Elevated Pub Food, Big Flavor, and Old-English Charm

Located at 24 Downing St, Hollister, MO 65672, Downing Street Pour House has become a favorite for locals and visitors looking for laid-back vibes, great service, and food that goes beyond standard pub fare. It is open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, making it an easy pick for lunch, dinner, or a relaxed evening out.

Table of Contents

• A little history behind Downing Street Pour House
• The vibe: cozy, dark, historic, and easy to settle into
• What to order at Downing Street Pour House
• What makes the food stand out
• What guests seem to love most
• Why Downing Street Pour House stands out in Hollister
• FAQ

A little history behind Downing Street Pour House

Part of what makes this place interesting is how connected it is to its location. The Hollister area where the restaurant sits is known as Downing Street, and the neighborhood has a distinct English influence. There is even a nearby hotel called the Old English Inn, which helps set the tone for the whole area.

In 2017, Brad Leighner and his group of friends had the opportunity to take over the pub space inside that hotel. Instead of leaving it as-is, they reimagined it and gave it a new identity: Downing Street Pour House.

The goal was simple but smart: keep the welcoming spirit of a pub, then elevate the menu with higher-quality ingredients and a more thoughtful take on classic comfort food. That idea still defines the restaurant today.

Brad is also one of the people behind other well-known spots including Mythical ‘Wich and Gettin’ Basted, and that passion for food definitely shows here. He has long loved cooking and competes around the country, so this is not a case of opening a restaurant just to have one. There is real enthusiasm behind the menu, and that kind of energy tends to make a difference.

The vibe: cozy, dark, historic, and easy to settle into

Some restaurants feel designed to rush you in and out. Downing Street Pour House feels like the opposite.

The atmosphere leans dark, homey, and a little historic in the best way. It has that old-English pub look that gives the space personality without trying too hard. It feels lived in, comfortable, and relaxed. It is the kind of place where you could show up with family for a casual meal, meet friends for drinks and snacks, or settle in for a date night that feels low-pressure but still special.

The seating setup also adds to that versatility. There are larger seats, smaller seating options, and a back patio with more room when the weather is nice. That means the experience can be as casual or as leisurely as you want it to be.

What really stands out is that the vibe and the food match each other. The space promises comfort, and the menu delivers it.

What to order at Downing Street Pour House

If you are visiting for the first time, there are a few menu items that deserve your attention right away. These dishes show off exactly what the restaurant does well: rich flavors, quality ingredients, and pub food with personality.

1. D Street Burger

Downing Street Pour House is especially known for its burgers, and for good reason. One standout is the D Street Burger, built with arugula, goat cheese, honey, and aioli.

This burger hits that sweet-and-savory balance in a way that sounds a little unexpected until you take a bite. The goat cheese brings a creamy tang, the honey adds a smooth sweetness, and the burger itself is juicy and tender. It is the kind of combination that might raise an eyebrow on paper and then totally win you over once it all comes together.

There is also mention of the restaurant’s popular half-pound Wagyu beef burger and its classic flame-kissed burger approach, which tells you burgers are not just a side category here. They are a signature.

If you are the type who wants a burger that goes beyond lettuce, tomato, and done, this is a strong place to start.

2. Shepherd’s Pie

The Shepherd’s Pie is another must-try and a great example of the restaurant’s comfort-food side. This version features traditional lamb stew, a Parmesan mashed potato crust, and garlic.

It is hearty, warm, and deeply satisfying. You get the richness of the meat, the classic comfort of peas and mashed potatoes, and that savory finish that makes each bite feel complete. This is not a light dish pretending to be comfort food. It is the real thing.

If your ideal meal is something cozy and filling, this is likely going to be your move.

3. Basted Championship Wings, Buffalo

Another dish worth ordering is the Basted Championship Wings in buffalo. Given Brad’s connection to Gettin’ Basted, it makes sense that wings would show up as a strong menu item here too.

Buffalo wings are one of those pub essentials that can tell you a lot about a kitchen. When they are done right, they are craveable, snackable, and hard to stop eating. If you are building the perfect table of shareables and mains, these belong in the lineup.

What makes the food stand out

Plenty of places call themselves comfort food restaurants. Fewer actually make comfort food that feels memorable.

What sets Downing Street Pour House apart is the balance between familiarity and detail. The dishes are grounded in recognizable pub classics and American comfort food, but they are made with better ingredients and just enough creativity to keep things interesting.

That is why a burger can feel both approachable and unique. That is why a shepherd’s pie can come across as classic but still polished. The restaurant is not trying to reinvent comfort food from scratch. It is simply doing it well, which is often the harder thing.

The other factor is passion. When the people behind a restaurant genuinely love food, compete, experiment, and care about quality, that usually shows up in consistency and flavor. Downing Street Pour House seems to benefit from exactly that.

What guests seem to love most

The positive feedback around this place tends to circle back to the same themes: food quality, service, and atmosphere.

• “The pastrami and cabbage are a must. It keeps us coming back and is consistently delicious.” That kind of praise speaks to consistency, which matters just as much as first impressions.
• “Food was great and the service was great! Been here multiple times and it never disappoints.” Repeat visits are a strong sign that a restaurant is doing things right.
• “Great food and service! Good vibe, would recommend!” Simple, but it covers the essentials people care about most.

There is also praise for menu items like the HAFB burger, pastrami sandwich, and green chili cream corn brûlée, which suggests there is more to explore beyond the dishes already mentioned. That is always a good sign for a restaurant because it means the appeal is not limited to just one or two safe orders.

Why Downing Street Pour House stands out in Hollister

In an area with plenty of places to eat, Downing Street Pour House has a few advantages that help it stand apart.

• A distinctive setting that leans into an old-English pub identity rather than a generic restaurant feel.
• High-quality ingredients used in dishes that still feel comforting and accessible.
• A relaxed atmosphere that works for families, casual meals, and date nights alike.
• Owners who clearly care about food, flavor, and creating a memorable experience.

That combination gives the restaurant personality. It does not feel interchangeable, and that matters.

FAQ