A New Ode to British Pubs Takes NYC By Storm – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
New York City – Chef Jess Shadbolt and co-owner Annie Shi have opened Dean’s, a rebuilt British pub directly beside their long-running Soho bistro King. The casual spot launched in spring 2026 after construction delays pushed the original fall 2025 target. Shadbolt gave birth to her son roughly seven weeks before doors opened, turning the project into what she has called a true “restaurant baby.”
Signature Dishes Anchor the Menu
The kitchen focuses on straightforward British comfort food executed with care. Stargazy pie stands out as the most distinctive item, built around Spanish mackerel that is first confit in olive oil with herbs and spices, then flaked into a filling of leeks, carrots, corn, and béchamel. Boston mackerel supplies the dramatic heads and tails that protrude from the crust, while trim from the hake and cod used for fish and chips adds extra depth.
Other plates follow the same practical approach. Airy crumpets are made in-house with extended fermentation, cooked on a vintage AGA stovetop, and finished with crab salad and sorrel. Pan-seared bay scallops arrive on their own shells over a salsify sauce, finished with bacon lardons and a light vinegar element. Guinness flows in pints and also appears in shot form as a traditional oyster chaser.
Rebuild and Timing Shaped the Launch
The interior required a complete overhaul to create a space intended to last ten to fifteen years. Shadbolt has noted that the extended timeline allowed the team to prepare properly rather than rush. The delay meant the pub opened later than planned, yet the first night still felt like a major achievement to the chef.
Early service has already drawn steady dinner crowds. Diners encounter the same thoughtful execution that defined King, now applied to pub standards. The result is a neighborhood spot that balances tradition with the precision of a chef-driven kitchen.
Looking Ahead at Dean’s
Shadbolt and Shi have built Dean’s to serve as a long-term addition to the Soho dining scene. The focus remains on consistent, high-quality British fare served in a welcoming setting. With the space now fully operational, the team can concentrate on refining service and menu details over the coming months.
The pub’s arrival adds another layer to the area’s evolving restaurant landscape. Diners seeking classic dishes with careful sourcing now have a dedicated option steps from King. Early indications suggest Dean’s will settle into a regular rhythm for both locals and visitors.
