December 31, 2017

Try Fish and Chips in Hollywood, CA at Cat and Fiddle Restaurant & Pub

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hollywood, CA’s Cat and Fiddle Restaurant & Pub.

So let’s start at the beginning – how’d you get into the restaurant business?
Londoner Kim Gardner was an integral part of the British invasion of the 60s and 70s. He was the bassist in innovative British bands such as The Creation, The Birds and Ashton, Gardner & Dyke. In 1973, Kim’s musical career brought him to New Orleans, where he met his future wife and fashionista Paula Gardner. They soon moved to Los Angeles, where Paula became pregnant with twins Ashlee and Camille.

Kim first opened the Cat & Fiddle in 1982 in Laurel Canyon as a reprieve from the constant entertainment in their living room. Coupled with the fact that there were no British pubs in Hollywood, Londoner Kim Gardner was delighted with the idea of opening his own – he loved to entertain! His mum was a magnificent English cook and many of our traditional recipes are hers.

The next generation continues the legacy of “The Cat” – Ashlee and Camille Gardner grew up at the Pub and have strong backgrounds in business and hospitality. They spent much of their childhood in London and travelled around from pub to pub with their parents, soaking in the culture and community that these places represent. Paula Gardner, their mother and proprietor, is still very much involved with The Cat as well and has a huge influence on the design and menu.

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced over the years?
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What stands out about Cat and Fiddle Restaurant & Pub?
Our restaurant is unique because of its history and traditions. The original owner, Kim Gardner, started The Cat and Fiddle in 1982 because he needed a local neighborhood pub like he had growing up in London,
actually naming the pub after his favorite pub in London. He brought his musical talent and interests (as did the rest of the family) to the pub with him, and as a result, a lot of music artists and producers have found The Cat and Fiddle as sort of a haven for them. Some regulars were known to be Morrissey, Russell Brand, and Noel Gallagher. Furthermore, there is an inherent familiarity in The Cat and Fiddle’s organic culture. It is very much family run and family oriented, and we have retained many of the same customers that first ate/drank at The Cat in 1982. We have a very loyal customer base that has been so supportive in our closing and has helped make our comeback a reality.

Our decor is unique as it is memorabilia from pubs in London or other British fixtures. The original decker bus scrolls and maps hang on the walls.

Our intimate patio was renowned at our old location and we intend to uphold that tradition.

We will eventually try to find a location within our new place to continue the tradition of darts nights. We will also try to schedule some pub quizzes for the future like we did in the past approx. once per week.

Most Popular Items

Fish and Chips

Classic British fish and chips. Beer battered cod, hand cut chips, and mushy peas.

Shepherds Pie

Freshly ground lamb and beef with whipped potato top, served with mushy peas. There is a vegetarian shepherds pie option too (curried lentils and veggies w/ whipped potato top)

Bangers & Mash

Sausage over mashed potatoes, served with mushy peas

Parking Advice:
We have Valet in the evening for $7. There is metered parking on side streets and also parking on highland in front of the building. No parking on highland between 3-7pm.

Happy Hour:
Yes. Monday – Friday 5pm-7pm. $5 beer, wine and well drinks, $6 appetizers (scotch egg, fried chicken tenders,
flatbreads (made w/ wood fired oven), mac and cheese (served with garlic bread), hand cup chips.

Average Entre Cost:$14-16

Address: 742 N. Highland Ave
Hollywood, CA 90038

Phone:323-468-3800

Website: www.thecatandfiddle.com

Social Media links