Seemor
Ye Olde King's Head
116 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
· British restaurant, Brewpub, Tea house
· 4.4/5 Google (3130 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
A lively British pub-restaurant delivering hearty classics and afternoon tea near the beach, with big portions and fair prices, but service can be inconsistent and policies may frustrate some guests.
Restaurant Summary
Step inside for warm pub charm just off the beach and you will hear accents behind the bar, see jerseys on game days, and smell batter hitting hot oil. Diners call out that the fish arrives “crisp and flaky” and that service can be “cheery and chatty” on good nights. Expect a bustling block with a connected bar and British shop next door, and settle in for hearty classics rather than dainty plates. The cooking skews classic British—pies, roasts, and a hulking fish and chips—augmented by a few curry-house comforts. The approach is comfort-first, not chefly fireworks. Portions are big, prices fair for the area, and the Sunday roast and afternoon tea draw loyalists. Most plates satisfy, though a handful of diners report the odd miss like soggy batter or overcooked lamb during rushes. Families do fine here: there is a kids menu, plus obvious wins like burgers, pancakes, and chips. From the menu, children often enjoy fish and chips (Queen size), grilled cheese, and pancakes; salads and the veggie sandwich help picky eaters. One late-evening complaint about an unfriendly host toward kids suggests timing matters—daytime and early evenings are the safer bet.
At a Glance
- Big, well-executed fish and chips with shareable portions
- True British pub vibe with Sunday roast and afternoon tea
- Fair prices for the area and generous servings
- Service inconsistency, especially at door/bar on busy nights
- Reports of automatic gratuity and game-day minimum spend policies
What Sets It Apart
- authentic_british_atmosphere
- afternoon_tea_service
- large_shareable_fish_and_chips
What People Love
- That first bite of shatteringly crisp cod
- Cozy UK pub atmosphere and decor
- Friendly servers who guide the menu
- Yorkshire pudding and hearty roasts
- Value from oversized portions
Points of Concern
- Inconsistent service: several reports of long waits or brusque door staff during peak hours
- Policy friction: automatic gratuity reported and game-day minimums can surprise guests
- Occasional kitchen misses: soggy batter or overcooked meat mentioned by a minority
- Parking is tough; expect to use garages near the Promenade
- Review patterns show signs of polarization by time of day; late nights trend rougher experiences
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$36-52 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegetarians: Super Food Salad Bowl ($14) or Veggie Sandwich ($15); veg Shepherd's Pie available.
- For pescatarians: Poached Cod starter ($14) or Roasted Salmon ($25).
- For kids: Grilled cheese with chips ($10) or Pancakes ($13).
Perfect For
- Casual pre- or post-beach meal
- Watching a soccer match with pub fare
- Afternoon tea with friends
- Homesick Brits craving classics
Location Insights
Area: Busy beach-adjacent downtown with tourists and locals; lively nightlife and sports viewing culture.
Safety: Generally safe, high foot traffic; occasional late-night bar crowd behavior reported.
Nearby: Near Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, cinemas; adjacent sister bars and British shop.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:00–22:00
Tuesday10:00–22:00
Wednesday10:00–22:00
Thursday10:00–22:00
Friday10:00–23:00
Saturday09:00–23:00
Sunday09:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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