Keven Reed

Union Jack's is a laid-back place to hang out for Beth Tucker, Kristen Jones and Stephen Doughty.

Keven Reed

Darts and dudes: Peter Jackson, John Markham, Adam Tinker and Joe Hatton prepare for a classic pub game at Union Jack's.

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Keven Reed

Joe Hatton takes his shot during a game of darts at Union Jack's.

KNOXVILLE — The last couple of weeks I've taken the opportunity to visit a couple of Knoxville's newest nightlife hotspots. While both were excellent fun and provided an interesting twist on the Knoxville sports-bar scene, they were, after all, still sports bars.

I wanted to take this week to try something a little more laid back.

Looking back on the many bars I've visited over the last several years, there are only a handful of places that have really stuck out in my mind. Among these, there are even fewer I would consider a great place to stop in, relax, converse and have a few beers with your friends. One of the first bars I had the opportunity of visiting in Knoxville sums up this atmosphere almost perfectly — Union Jacks.

Located on Northshore Drive just off of Kingston Pike, Union Jack's is a self-professed British pub. Seeing as how I've never been to an actual British pub, I can't vouch for its authenticity, but it is certainly valid enough a claim for me.

The only other 'British pub' I know of in town is The Crown and Goose. Aside from offering many of the same frosty beverages, neither shares much in common with the other. Union Jack's, it is safe to say, seems to relate more to the seedier side of Britain.

Union Jack's is definitely about keeping it simple. Inside you will find little more than a few tables and booths lining the walls. The bar leaves just enough space for a few stools and walking room between the adjacent booths. Just on the other side of the bar lies the game room, offering a couple of pool tables and darts for those trying to keep themselves entertained. Union Jack's is 21-and-up and does allow smoking inside. If you need to get away from the smog for a moment, there is a small patio out back.

One of my favorite things about Union Jack's is the decoration, or the lack thereof. The lighting is dim inside Union Jack's and the decoration kept down to a minimum of British themed knickknacks. This seems to keep the distractions down and offers a more realistic feel, rather than turning it into a British Chuck E. Cheese.

Union Jack's is also one of the few places left in Knoxville that still uses an actual jukebox. This keeps some sort of control on the music being played, weeding out the stuff most people don't want to hear anyway. During our evening at Union Jack's we heard a fairly diverse set of music, including The White Stripes, The Cure, Neil Young, and, of course, The Beatles. The volume is kept at a relatively low level, keeping everyone from competing with music for conversation.

The drinks at Union Jack's are some of the most unique Knoxville has to offer. As far as I can tell, a good portion of their fairly large draft selection consists of beer only found at Union Jack's. While these will run you $4 a pint, they are definitely worth it. I usually stick with the ruby or pale ales offered, but there is definitely a beer for everyone.

Union Jack's also offers pub food like nachos, chips and salsa and 'pub dogs.'

If you haven't gotten to visit Union Jack's, you owe it to yourself to at least give it a try. It may not be for everyone, but Union Jack's has a lot to offer those looking for somewhere different to hang out in Knoxville.