Rudyard’s British Pub celebrates 40 years in Houston
Rudyard’s British Pub has been a staple in the Houston bar scene since 1978. Whether you’re looking for live music, comedy, darts, craft beer or just a local laid-back spot with great food—there’s something for everyone at Rudyard’s. New Executive Chef Jordan Economy joined the team in April from Prohibition Supper Club and Bar and is keeping everything you loved about Rudyard’s iconic pub grub, giving new life to the rest of the menu.
Rudyard’s is getting ready for a full week of fun—free and ticketed events—to celebrate its 40th anniversary at the end of August. While you might not have heard of Rudyard’s yet, it’s time you did. This unassuming red building has a lot of history that feels like home to regulars and newbies alike.
Rudyard’s moved to 2010 Waugh Drive from Kipling in the early 1980s (but kept the name—for Rudyard Kipling). Live music was introduced in the mid-’80s and quickly started making a name for itself. “I’ve been coming here for over 15 years,” said Chef Economy, “even when I [maybe] wasn’t supposed to be upstairs [at the shows].”
He couldn’t seem more excited about joining the team, but he knows he’s stepping into big shoes. “I’m cooking for a neighborhood that I love and a lot of people that I know,” he said. “Joe [Apa] was here for 10 years and so Rudyard’s is a heavy weight on my shoulders because this is more personal for me than it ever has been. It’s where I come from. I don’t want to let our neighbors and newcomers down.”
He confirmed that he’ll be keeping the dishes that everyone loves on the menu, while, “raising the bar for pub grub and keeping it fun and accessible.” He also said, “Coming from fine dining I’m bringing the techniques and making that fine dining more accessible to a pub.”
It’s clear when talking to owner Lelia Rodgers that Rudyard’s bar is something that no one can replicate .“We love feeding our neighborhood,” she said. Chef Economy added, “We’re pushing forward with stabilizing our brand as a neighborhood bar, looking at how the neighborhood is changing and asking if we’re meeting the neighborhood’s needs.”
They’re also bringing back events that took a break. The 40th anniversary week marks the first time they’ll host a beer dinner in over a year. Rodgers said that Rudyard’s is “bringing back the beer dinner and giving it more variety.” Instead of strictly beer pairings, they may do future pairings that include beer cocktails and spirits and do events at different price points to increase accessibility.
If you’ve never been to a concert at Rudyard’s, you’ll have to add it to your week or weekend plans. There’s a long history of great bands playing in these walls. “Some of the biggest bands played here before they were big,” Chef Jordan said. He and Rodgers mention great shows from over the years, covering the likes of the Whites Stripes, Black Keys, The Decemberists, Meat Puppets and of course Destiny’s Child when Queen Bea and her crew were still just children. While the current lineup is heavier on punk and metal shows, there are still steady bookings of “Alt-country, Americana and sometimes even some singer songwriters,” said Rodgers.
If you’re as excited as we are to learn the full 40th anniversary event lineup, here it is! Make a plan to come by and get to know this local gem and celebrate the next 40 years.
Here are some events you just can’t miss:
- Monday, August 20: Rudyard’s Comedy All-Stars hosted by Dusti Rhodes. 8pm “One of the longest-running comedy nights in town,” Rodgers said. “It’s been going on for almost 8 years.”
- Tuesday, August 21: Grown-up Story Time hosted by Emily Hynds.
- Wednesday, August 22: Gamer night with dart tournament downstairs and board gamers extravaganza hosted by Reddit upstairs.
- Thursday, August 23: Return of the Rudyard’s beer dinner with Real Ale Brewery, with a special $65 price. Find four courses with two beer tastings per course.
- Friday–Saturday, August 24–25: Free show weekend—check the online calendar for each night’s lineup.
- Saturday, August 25: Afternoon pig roast BBQ—2 whole hogs will be cooked.
- Two options for service: Open service and Private service with handmade tortillas and sides.
- Sunday, August 26: Brewery bike tour traveling to Eureka Heights, Platypus Brewery, Saint Arnold, 8th Wonder and return to Rudyard’s for brunch.
To learn more visit: rudyardspub.com
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