How to Get Your "British" On in SoCal

After the American Revolution, the Brits apparently forgot to clean up after themselves and left a bit of their culture behind. Weirdly, you can find it in Santa Monica, California, just one block up from scenic Ocean Avenue.

Ye Olde King’s Head offers perhaps the most authentic British experience you’re likely to find in Southern California. Sample everything from afternoon teas to sausage rolls, to full English breakfasts, fish 'n’ chips, and bangers and mash, and you just might leave the place sporting a brand-new English accent.

Dale and I treated Judy to a belated holiday gift by taking her for a scrumptious and indulgent Christmas Tea that put slightly different spins on traditional tea sandwiches: ours included roast beef, turkey and cranberry, and brie and pear. Also included were mini sausage rolls, scones, and enough sweet treats to necessitate an insulin injection.

The only glitch we experienced was a last-minute bump of our reservation. After making our reservation through Open Table nearly two weeks before, we were told the day of that we could either sit outside or push our time back to 2:30. Despite the chilly, post-storm weather, we opted to sit outside beneath their heaters. At the very least, this allowed us to take our very proper pup, Ruby.

We’re not entirely sure why our reservation was bumped — when we arrived, the restaurant seemed to be at only half-capacity. By the time we left, though, the place was jumping, with even the outdoor seating at maximum capacity. Maybe we’ll make our reservations the old-fashioned way next time: by picking up the phone.

That annoyance aside, Ye Olde King’s Head is a great time and worth the drive from Ventura. Worth noting: All the staff are British, so you’ll be awash in those lovely, lyrical accents during your time there.

Be sure to check out the adjacent pub on one side, and the retail store selling British sundries on the other.

And treat yourself to a scenic drive by taking the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Despite the recent rainstorms, it was fully open and much less congested than the 101/405 route. *

*So much for the days of Los Angeles emptying out during the holiday break.

Cheers, mates!