Great food ad the portions are huge. Great location next to the beachfront. The steak sandwich and fish and chips were really good for lunch. read more

GOT CUSSED OUT BY THE ASIAN GIRL IN THE PICS! So we decided to head to Capitola for the day. We just got in around 2pm or so and decided to eat before we headed to the beach. I thought , British Pub ... good fish and chips. We had 4 adults and 5 kids in the group. We decided to sit in the patio. They had small bistro type tables (dirty by the way) with 4 chairs per table. We were told we could only occupy two tables as they get super busy. I guess we were expected to squeeze in the stroller into a table really meant for dining for 2. We asked for a third table to spread out, rudely told no by an older blonde gal with a British accent. She said parties of 4 per table. So by that statement she acknowledges the fact that we are 2 separate parties and in my mind that means separate checks. We let the table issue slide. Quickly order, simple choices, nothing complicated. Food comes out relatively quick. We ended up with an extra order of fries, my wife and I kindly said that we think we have fries we didn't order. She rudely crosses her arms and says "You ordered separate fries." Not "Maybe I didn't hear you" or some other typical service industry pleasantry. Wife and I insist we didn't order the fries, maybe they are for another table (likely not as no one else showed up to each on the patio during peak business hours - happy hour for them). Nope, she gets even more testy and says we ordered them. The place was not busy at all. We had to ask for refills constantly. Food was below average at best. We ask for the bill, and I ask for separate bills for our two families. She is adamant that she cant reverse the bill as it is in as a party of 8. I ask nicely. She gets all flustered and I just say its ok we will split the bill. Bill comes, she says an 18% gratuity is included for parties of 8. THAT IS WHY SHE COULDNT SPLIT THE BILL - she wanted to force a gratuity on us. I told her that I will not pay her 18% and I would like to tip accordingly to the service received. She gets all pissy. Says she worked hard, I said I would gladly tell her the things that went wrong in our perspective. She says WHAT? I start to mention the table issue, and tell her there are still 7 tables available and us occupying one more would not affect the restaurant. She cuts me off and says I DONT CARE I AM JUST GOING TO TAKE OFF THE TIP. She gets all pissed starts tapping away on her touch screen, cant figure it out. Goes to the owner/bartender(???) and has it done. Some regular joe says get out or we are going to call the cops. I get pissed. Asked him if he works there? Get in in his face and start yelling at him to mind his own business. He gets shit scared and backs off. When I turn my attention back to my bill, the asian gal I mentioned is standing there. "You should all be ashamed of yourself, she has worked hard, cheap fucking bastards!" After a bit of yelling and screaming from both us and them we pay and we leave. WORST EXPERIENCE EVER read more

Learn how to check an ID, lady. Never will I succumb to writing my signature out solely because I dyed my hair a different color. Nice way to lose business. read more

I'm sure it was a beautiful sunny day in Capitola, and the restaurant was surely buzzing during the lunch hour. During the week day there is usually the bartender entertaining bar guests inside, and a waitress that services and serves both inside and outside tables. In response to E.S. Watkinsville, GA The party that felt let down on their service today... You mentioned that another table on the patio received a pitcher of tea, and water at their table... in my experience, they probably knew what they wanted and were very clear on what they ordered - making it very easy for the server to service them in the manner they hoped, during a busy lunch hour. Apologies should go out for not having been on top of refilling your water. Apologies should go out for having added the garnishes to one of your orders...but servers are human too, and do error - give them a little leeway during busy times, and know they strive to offer you excellent service. Restaurants can't offer everyone a complimentary pitcher of water at their table, as water is precious everywhere, and greatly recognized as such in California. You would be surprised at how many people ask for water, and barely drink half the glass served to them - but please feel free to request one next time if you think you need to, especially during busy hours. Bar kegs are kept cool and fresh to please the patrons, that's what they are here for. If upon multiple visits to the same establishment you happen to order the same drink, and continually find it does not meet your liking... please don't order it again and then threaten staff and complain. That does not make it comfortable for the staff to approach you to offer refills or any other kind of service for that matter. Lastly, if you take up your concerns or complaints with your bartender, and he/she offers to pour the same drink and taste it themselves... they are trying to meet you half way - and see if your complaint is legitimate or maybe your pallet is just off. It's their job to know if a drink tastes good or not - that's why they are your bartender. And let me repeat again... if you get hostile, threaten, or throw a temper tantrum with any bartender or server, it does not make it comfortable for the staff to continue to serve you at that time. Just a hunch this may have been what you were experiencing with your server. So, please know the restaurant staff is human, but there to offer you the best service they can at that time. Be aware of the hour you are dining and be prepared to order when your server comes around on a busy shift. Be tactful with your approach when you have a concern or complaint - you may find that makes all the difference in the end results of your service. Sincerely, Someone who knows the Service Industry read more

Great food tonight for a quick meal in tola. 2 thumbs up for the cheese steak! Service was really great! Just ask for JackieD. Very friendly and great service! Thanks again Jackie!!! read more

Went there last Monday with a friend. He had the Steak and Kidney pie. I had the Cornish Pastie. Both were very good and served hot. The ocean breeze coming through the place makes it a great location. read more

The food is good, but not great. It has more of a sports bar feel than an English pub. The service was good (it was the only place on New Year's Eve without a wait) and the location on the beach is great. I would probably go back to catch a football game on tv since it seems to be one of the only bars with multiple tvs in the village. read more

Good, but not great. But it doesn't have to be great because it's in such a touristy spot. The fish and chips will not disappoint!

Went here last weekend for the begonia festival it was packed we actually had breakfast and lunch the food was amazing but the thing that was the best were the waitresses and bartender he was. Racking out drinks like crazy and the waitresses were running all over like a well oiled machine carrying stacks of used glasses and trays full of new drinks and food sure they were super busy and it took a minute to get served but they were already talking to us bringing drink and I gotta say threw all the commotion the smiles never left there faces great job girls I will look forward to getting more of those amazing bacon wrapped prawns and great smiles from the girls read more

Andy was sweet and attentive. He blessed me with an Angry Orchard glass for free because I love Angry Orchard. He has a great accent and knows Soccer. This is a must visit place when u visit Capitola ca !! read more

I am telling all my friends to get themselves over to the Britannia Arms Restaurant in Capitola. I have enjoyed most all of the restaurants Capitola has to offer but, this is the best all around. The owners Andy and Sydney are gracious hosts that make your experience the best. Lindsey was our server and her attentive friendliness made our time most enjoyable. The fish and chips are incredible and the Shepherds Pie is over the top. We are now driving from Morgan Hill to Capitola, just to experience the best. food, ambiance and service. Enjoy The Britannia Arms. Jon M. read more

Colleen C. 02//07/2013 I understand that British food is not very good anyway, but this is ridiculous? After my mother-in-law and I had lunch at Britannia Arms in Capitola , it made us realize that we should have packed a snack. It is the worst food we have eaten in a long time. I had the Shepard's Pie and she had Fish and Chips and both of us became ill after having lunch there. We had plans to spend an entire day together and we had to go home because of an upset stomach. Between the food and the bill, we didn't have a chance... read more

Got sick later from the food and so did my parents. My mom had a wedge salad and clam chowder. She described the clam chowder as clumpy because of the flour. My dad had the Cornish pastie tasted like soap and got sick right away. read more

Went there yesterday with my wife she had the tuna tower more tuna than when we go to Hawaii. I changed mine up and ask for bangers w onions only. Not even a hesitation very good. Fair price we sat on the bar read more

WORST DINING EXPERIENCE EVER!!!! I NEVER take the to write reviews but this owner is such a greedy, cheap jerk (which is why one of his locations has already closed!!!) I felt it was my duty to warn potential victims of this half assed establishment. Walked in during happy hour, ordered apps and beer. Was told by the waitress that the artichoke kabobs were "soooo good" but they were the blandest most disgusting canned artichokes I'd ever tasted! I took one bite and told her that I'd like to send it back. Her reply? "You can send it back but I can't take it off the bill." What? So then she went back and allegedly asked the owner and he said the only way he'd take them off is if they were literally rotten. I have never been treated so badly by a restaurant before and by the way, the apps ARE NOT half off at happy hour (which I've never even heard of!) so basically, we paid $10 for one bite of disgusting crap (I can't even call it food--I'm sure it would do more harm than good!). We won't be back until a new and improved restaurant takes their place which it surely will, given the way they treat their customers. read more

Best burger in town! Love to stop in for our britannia burger and the waitstaff are always pleasant.

I went there on a Sunday to watch some football since they have multiple games going on. I went with my girlfriend and her daughter. When we walked in, surprisingly, it was smaller than I expected. Not a big deaI though because we found a table right away. Anyways, to get to the point, we ordered a cup of clam chowder, BLT, Chinese Chicken Salad, and a turkey burger. The clam chowder taste like watered down, canned, Progresso Clam Chowder. Not very good! As for the BLT, it was burnt toast, with bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes. The turkey burger was good. Pretty juicy and flavorful. As the for Chinese Chicken Salad, by far blew the other items we ordered out of the water. The dressing was what made it so good. But that's not what's keeping me away. While eating our meals, we noticed a waitress carrying a salad to a table and she dropped two little cups, one with green onions, and the other with nuts, on the floor. After she noticed, she came back and scooped the food up with her bare hands! I continued to watch her, and she then dumped the remaining into the trash right next to the bar. After that, she wiped her hands on a bar rag then grabbed two pints of beer by the rim of the glasses with the same hands she scooped up the food off the floor!!!! NOT SANITARY!!!!! I will not be returning!!!! read more

Waitress was so rude!!! We had a group of 7 and were split into two tables on the patio. After a nearby table left, one table of our group moved to the closer table. The waitress immediately came out and said NO NO NO. You cannot do that! We weren't blocking anything or stealing a table (there were plenty of open tables). She was very impatient and just overall rude. Didn't catch her name, but had an English accent and used the term "love" wayyyy too much. read more

My husband and I ate dinner at this pub recently and did not enjoy our experience at all. A few things that ruined our experience: 1. The customer service was terrible. We were greeted by a busy server and was told that the only option was a spot at the bar. We didn't mind this at all, and took the two seats at the bar. The bar top had maybe a total of 7 people sitting at it, so it was pretty roomy. We were given a menu after a few minutes of sitting there staring. We ordered and shared the calamari appetizer and the Combo Plate, which included fried fish, prawns and French fries. The meal was brought out to us we received the Combo Basket, which is apparently an appetizer of fried veggies and onions - not what we ordered. We flagged the bartender and asked what it was (since it didn't look like fish, prawns and French fries), and he just handed us a menu and said it was in there. He said that we ordered the basket, not the plate. I have an issue with a few things there...A )you should probably have your menu memorized, B) you should never accuse the customer of ordering something they didn't (own up to your mistakes) and C) why not just apologize and move on? Anyway, after this he disappeared for a while and came back with the plate we actually ordered. Once he dropped that off, that was the last of the communication. We didn't get asked if we wanted additional drinks (we ordered a beer and a cider), we didn't get checked on, nothing. Some people like to be left alone, but coming from a customer service perspective, he gave us nothing. Since I'm on a negative rant about this place, I'll add that there was also another bartender working the bar. She seemed nice, but at one point during our meal she complained really loudly to a few of her customers about a drink someone had just ordered. Something along the lines of "this sounds so disgusting! I can't believe I have to make this!" And then proceeded to make extra for her customers and herself to try - and then they decided that it actually tasted good. I've never heard a bartender complain about a drink like that. I would be so offended if she had been talking about mine. 2. The food was terrible. The calamari came out in strips, but tasted like they were burnt or maybe cooked in old oil. I will say that there was definitely enough in that appetizer for the two of us to share. The fish was double fried, but very bland. We both love seafood, but could barely finish it. There was just something not right about it. Even the French fries were bland, not sure how you can mess those up. In conclusion, I would not recommend this place. I left feeling like I did something wrong and kind of offended. It's too bad, because it's in a great location and sounded like a cool place by the reviews. Maybe we just hit everyone on a bad night. read more

We came in last night (Saturday) and they had karaoke going on. We walked in and the small bar/restaurant was packed with locals. This place STUNK like body odor, bile, etc. It slapped you in the face right as you walked in!! We were celebrating my best friends bachelorette party and went out on the open area to dance. These girls started trying to bump us (literally) off of the floor. Half of us went and sat down and the other half kept dancing. While I was standing watching people sing, I watched a girl take a line of coke right out of her purse!!!! I couldn't believe it. What kind of place is this?! We left and would NEVER come back after the way we were treated and the type of crowd that hangs out there. read more

Not what it was in rio new owners new locaand boy are they a piece of work on to the food they changed the chicken pie the sides suck and the staff are unprofessional.the set up is like an open sports bar and its not rooted in Irish flavor no surprise the original irish staff is gone as well. read more

My family and I ate at this restaurant for lunch during the Labor day weekend. The restaurant condition at the time was unacceptable. The floor was very dirty that looked like they haven't clean for days. We were seating by the window and there were many dead flies and dust on the windowsill. The table was not clean and the extra plates we got were not clean. I started not feeling well after ate their famous fish and chips and I suspect that the oil they use was old. The vegetables are not fresh at all. The service was not too bad but this would be our last eat- out at this restaurant. read more

A group of 10 senior women went in for breakfast Sunday at the opening time of 10 am. One of us used the private ATM machine in the restaurant. The ATM machine spit out a receipt saying the $40.00 was taken from her account but she received no cash. She called the phone number on the machine, got a recording then called her own bank. She spoke with the person who said she was the owner of the restaurant and asked her to put an out of order sign on the machine so this wouldn't happen to the next person. The owner said she did not own the machine and it wasn't her responsibility and would not put a sign on the ATM machine. Unfortunately for us, this waitress/owner was also our server. 3 of our meals arrived 10 minutes later than some and one of our orders arrived 20 minutes after the rest taking a total of 45 minutes. As we were waiting for the last of the meals to arrive, I spoke with this server/owner and all she did was continue to make excuses for the late meals. At this point I told her I did not want to hear any more excuses. I just wanted her to check on our meals. I was not loud or obnoxious about it but all the rest of my group was now done with their meal and I wanted mine delivered ASAP. At this point the server/owner asked me not to return to this restaurant EVER! She aaccused me of being a problem in the past yet this was the first time I was at this establishment. Doesn't seem to me that it is very good business to alienate 12 local families by insisting they never return because you can't handle problems within your restaurant. Sounds like several other reviewers have had the same type of rude service. read more

Rude waitstaff and bad drinks. The British waitress was especially rude to us and tables around us. Seems like they don't try because they have such a good location. read more

We sat outside. The calamari we ordered at this Brittania Arms Pubin Capitola, looked disgusting to us. I asked the waiter (Michael) if it was calamari and he said yes! why? I said the pieces looked greasy, burned, dark, long and overcooked, and, it just didn't looked like calamari. (It looked like some processed stuff). He ended up taking it back. A few minutes later this lady comes to our table with a very feisty, rude, argumentative and pissed off attitude, with our plate of calamari in her hands, asking us "What was the problem with the calamari". I told her the same thing I told the waiter. She, in a fighting mood and ready to tell us off, rudely asked , how come I didn't ask what kind of calamari they had before I ordered it, and kept mouthing off to us. My friend and I could not believe our ears on how this woman was talking to us. Thinking perhaps that she was a waitress, I asked to speak with the manager and in a haughty tone of voice, she replied that she was the OWNER OF THE RESTAURANT. We just couldn't believe that his woman, who happens to be the OWNER, took extreme offense at our obvious description of the calamari, and instead of handling the situation in a professional manner as the Owner, she chose to be downright rude, confrontational and lacked customer service etiquette. Fortunately a very nice waitress noticed my confusion and asked me what was the problem. I explained to her what had just transpired and about the unbelievable behavior of the owner, and the waitress felt bad for me. While the waitress and I were talking, this woman, THE OWNER, said to me: "Get the F***K OUT OF HERE". In hearing that, both the waitress and I were shocked and in disbelief, to say the least. To avoid any further verbal attacks from THIS OWNER, I immediately asked the nice waitress for the bill, paid it and my friend and I left. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS RESTAURANT, first of all the prices are way too high, and, worst of all , the Owner is downright rude with some kind of power trip. read more

Never again, worst service ever. We only ordered appetizers and salad for my wife and I. We got there a little after 6pm and left at 7pm after we saw people who came in after us being served , by at different waitress so it depends who you get serving you. The owner followed us out to the car asking us to pay for the food we took with us. We told him we did not take any food except for one lady in our party who paid cash and already left. This was the second time I got the bad waitress I hate seeing others come in after me and they get served first. Never again! read more

Me and 2 of my friends went here one night because we wanted to sing karaoke. We sat down at a table and ordered a drink, we were sharing the drink each buying one and sharing it. The guy sitting next to us had ordered nothing at all. The owner of the bar comes up to us and kicks us out for not ordering enough drinks, mind you we had probably been there for about 30 mins and we WERE ordering drinks. He kicks us out and does nothing to the man who had been sitting next to us and bought nothing. We were being completely respectful and waiting for out turn to sing when he did this. He is crazy and I have never encountered someone who was so rude for no apparent reason. The woman who was working the karaoke machine's father had seen what happened to us and was so appalled he left himself. Do not go to this place, the service is terrible and the guy who owns it is ridiculous!! Seriously STAY AWAY! read more

As an English mum, the steak and kidney pie was a joke. It was mostly gravy, with perhaps a 1 X 1 inch piece of kidney cut up inside. Suggest a new British purveyor of Bangers and beans (Canned pork and beans? Really?) for more authenticity. Will not be returning - very disappointing. read more

I would like larger tv's and less and I mean a lot less karaoke. The server was Jackie and she is the best absolutely on top of it and beautiful in her attitude and looks. read more

Just had lunch at BA - I live down the street and thought I would give BA another try - I ate there when they first opened and had not been back since. Now, I will never go back. I ordered a corned beef sandwich and ice tea. My first glass of ice tea was great, then the refill tasted like lemonade and ice tea - the waitress brought me two more glasses and my bf agreed that it tasted strange. Then the corned beef sandwich was 80% fat - now I love corned beef and expect some fat... but, please, this was bad. The waitress (upon noticing that I hadn't eaten it) asked if something was wrong, I told her what I thought and she responded "Sometimes it has more marbling than other times". The coleslaw was yucky too. There is much better food on the Esplanade. read more

Wonderful service! The food was delicious. The Cornish Pasty was a hit! The Prime Rib was excellent! Only $16.50 on Wednesday!

Been there a few times and have never been real stoked on the place. Now I cant review the food because Ive only been there to grab a beer on a date and once to kill time. The service there sucks. Santa Cruz County is not known for good service but this was bad. The last time I went in there it was about 5pm on a weekday. 2 people seated at bar, a couple at one of the high tables inside and about 6-8 people seated outside. 1 bartender, 1 server and 1 busser. I sat at one of the high tops, Im on crutches and leg doesnt fit well under the bar, and waited, and waited, and waited. Never once was I even noticed and mind you I was literaly within 4 feet of the bar. The waiteress buzzed around, not necessarily serving, but kinda walkig around, the bartender never asked me for anyhting. I left after approx 10 min of sitting there waiting. Never going back there again. read more

I was bummed that the Aptos bar closed. Figured this place should be pretty much the same. It's not. Different cooks, different staff, beer menu lacking, completely different atmosphere... I'm just not impressed. read more

I miss the old Brit, in Aptos, does't everyone? But we sure had some good fish and chips and clam chowder on the weekend here, and our service was great. :-) read more

Excellent food, service, and view of the beach. Irene was really nice, very welcoming, and very good at what she did.

It's true what they say...this place is overpriced with lousy service - food stopped being decent years ago.......there is little authentic Brit about this place anymore - soggy, tasteless, overpriced fish and chips and pretty much everything else......yeck - real kicker is the waitresses....the worst in the world. Save your money. read more

Heading up the coast we stopped at Capitola came upon the Britannia Arms just after noon. We decided to have lunch there and are very happy we did. I can't count how many times i've ordered a black and tan only to be served a beige. This bartender knew how to pour a proper black and tan. Our group enjoyed burgers, and bangers. Our server Irene appeared to be the only one on shift at the time but even though she was working the outside tables as well as inside, we still had great service. read more

Not sure why the negative reviews. I have been in several times with family and friends and for business and it is a great addition to the spectrum of restaurants in this area, especially for the village where all the restaurants are either high-end or low-end. The food was really good. A very different menu than most with great variety. They even make British food taste good. The wait staff was excellent. Best part is this place is a bargain for the quality they provide compared to any other restaurant in the village. I think the negative reviews must be from when they first opened and were getting organized or from people that think they are going to find an English style country pub on a beach in CA. I definitely recommend this place. read more

No matter how many times the waitress calls you "Love", doesn't make up for the lack of service. I ordered fish and chips. It didn't come with any cocktail sauce, so I asked for some right when she dropped off the food. She came in and out to the patio to help and fawn all over the two parties besides us, but never brought cocktail sauce. When I finally reminded her, she acted as though we were demanding. Instead of going to get it, she then took the two parties tabs and cashed them out before bringing it. She never once asked how the food was or if we wanted refills. I take that back, she did ask us for refills, "When she took our finshed plates from us". Too many better restaurants in The Village to go back here again. Plus, the prices were awfully high for the quality of food. read more

Great service, but only average fish and chips. Tartar sauce unremarkable. No coleslaw. Clam chowder so thick that my spoon stood straight up---yum read more