At The Courthouse Hotel, we love our classics — and we love putting a little spin on them too.
One of the best examples? The Flat Rueben — our wood-fired pizza take on the iconic Rueben sandwich.
This isn’t just another menu item — it’s a dish created especially for our owner, Alistair, who happens to have a serious love for all things Rueben.
Here’s the story behind it — and why it’s quickly becoming a must-try for anyone who loves real flavour.
Born from a Love of the Rueben
If you know Alistair, you know he’s all about good, honest food — the kind that’s packed with flavour and a little bit of nostalgia.
The classic Rueben — corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and pickles — has always been a personal favourite.
But instead of putting it between two slices of rye, we decided to get creative.
The result? The Flat Rueben: a crispy, wood-fired pizza that keeps everything you love about the original, and serves it up with that unmistakable Courthouse twist.
What’s on the Flat Rueben?
- Napoli base for a rich, savoury foundation
- Corned beef — tender, salty, and packed with flavour
- Sauerkraut for that classic tang and crunch
- Swiss cheese melted to perfection
- Pickles scattered on top for the ultimate Rueben finish
All cooked in our wood-fired oven to give it that perfect crispy edge and smoky touch.
It’s messy. It’s bold. It’s ridiculously tasty.
A Rueben Like You’ve Never Had Before
The Flat Rueben isn’t trying to be fancy — it’s trying to be fun, flavourful, and a little bit different.
It’s the perfect pizza if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary — something that hits all the comforting, salty, tangy notes of a great Rueben, but with the crunch and chew of a great pizza base.
(And yes — Alistair personally recommends it every time.)
Perfect With a Beer (Or Two)
A pizza this bold needs a good drink to go with it.
Grab a cold beer or a crisp cider from the bar, pull up a chair, and dig in.
We guarantee you won’t find another pizza like it in Smythesdale.
Come try the Flat Rueben next time you visit The Courthouse Hotel — a pizza created with love, and made for anyone who believes pickles belong on everything.
This now tells the personal story (Alistair’s love of Ruebens), sells the dish naturally, and keeps it fun and real.
