Downtown Huntsville discovered authentic British hospitality when an Englishman opened a pub in 2019, then partnered with an Irish chef to expand into something truly special. ☕
The Poppy and Parliament combines an upscale English pub with elevated European cuisine and a butcher shop upstairs, creating an experience that transports guests across the Atlantic every Sunday for brunch.
The iconic red telephone booth outside hints at the genuine Anglo-Irish character waiting inside.
How The Poppy and Parliament Won Huntsville’s Hearts
Shane Brown, a Yorkshire native with a degree in poultry science who transitioned to aerospace program management, opened The Poppy in May 2019 because he craved a touch of home in Alabama.
The original pub captured attention immediately with its authentic British atmosphere on the historic downtown square location. 🇬🇧 Then fate intervened when Chef Barry O’Connor, a highly-trained chef and restaurateur from Cork, Ireland, walked in during a Huntsville conference visit.
The two men struck up a conversation that November 2020 night, and by the end, Brown had convinced O’Connor to become proprietor of the restaurant side, dubbed Parliament.
The Poppy & Parliament was born, expanding beyond drinks to include food that showcased O’Connor’s culinary expertise.
The partnership brought in Executive Chef Kristen Caroselli, whom Chef Barry recruited from Tuscaloosa to help open the new concept. 👩🍳 Her commitment to staying in the kitchen where she “absolutely needs to be” elevated the entire operation.
What really captured hearts was the hand-selected antibiotic-free meats—Braveheart beef, Allegiance pork, and domestic lamb—that customers could purchase from the artisan butcher shoppe upstairs, then enjoy expertly prepared downstairs.
The restaurant hand-cuts all meats in-house and uses them to create signature dishes exclusively for loyal customers.
Chef O’Connor described Huntsville as a perfect fit because of the multicultural population with adventurous palates willing to try elevated British and Irish specialties. 🍽️
The Sunday brunch became legendary, offering everything from full English breakfasts to fluffy pancakes and homemade sourdough.
Critics praised the delicious, creative blend of English, Irish, and Mediterranean influences that made the menu far more elevated than typical pub fare.
Food Highlights
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Full English Breakfast: The ultimate brunch centerpiece features Shane’s grilled Cumberland sausages, grilled bacon, pan-fried mushrooms, grilled black and white puddings, sautéed potatoes, baked beans, grilled tomato, and two eggs cooked to your liking—it’s an authentic British feast.
- Irish Bacon Ribs: A standout brunch protein that reviewers specifically mention as memorable, showcasing the Irish influence that Chef O’Connor brought to the menu.
- Homemade Sourdough: The house-made bread appears throughout the brunch menu, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to scratch cooking and artisanal techniques that elevate simple ingredients.
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Tart Monsieur: This elegant brunch favorite earns consistent praise from reviewers who appreciate the sophisticated French-inspired preparation that showcases the kitchen’s European expertise.
- Eggs Benedict: The brunch menu’s star showcases perfectly poached eggs with hollandaise that demonstrates Chef Kristen’s technical precision and commitment to classic preparations done right.
- Toad in the Hole: This traditional British dish features sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding batter—an authentic brunch option that transports diners straight to a London pub 🥚
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Scotch Eggs Flight: Get your brunch on the right track with this unique offering featuring multiple scotch eggs served with polenta fries and house-made chutneys—customers call them absolutely stellar.
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Fluffy Pancakes: Part of the diverse brunch offerings that prove The Poppy isn’t just about British fare—these American-style pancakes satisfy those craving familiar comfort alongside European options.
- Shepherd’s Pie: Critics rave about this authentic preparation as “real Shepherd’s pie” featuring carrot mash with hollandaise that makes it unforgettable—one diner’s birthday dinner highlight.
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Fish and Chips: Though not exclusively brunch, this is the most popular dish—customers who lived in England call it “the most authentic fish & chips” they’ve had stateside, with meaty, flaky cod and spot-on chips.
- Sticky Toffee Pudding: The legendary dessert makes customers remember Gordon Ramsay, earning consistent praise as the perfect sweet ending to any meal. 🍮
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Bangers and Mash: Shane’s Old English version is completely house-made with colcannon that reviewers call “spot on”—the traditional Irish mashed potatoes with cabbage and onions create comfort food perfection.
Atmosphere
The beautiful patio space offers ample outdoor seating, perfect for people-watching on the historic downtown square, with your pups welcome.
Inside, the authentic British pub atmosphere creates a lively, convivial space that somehow accommodates rugby fans and church crowds equally well.
The facility boasts plenty of indoor seating with the upstairs Gourmet Store and Butcher Shoppe selling quality meats, cheeses, and British goodies for taking home.
Bottom Line
Visit for an authentic British brunch unlike anything else in Alabama, experience food from classically-trained English and Irish chefs who hand-cut quality meats in-house, enjoy the charming atmosphere with a real English phone booth and beautiful patio, and discover why locals and critics call this the most genuine Anglo-Irish dining experience this side of the Atlantic. 🇬🇧
Address:
117 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801
📞 (256) 715-7152
🕔 Lunch Mon-Sat 11 AM–3 PM | Dinner Mon-Thu 4 PM–9 PM, Fri-Sat 4 PM–10 PM | Sunday Brunch 11 AM–2:30 PM, Dinner 3 PM–8 PM