Gastropubs are few and far between in East Africa, and then there’s the Purdy Arms, a mostly outdoor eatery in a flower-filled 20-acre garden in the leafy Nairobi neighborhood of Karen. (There is an indoor dining room if you want a more sedate experience.)

Its roots are evident in its distinctly British name. Needless to say, its clientele draws heavily from the ex-pat side of the city’s population, some of whom eat dinner here once a week or more (lots of repeat customers).

This isn’t a fancy place: it’s a popular gathering spot for those who’ve been bicycling on a weekend or engaging in a bit of amateur rugby after work. As would be expected in a pub, there are not one but two television screens in the bar area showing whatever sporting event is broadcasting live. If you’re traveling by yourself, it’s easy to strike up a conversation — there are no strangers here.

The Purdy Arms is family-owned and operated, and children are welcome. They can run around in the gardens, away from the other diners. (There’s usually a “bouncy castle” set up on the lawn.)

Chili fanatics swear by the Hell’s Gate Pizza (named for a nearby national park as well as the smoking hot spices). Their wood-fired pizzas — a somewhat new addition to the menu — are to die for. Prices are quite reasonable for Karen (entrées less than KS1000).

Unexpectedly, there are five guest rooms at the Purdy Arms (you get breakfast included if you stay the night). There’s free parking and free Wi-Fi, too.