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Scots in Skirts: Don't be surprised to find males wearing colorful kilts on Celtic Night at King's Head Pub. Huge Head Some will kilt to get a dollar off a beer By Broos Campbell Kings Head Pub 201 Orchard City Dr, Campbell 408.871.2499 THE SANTA CLARA Valley contains a large handful of British and Irish pubs, but very few dedicated to kilts, bagpipes and Robbie Burns. Conveniently located in the untamed wilds of downtown Campbell, nestled in a Tudor-style building next to the water tower, Kings Head Pub amply answers that oversight. With its dark wood paneling, soft light and flagstone floor, the main room downstairs offers respite from summer heat and traffic, and a warm refuge from winter chills. There's also a handsome upstairs loft for overflow crowds, a comfortable smoking patio out back, and a cozy inglenook where acoustic Celtic bands often jam. There are 16 beers on tap, almost all of them imported, and 17 bottled varieties. A full bar offers a choice selection of single-malt scotches, along with the usual spirits. Thursday evening is Celtic music night, when laddies in kilts get a dollar off their beer. Lassies' drinks are half price on Wednesday nights. Happy hour is Monday through Thursday from 5 to 7pm. Games include darts, of course, along with dominoes, cards and dice. There's also a popular trivia contest on Tuesday nights. Sam Summerscales, who owns and operates the Kings Head with his wife, Barbara Summerscales, presides over the kitchen. His fish and chips are particularly good. They come with "mushy peas," which taste like very bland guacamole--go for the al dente broccoli instead. Sam also turns out excellent sausage rolls, which are very tasty indeed with mustard and go nicely with a big tankard of ale, as well as such Highland favorites as toad in the hole and Scottish bridie. Steer clear of the haggis, though--it's offal. [ Bars & Clubs Index | San Jose | Metroactive Central | Archives ]