The College Arms is a friendly Irish pub at 18 Store Street in Bloomsbury, close to the British Museum and several central London universities. Operated by the Whelan’s family, it combines a traditional bar, live sport, music and a downstairs function room with food from Jane’s Thai Kitchen.
Starters include vegetable and prawn spring rolls, gyoza, karaage chicken, satay skewers, Thai chicken wings and sesame prawn toast. A sharing platter brings several crisp favourites together, while tom yum and coconut based tom kha soups layer lemongrass, lime, chilli, galangal and mushrooms into a fragrant opening course.
Green, red and Panang curries can be ordered with vegetables and tofu, chicken or prawns and arrive with jasmine rice. Stir fries use basil, chilli, cashew nuts or peanut sauce, while pad Thai, pad see ew, chilli basil noodles and Thai fried rice give customers a broad choice of familiar noodle and rice dishes.
House specialities include crispy chicken in a spicy basil sauce, roast duck with chilli and lemongrass, duck with tamarind and grilled sirloin steak. Scampi and chips, hot wings and simple sides cover pub favourites, while draught beer, Guinness, live sport and regular events complete the lively College Arms experience.
Address: 18 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7DH, United Kingdom