The Last Queen brings the comfort of an English pub to Ohio

The British pub is often romanticized and sometimes imitated in the United States, but rarely is the authenticity of these gathering places retained.

That’s what makes The Last Queen, a British-family-owned gem in the middle of Enon, so enticing.

**The Last Queen offers Tiramisu from Grist, another local restaurant.** HANNAH KICHLINE

Midwesterners are typically more familiar with what could be called a pub’s American cousin, the bar. But there are a few key differences in how these businesses are run.

Bars, which originated as saloons in the “Old West,” are typically thought of as places for young people to meet, attend shows and consume alcohol.

Bar food menus are often scant, offering just enough to comply with states’ laws that require food to be sold to offset alcohol consumption. They can be noisy, dark or crowded; and often, people enjoy “bar hopping,” not staying in one establishment too long.

**The Last Queen’s classic Sausage Roll.** HANNAH KICHLINE

Pubs, however, came from “public houses” in England dating back to the bronze age. They are often a point of central focus for village communities where people can choose to drink alcohol, but that is not the entire point of the visit.

They tend to be more laid-back than bars, with lower noise levels and fuller menus. Pubs are places to kick back, read, meet with friends or spend a leisurely afternoon with food and drink. No one brings the check or tries to rush patrons out the door.

That is exactly the atmosphere cultivated at The Last Queen. Aside from seating, the entire visit is on the customer’s time. They are invited to sit a while before heading up to the bar to order food and drinks; then after enjoying their meal, they can go back to the bar to pay.

This isn’t to say the staff is inattentive–it’s quite the opposite. When we went for lunch, the host was informative, the bartender was friendly and every person involved with our meal made sure we had all we needed.

Their workplace culture was evident even in how they joked and helped each other. Everyone at The Last Queen clearly enjoys their job.

This, more than anything, seems to be what keeps the crowds coming back. But we do need to take a minute to discuss the food. We tried their Sausage Roll as a starter, and Shepherd’s Pie and Holly Burger for mains.

**Shepherd’s Pie with toasted bread.** HANNAH KICHLINE

The Sausage Roll’s pastry casing was flaky and buttery, and it came with a simple cocktail sauce which perfectly offset the seasoning of the sausage. Like everything else, it was clearly straight from the oven, coming out quickly and searing hot.

The Shepherd’s Pie, another trademark of the pub menu, was true to form with mashed potatoes on top instead of a crust. Here too, the meat was well seasoned and the portion was generous. This was pure comfort in a bowl.

The Holly Burger is named for the Halloumi cheese that makes up the “patty.” This is a firm white cheese that held up well, with an almost tofu-like consistency. The toppings, also undeniably fresh, were the best part of the burger, consisting of tomato, crunchy pickles and “dirty slaw.”

The Last Queen sources select local ingredients through partnerships with area breweries, farms and restaurants, keeping the feeling of community central to their business.

The pub started small in 2022 after owners Adrian and Maggie Shergill moved to Ohio from across the Atlantic. As they put it, “the chance came along” to “bring a real piece of England to Enon,” and they simply took it.

**The Holly Burger with Halloumi cheese substituted for a meat patty.** HANNAH KICHLINE

The Shergills still play an active part in the operations of the business, and every step in its growth since then has come from getting to know the community.

A now-monthly afternoon tea evolved from special events, first commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee and then her death. Bourbon Nights, Sunday Roasts and a weekend breakfast menu have also been added to the calendar.

More recently, the Shergills bought and drove a decommissioned double-decker bus to Enon from Tennessee. The bus currently serves as a landmark of the pub, and in the future, the owners envision it serving as an extension of the business. Guests may be able to buy coffee and pastries on the lower level and then take them to the open-air seating upstairs to enjoy.

With a wholesome menu and shining personality, The Last Queen is a unique stop in the area. Readers who want to experience the charm of a true British pub without the fuss of a European vacation should be sure not to miss out.

Hannah Kichline, Executive editor

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