The British expats who came to L.A. decades ago, must have thought Santa Monica was as close to Brighton as they were going to get. How else to explain the scattering of pubs, tea shops and traditional English restaurants that dot the blocks between Ocean and the Promenade. This is the real thing: Cornish Pasties, Steak and Kidney Pie, Bangers and Mash. English food is more than an acquired taste--it's an acquired sensibility. But there's warmth and friendliness and excellent beer with a game of darts in the pub after lunch.
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