First Look Inside London’s Philly-Themed Bar

Philadelphia, we are on the rise! The Eagles won the Super Bowl. Sixers made the NBA playoffs. Villanova won the March Madness tournament. And now, a Philly-themed bar has opened across the pond. That’s right, our beloved Philly cheesesteak is becoming a city-wide sensation in London, U.K. When we heard that Passyunk Avenue was serving up these authentic Philly favorites, we knew we had to be judge of that! Owner and South Jersey native, JP Teti is making it his mission to share signature hometown meals with his new neighbors.

 

Philly Culture in London

Let’s face it, no city in the world is quite like Philadelphia. While Teti moved to London over ten years ago, he still reminisces about the late nights on South Street and eating homemade Italian meals. Since leaving his hometown in 2008, he’s bringing an experiential story of Philly sports, music, culture… and of course, food!

In September 2015, Liberty Cheesesteak Company opened up at Old Spitalfields Market, one of the city’s many food markets featuring dozens of local vendors. The authentic Philly flavors have been successful, standing apart in the busy sandwich scene. After three years, it has grown into its very own brick and mortar, Passyunk Avenue. With the grand opening of the restaurant and bar, Teti continues to grow his business, which he describes as a love letter to Philadelphia.

 

The Menu

The official launch on April 5 will reveal the bar’s full menu. Passyunk Avenue’s Italian-American  inspired menu will feature all the classics we know and love. Hearty items feature cheesesteaks, chicken parm, meatballs, and roast pork sandwiches. While starters and sides include nachos, jumbo buffalo wings, homemade tots, soft pretzels and more.

That’s not all! Weekend brunch is filled with specials like bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches. While they’re on every street corner in Philly, they’re nearly impossible to find in London. (A hangover horror!) Sunday deals will replicate supper at Grandma’s house with bottomless pasta.

 

                       Behind the Bar

Passyunk Avenue is currently pouring cold drafts of Budweiser, Brooklyn Brewery, Sierra Nevada, and Sambrooks. In cans, you’ll find iconic American favorites like PBR. As of now, there are no Philadelphia brewers featured behind the bar but anticipate them in the near future.

What you can find: the famous city-wide special. Teti’s dive bar is complete with the famous combination of a shot of whiskey + a can of cold beer to chase it down. Here, it’s a shot of Jim Beam + a PBR.

 

 

Hometown Flair

With a specific dive bar ambiance in mind, Passyunk Avenue’s team designed the spot to be “retro shabby chic.” The exposed brick, cozy interior, and fake wood panels transport visitors back to a classic South Philly home in 1975.

Back home, Teti has become a hero, who has already created buzz from countless Philadelphia media sources. He credits his success thus far to a self-proclaimed bachelor degree in cooking (thanks to Great Chefs television marathons), homemade recipes, and a passion for hospitality. One of his favorite pieces of memorabilia: an article framed by his mom.

 

The Future of Liberty Cheesesteak Company

Having earned the reputation of “London’s ‘Only Real Philly Cheesesteak,’” we had one last question. What is next for Passyunk Avenue and the Liberty Cheesesteak Company?

Teti is paving the way to show foreigners that American, specifically Philly, cuisine can stand up against old world favorites. He imagines his business expanding even further east to share our favorites with more of the world!

 

 

Londoners have already fallen in love with the Philly feel of the good people and good food behind Passyunk Avenue. For more of their mouth-watering updates, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

What’s Philly food would you miss most if you moved? Share with us in the comments!

3 thoughts on “First Look Inside London’s Philly-Themed Bar”

  1. Tacconelli’s Pizza!
    Heading back to London in early May. Can’t wait to try Passyunk Avenue steaks that week!

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