Iconic Santa Monica Britannia Pub to Close After 30+ Years; Taco Bell Cantina Set to Take Over Space

SANTA MONICA - After more than three decades as a beloved downtown fixture, the Britannia Pub at 318 Santa Monica Blvd. will close for the last time following the expiration of its lease on July 31, 2026. The British-themed pub and restaurant, long operated by the Cain family, is making way for a Taco Bell Cantina, a transition that has prompted a wave of nostalgia and some local concern about the changing character of the Third Street Promenade area.

Paul and Sonya Cain, along with their son Max, are the family behind the Britannia Pub. Paul Cain, originally from Liverpool, has been a familiar and engaging presence as co-owner, with the business serving as a true family enterprise. The pub has operated for approximately 30 to 35 years, earning a reputation as one of Santa Monica's go-to spots for British hospitality blended with Southern California sports culture.

Known affectionately as "The Brit," the pub has offered a full menu of British classics including fish and chips (beer-battered Atlantic cod with tartar sauce), bangers and mash, shepherd's pie, sausage rolls, and a hearty Captain's Breakfast featuring Irish bacon rashers, bangers, eggs, hash browns, stewed tomatoes, Heinz baked beans, and sourdough toast. Additional offerings range from Philly cheesesteaks on authentic Amoroso rolls and hand-breaded chicken strips to burgers, wings, quesadillas, nachos, and salads. The drink selection includes 16 beer taps featuring Guinness, Stella, Heineken, ciders, and rotating IPAs, alongside a full bar with cocktails such as snakebites and Irish coffee.

A Paul McCartney is a part of the Beatles tribute band.

In April 2026, the family announced that the lease expires on July 31, 2026, with the space being taken over by a Taco Bell Cantina. It's hard to believe that the pub is closing, since it's a center of activity during the FIFA Soccer world match. They plan to operate month-to-month beyond that until the new tenant is ready, so the exact final day could vary slightly.

The closure has drawn local sadness and some online backlash about losing another independent spot to a chain.

The family has indicated they're scouting new locations for "Britannia 2.0," with the Cain sons (including Max) taking more prominent roles to continue the legacy.

Fans watching Croatia play Scotland in the Pub's courtyard

Overall, the Britannia earned a solid reputation as an authentic-yet-adapted British pub in a prime tourist/locals spot-one block from the Third Street Promenade and near the Santa Monica Pier.

It blended UK roots with LA sports culture successfully for decades. If you're in the area before the end of July 2026, it's worth a visit for the classic pub experience while it lasts.

The pub has endured challenges like vandalism (2016), COVID adaptations (outdoor dining), and the broader struggles of Third Street Promenade businesses. Despite this, it remained popular for its welcoming vibe and game-day energy.