Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Gardner.
Paula, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The main reason why my husband, bassist Kim Gardner, opened a pub was because there wasn’t one in Hollywood at the time. He picked a lovely, quaint location in Laurel Canyon in 1982 I was pregnant with the twins, Ashlee and Camille, who are now an integral part of the new generation, along with Eva (known to make guest appearances in between playing bass on tours with P!nk and Cher). Kim was a huge part of the British rock invasion, and along with that came all of his friends to patronize. This included Ronnie Wood, Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck, to name only a few! We moved to the Sunset location in 1985 and television and film celebrities joined the ranks of our unique clientele. At that time, I became much more involved in the business, having no time to continue my journey in retail fashion. We are currently in our third location on Highland, and the Cat of many lives continues our tradition. We represent the kinetic energy of our staff, neighbors and tourists, along with the celebrities that still enjoy the Cat. It’s a special place that attracts special people. In fact, about half of our previous staff joined us in this location, including our chef, Edwardo Silva.
Has it been a smooth road?
The biggest struggles were losing the first two locations and my husband, Kim. The first in Laurel Canyon in 1984 because it became too busy for the residential neighborhood and we were told there was a problem with our licensing. Sadly, Kim passed in 2001.The second location was on Sunset and we lost our lease after 30 years in 2014. The third location, opened June 2017, is a perfect reincarnation, after being closed for 2 and a half years.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Our menu consists of delicious home style cooking and were known for our fish n chips, homemade bangers and mash, savoury pies and a selection of modern dishes. Since we have been in business for many years, we have become an integral part of many people’s lives and memories. So many of our customers thank us daily for bringing back the Cat and all that it stands for. I feel that our family values keep the energy on the right track.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel that Hollywood is over saturated with everything at the moment. We chose Hollywood because we’re known here and it’s our home.
Pricing:
- HAPPY HOUR 5–7PM MONDAY- FRIDAY 6.00 pints, well and wine and appetizer specials
- TRIVIA ON TUESDAYS 7PM 6.00 GUINNESS AND 8.00 KETEL MOSCOW MULE
- JAZZ ON THE PATIO ON SUNDAYS 7–10PM NO COVER
Contact Info:
- Address: 742 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles 90038
- Website: www.thecatandfiddle.com
- Phone: 323 468 3800
- Email: catandfiddlerestaurant@gmail.com
- Instagram: thecatandfiddle
- Facebook: catandfiddlerestaurant
- Twitter: @thecatandfiddle
- Yelp: thecat&fiddlerestaurant&pub
Image Credit:
Jakob Layman
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