Very dissapointing despite the fact I actually left a tip regardless of the poor quality...