Come here for all the England games, what a vibe! As a Brit in la, it really is like a piece of home. Breakfasts are so tasty and authentic, had bangers and mash and fish and chips there too, all amazing! 5 stars though is really for the service, they work their butts off to food and drinks come quick, all while navigating a rowdy crowd with humor and fun. Can't wait for the next game, wouldn't watch anywhere else! read more

Rosie you are one of the greatest people alive, amazing service and [[HIGHLIGHT]]once in a lifetime atmosphere[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. COME ON ENGLAND!! read more

I always wanted to try this place since we drove by it one time. Finally, we came here after the CHLA Walk and Play event. It was a fun place to go to. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The environment is very British, obviously.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The waitress was very polite and carried a beautiful accent according to our friend's child. This added to the theme of the restaurant. The food was surprisingly good and we really enjoyed it. The puff pastry items were the best. They also have an importer type store next to the restaurant for souvenirs. read more

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This was one of the first places I ate when I moved to Los Angeles decades ago, and it is truly an institution. I have traveled around the world and spent quite a bit of time in London, and I still think this place serves some of the best fish and chips I have ever had. The fish was moist and flaky, with a perfectly crunchy batter. My spouse ordered the bangers and mash, and as usual, we shared both dishes. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have seating inside and outside. It was a cool morning, so we sat outside[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Unfortunately, the service was unusually slow. I had to ask repeatedly for a glass of water, and our server seemed to disappear completely toward the end of the meal. I eventually had to ask the hostess to bring us the check. I also overheard the table behind us talking about leaving because they had been sitting for 15 minutes without anyone approaching them. I am not sure what was going on, but the restaurant appeared to be understaffed. Despite the delays, our server was friendly, and the food was as good as I remembered. There is no doubt that I will be back. read more

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This review is strictly for my British peeps. This is probably the worst fish and chips you can get in LA westside / please go elsewhere for the seafood or for proper fish and chips. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Not only is the service terrible the ambience OK during the World Cup games, but King Head just can't recover the terrible food they serve may I also add their Sunday roast is the worst I have ever had.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Please do not waste your money here. Just because it's the only British pub on the west side - there are options. Unfortunately they are not any British pubs, but if you're looking for a proper meal, this would not be the place to find a proper British meal. I have lived in the UK for many years - this is the furthest thing from a proper British pub. Yes you can find all of the usual suspects on the menu, but they will not translate in Los Angeles, like in London. I accidentally made this mistake, wanting to watch the game - which was fine, but the food was and is still usually terrible. Can we get some good managers to fix this business please? The food beyond terrible! Some things is just never change. Brits beware! read more

We have been to Kings Head so many times and I have forgotten to review them. We have dined there at least 10 times and for the first time we just called out order in and picked it up. The place has been around for years and most of their food is just great. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It has a full bar and a separated bar area which is so cute, but gets super crowded and loud.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Eat in the dinning room.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is older and could use a refresh, but it is cute and always super clean.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service is very nice. They will take good care of you. They have a nice selection of beer on tap. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their breakfast is really tasty and they make great eggs. I don't care for black pudding so I never get it. They have great hot and cold sandwiches and wonderful salads. They are famous for their fish and chips. They are some of the best. They are perfectly deep fried and the chips are great. I also get a side of mashed because it is so good. I also had a pasty, which is not on the menu, and I was super disappointed, so I won't do that again. They used to be great. I love their hot beef sandwich and often get that for lunch. There is something for everyone here. Parking is a bear, but you might find a place on the street or their is a paid lot across the street. You can walk to the Santa Monica Pier from here or to the beach. We will be back again and again. read more

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The Bottom Line 4 stars: Good quality British food with a diverse menu, a full bar and a souvenir store next door. Recommended! Location 3 stars: Busy downtown Santa Monica, on Southwest corner of Santa Monica Blvd and the 2nd and 3rd Street. Metered street parking is possible but hard to find. There are plenty of paid parking lots. I used the 2nd Street city-owned parking structure 4, for $4. It is a few blocks from the restaurant. No valet. Venue 3.5 stars: Large, older venue, consisting of a British-themed Food and Souvenir store, a bar, and a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Service 4 stars: Friendly, attentive and helpful. Billing 2 stars: They suggest the tipping amount by calculating it AFTER TAX, which is incorrect and misleading, and it inflates the amount. Tipping is customarily calculated as a percentage of the total before discounts and before tax. See the pic that I have attached. Drinks 4 stars: Full bar. Reasonable prices. Food 4 stars: Huge menu of British appetizers, soups, salads, main courses and desserts. We had the Sausage Rolls and the Potato Samosas as appetizers, and the Steak, Guinness & Mushroom Pie, the Cornish Pastie, the Chicken Tikka Masala, and the Irish Beed Stew (available on Saturdays only) as our main courses. All were delicious and highly recommended. We did not have dessert this time but the menu looked good. read more

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I went to the store that's it. I live here and have for years but never do the tourist stuff, it's fun sometimes tho. No clue who thought of this as I don't think to get British souvenirs in LA but whatever. The sausage roll was hot and I got a free British newspaper. This sausage roll is like a way better version of a hot dog on a bun btw. There's a few thingamajigs in here but of course it's expensive cuz of SaMo. Customer service was very British lol. Don't expect a friendly Starbucks smile is all read more

Ye Olde Kings Head - Pubs Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Ye Olde King's Head - A Charming British Escape in Santa Monica~~~ If you're looking for a delightful British afternoon, Ye Olde King's Head is a must-visit. Located right by the beach, they offer traditional staples like fish and chips, mushy peas, and shepherd's pie. The atmosphere is fun and rowdy, with a wall of fame featuring photos of stars like Gordon Ramsay, David Beckham, and David Hasselhoff. We had tea service in the back--a vivid red room decorated with royal portraits and history. It was incredibly intimate and quiet. For $45 a person (including champagne), we enjoyed a tiered tray with clotted cream, jam, warm buttery scones, and savory sandwiches. The miniature puff pastry sausage rolls were a standout--so flavorful and meaty! A few tips for your visit: The Tea: My friend's pot had fresh tea leaves while mine used a bag, so be sure to request the fresh leaf tea for the best experience. The Food: The cucumber and Marmite sandwiches were great, though I'd love to see them swap the canned salmon for fresh smoked salmon to cut down on the "fishy" taste. The Shop: Don't miss the British gift shop next door for unique imports (though they are a bit pricey). Logistics: Parking is available on the street or in nearby paid structures. Plus, you can walk right down to the beach afterward! I would love to return to try out their famous Sticky Toffee Pudding~~~ read more

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My girlfriend and I were in the area to watch a movie and stopped by because we wanted dinner. We visited the marketplace first and perused through shelves of British products and paraphernalia. After that, we went next door to the restaurant itself. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The inside was a bit old, almost looking a bit historic with tons of paintings, pictures and interesting and unique signage.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] As we sat, a British server came to our table and helped take our order. I didn't get her name but she was soo sweet! She made our experience really memorable; she was really nice and friendly, and she had a smile on with every request we made! For the food, we opted to get the Shepherd's pie, the fish and chips, Brussel Sprout and bacon and two pots of tea for each of us. I was craving fish and chips for some time and my girlfriend's favorite dish is Shepherd's pie, so the entree decisions were a no brainer. I liked the pie a lot, although I had never had Shepherd's pie without the puff pastry exterior. It was less heavy and more hearty than what I was used to, which was definitely a good thing! I really liked the mash on the top and the steamed vegetables on the side. The gravy also made a topping to the pie, but I don't think it was necessary, as the pie itself was already well seasoned. The fish and chips were also quite food, although the fish was a little soft for my liking. I like my fish to be firm with a bit of give. Nevertheless, it was still good with a splash of malt vinegar and some ketchup on the side. I would have liked to stay a bit longer, as the interior was so interesting, almost like you were in a museum dedicated to everything British. Would definitely like to come back for a pint when there is a game playing! read more

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Came with a large group on a weekend, and to my delight, the place was not yet packed. Phew! I had two dogs with me and we were so grateful that they were beyond helpful in seating us outside to accommodate forth pups. We ended up taking a few tables just to have more space, and the staff was very gracious in ensuring that we were comfortable and had what we needed! I ordered the bowl of clam chowder and unfortunately it took a while to get served, even though everyone got their food way before! Still, service was great and all the meals looked delicious. Yes, it may be a tourist trap and prices are a bit on the higher side but oh well. I definitely recommend sitting outside - enjoy the Santa Monica sunshine and cool breeze! read more

Ye Olde Kings Head - Bowl of clam chowder - Pubs Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Another enjoyable and tasty meal here! Sarah our server was great as always. Her personality and efficiency are admirable. It was soccer World Cup weekend and lots of fans. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Even with the games it wasn't overly noisy or crowded.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Still highly recommend this place! read more

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A restaurant that serves traditional pub food and drinks. Close to the Santa Monica Pier and 2nd street parking it's a must go to place. They have a store next to it that sells British foods and souvenirs. The fish and chips is the best with lightly breaded white fish that is sooo good. Sunday's is the day for roast beef or lamb dinner. My favorite is the bangers and mash which I ordered. Hubby had the lamb that includes Yorkshire pudding. This is a must go to place when you are in Santa Monica. read more

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I went into Ye Olde Kings Head gift shop today to buy something for a friend who loves all things British. The woman running the store was one of the most unfriendly, rude people I have come across in a long time. I was especially friendly and nice when I entered the store. I was browsing the candy as my friend has a sweet tooth and many of the candies cannot be easily found in Los Angeles. I ended up having to go look for the woman to ring me up as she was in the back. (Apparently she trusted that I was not going to steal anything.) When the woman came to the register, she rang up my candy in silence. When I asked for a bag (because they are very cute) she acted like I was asking her to give me the merchandise for free. With painstaking slowness she ruefully handed me a bag. [[HIGHLIGHT]]If the store wasn't so well-stocked and neat, I would have given one star.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] So one star for the store and one star for the terrible service. read more

You can never go wrong popping in for a pint of something. Whether we're here for a meal, catching up with friends or here to watch the game. This place is alway fun. Both the restaurant and the bar area is quite nice. Both has patio seating which is perfect for when the suns out and people watching. We stopped by after lunch for a little refresher. It was quite mellow on both the restaurant and bar side. If there's a game on, you better believe that's it's going to be busy. Trying to get a seat would be pretty hard. This visit, a nice afternoon out with a nice cold glass of cider. Patio seating perfect for people watching. Service is always great as all the staff are always sweet. No food today but if you're looking for something British, look no further. There's two bar on site. The main one and a smaller one towards the back of the restaurant. Also do check out the store on the corner. There you have all the fun British goods. Also a bakery with fresh made items. A nice browse where you'll always end up leaving with something good. read more

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Food was great! Our waitress Kim was a pleasure. The atmosphere of this place is fun. I tried two different beers that I have never heard of. Both beers were a hit. Our table ordered an assortment of sides and some entrees. I would go back here for the atmosphere, drinks and food. The $28 for the fish and chips is pretty steep for what they provided. This would be one thing I wouldn't get here again. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Fantastic ambience[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], consistently good food with reasonable prices and lovely services. Kings Head is the best British pub in town! read more

Ye Olde Kings Head - Cornish Pastie Dinner Salad - Pubs Near Me - Santa Monica, California

ABSOLUTE BEST FISH 'N CHIPS in the city! It's hard to believe that I haven't written a review for Ye Olde Kings Head yet but then I live 30 miles away and I don't often find myself in Santa Monica anymore. But! YOKH is absolutely worth whatever drive you have to get the best fish 'n chips around. It's even worth the pain in the butt parking situation. Actually, there is a lot right across the street, so that is handy but I believe it is higher priced than the parking garages lining the 3rd Street Promenade so we parked in one of those nearby and the walk wasn't terrible. Once you step foot inside, you're transported to a regular pub in Merry Old England. The staff working on Saturday the 17th might not have been the most friendly but they were efficient. And who really cares because....those fish 'n chips! My son and I shared a King Size ($28) and it was perfect to share. The fish is coated in like a cobwebby batter that is so light and crisp; man, I want more NOW. I always have an internal battle with myself because while I love the crispiness of the fish; I end up dousing it with malt vinegar because I love the flavor of that with it. But then the fish gets a little soggy and in between bites, I'll find that perfect bit of crisp again...and then I usually don't like tartar sauce but I sneak a few dips in because it, too, is really great tartar sauce...and then I feel guilty because I've just put (essentially) MAYO on my freakin' fried fish AND I've also had a good amount of perfect fries (also drenched in malt vinegar)... And well, at least we have that walk back to the parking garage to walk some of that off! I also ordered a Kilt Lifter Amber Ale ($9) because it is absolutely essential to drink an English beer while eating English fish 'n chips...well, except for my 13 year old son. If the calorie explosion of fried food and tartar sauce wasn't enough, we added insult to injury and ordered the trifle ($10) for dessert. I haven't had trifle in years, I mean, I've had lots of trifles but not the dessert kind. OY. It was quite good but quite different from those I'vce had before. The texture was amazing, especially topped off with perfect cream. But I didn't taste any brandy. The boy loved it (it was his first time trying trifle) and I, well, I liked it enough. The bar attached to the restaurant is also a lot of fun. One of my wife's besties practically lived here in the late '90s, early 2000's and dated several Brits the type of whom regularly frequent the establishment. The boy and I played several rounds of darts before leaving. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! read more

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As much as I lived on the Westside for 20 years, I have never went inside the store. I finally went in because I love trying imported snacks and drinks. Staff were OK friendly I mean, giving the usual smile but not really attentive. It is what it is. They have wise selection of food, snacks, drinks and a small deli in the back. I got a few Cadbury chocolate bar that's directly from England. It does taste different than the ones that are made here by Hershey. I also got a small bag of chips that says potatoes from the Great Britain. Also taste different from the ones that I made here. Would I go back? , probably not on purpose, but if I pass by and wanted a chocolate bar, sure I'll stop by and grab one. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]We sat at a nice outdoor table, perfect for people watching and our service was good.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I hadn't been here for 30+ years and recently saw a list of the best fish and chips in the country and they were on it so we went. The batter was extremely salty and it seemed like the oil wasn't fresh. Disappointing! I had a pint of Kilkenny on nitro and it had off-flavors but my second pint, Smithwick's was very good. I was hoping for a better experience. read more

Ye Olde Kings Head - Fish and chips...disappointing - Pubs Near Me - Santa Monica, California

It had been years since we were last here, we both said. Ye Olde King's Head is an institution in Santa Monica. It has always been the center of the English community on the Westside. The Lady and I were in need of breakfast and she felt like a proper English Breakfast, so as we were on our way back to Malibu, we stopped in. It was a weekday and around 10 am, there a few dinners so we had our choice of tables. Our lovely English hostess saw us to a both off the main room. We both selected the Queen's Breakfast with English Muffins. The bangers, European bacon and eggs were excellent. I had strong black English tea and that Lady went with Coffee Correcto (Bailey's). [[HIGHLIGHT]]A grand time was had and the English Rock in the background took us back to our trips to the British Isles.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Actually, the spirit and vibe almost transport you to an English coastal resort.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] If you need a change of venue and you want a spiritual vacation for a few hours, you won't regret it and they do a proper Sunday Dinner. read more

We got the bangers and mash and Irish stew. English sausages taste very different than American sausages. I can't describe it, I prefer the English ones which are nostalgic for me. Very good. Irish stew had that homemade taste to it, also good. Overall 7/10 read more

Ye Olde Kings Head - Bangers and Mash - Pubs Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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My husband and I have been talking about fish and chips for several weeks and recently received a recommendation to check out Ye Olde Kings Head. We found ourselves in Santa Monica a few weeks ago, so we decided to stop by for a late lunch. We were surprised to see how big the place was. Between the restaurant, bar/pub, and shop, the establishment took up almost an entire block! The inside was themed perfectly. We felt like we had been transported to some of our favorite spots when we visited London. Upon entering the restaurant, we were promptly sat by a friendly woman in a suit. Although the other ladies around were also very nice to chat with, we can't say that the service throughout the meal was great. Two of the women were sitting down for a majority of the time we were there just chatting with each other, and when other diners in our area would try to flag either of them, they would preface the response to the request with, "I'm not your server, but let me see what I can do." Then, after about 30 minutes of this, they just stood up, announced they were clocking out, and left. Only one woman was left there to serve the entire restaurant: inside and outside. She barely even checked on us and we couldn't get any requests in. Toward the end of our meal, the busser ended up helping with requests, but at that point, we were already trying to get the check to pay and leave. It was such a frustrating experience which is a shame because we actually loved the fish and chips! We ordered it King Size (2 pieces) in the original style. So good and cooked to perfection! Also, generous size fish. We're hoping this was an off occurrence and would likely give them another try in the future if we're in the area, but wouldn't make a special trip just to revisit. The fish and chips were so good and we would be interested to try more off of their menu if and when the next time may occur. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]This is my neighborhood dive bar! It's a great mix of locals and tourists, which gives it a fun, laid-back atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] On certain nights they host karaoke, and there's also a dartboard if you're feeling competitive. They serve beer, wine, and cocktails, and based on my random drink requests, they can make just about anything. [[HIGHLIGHT]]If you're looking for a cozy spot with quaint vibes in Santa Monica, this is a great place to kick off your night or wind down at the end of it.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Super cute small British-owned business in the heart of Santa Monica! Passed this place so many times and never went in until recently, but they have so many cute unique gifts, snacks, and trinkets that are internationally imported. Found some really nice smelling soap bars, tea, and European snacks. Would definitely recommend checking out! read more

Yummy food (don't sleep on the Irish beef stew!) and fantastic service (thanks, Amanda, for taking care of us and making some great recommendations). This place has been a staple in Santa Monica forever, for good reason. Fish & chips is solid. The tartar sauce is very tasty and you can choose from either original or beer batter for the fish. Irish beef stew is a special and very comforting with its chunks of tender beef, carrots, onions, mushrooms, and celery in a rich brown sauce that's smothering a large portion of creamy mashed potatoes. Even their coffee is good! Rounded off the evening with a bread & butter pudding (warm, satisfying, and not too sweet). It's a drive out here, but well worth it. read more

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Always a pleasant experience when I go to Ye Olde Kinds Head! I work in SM so usually go get breakfast or dinner before my shift. Service is great, kind staff. Great food. Proper pub feel and plenty of seating. I had the English breakfast which was good. Of course not as good as if you had it in the UK (with black pudding) but, no complaints. Big Fan of the HP sauce and their scotch eggs (although a little in the dry side). read more

Ye Olde Kings Head - Coffee - Pubs Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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I have been going to ye kings head for over 30 years. I belong to the ye kings head club. I just recieved an email saying Happy birthday, come let us serve you. So I looked to see if there was a discount or free meal. Nothing, Not only has the price not match the flation rate but the quality has been compromised. But this insult is the final straw. The price , quality, and insult on my bday has made me decide that I WILL NEVER GO THERE , EVER!!! Good riddence!!! read more

Taken out by my sister for a birthday lunch, and this was quite tasty. I'm glad we did....I've been at the adjoining shop many times, so finally had the opportunity to dine here. We ate outside on a nice day. The setting allows us to people watch with a nice ocean breeze. Our server was polite.... although I could have used a refill (she never came back). My fish and chips were perfect. The chips were perfectly British style...thick and crispy on the outside, hot on the inside. The fish was crispy and also very hot....fully enjoyable. I also ordered a Scotch egg....tasty, but the egg was overly "hard boiled," and would have preferred it softer. My sister's been here before a few times, and enjoyed here pasty today, as she always have. If you want a British pub with good grub, I'd recommend you try it out. Cheers! read more

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This is my son's favorite Restaurant! Every time we are in town we stop in. We had Sarah for the first time! We were blown away by her service! We haven't had bad service before, just never like this! She was funny, kind to my son, personable, and efficient! I will never go back and not ask for her! read more

We enjoyed the foods sitting out on the comfortable shaded patio, but the services were hardly there. We had to flag a server several times as she served dishes between customers. I felt for her. There were few servers trying to serve many customers due to the World Cup soccer games. But charging 20% automatically added into the bill was disappointing. I do not mind paying for a good service but hardly any service due to lack of servers said something about the management's team. read more

I absolutely love this place ... being a Brit it reminds me of home ... Right next door is the British shop ... always end up buying from there read more

This review is for afternoon tea only: I had a lovely time having afternoon tea here with some friends. Service was great and I didn't realize that they have special themed events some weekends. The tea space is really cute. We enjoyed the tea, sandwiches and desserts. I would go back. read more

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If you are looking for old English pub vibes, this is the spot! I got the chicken and mushroom puff pastry and was delighted to discover big juicy strips of chicken ! The mashed potatoes tasted powdery and a bit sour. It was not my favorite. The ice coffee was surprisingly not bad. There is a happy hour menu until 7pm. My partner got the bangers (sausages) and mash, and he had no complaints. Service was fine and a bit slow at times. Our server was friendly though. This restaurant is close to 3rd street promenade in Santa Monica and one block away from the beach. It's fun to sit outside and people watch . read more

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It is very casual dining. The service was very attentive. The food was good. The beer was nice and cold and quite a few choices. But I wish the restaurant was a little cleaner. read more

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The best (vegetarian) english breakfast in all of LA!! Don't miss out on all the UK treats at the shop next door read more

Ye Olde Kings Head - Queen Size English Breakfast - Pubs Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Just delicious! We ordered the fish and chips but when you order you have options: portion size king or queen or 1 or 2 pieces; original or beer battered. I got the original queen fish and chips and was sooo satisfied. The fries were fresh, hot, crispy yet soft inside. The fish coating was crispy not oily and fish inside light and flakey. Service was prompt and friendly. There's ample seating both inside and outside. Definitely nothing fancy just good food. There's an adjacent market that has a lot of European/UK treats. read more

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Came here today and the service was good. I got the BLT and it was really good. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance was also nice.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Came here for the World Cup. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Lovely atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Kindest servers. Amazing food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibes were immaculate.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'm definitely returning on a non football day. read more

It was my first time eating here with my husband and the food was amazing. Service was friendly and a bit busy but we went during the FIFA World Cup. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere was great bar inside and seating outside[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Love how close to the ocean it is too[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. read more