We’ve all noticed a surge of British actors around town and on our screens, hiding behind their impeccable American drawls. Those bleedingly talented folk are breaching LA from yet another angle as well: our food culture. Enter—from behind a thicket of English Birch trees—chef Brendan Collins, Nottingham’s other favorite son.
This one, however, is not wearing green tights and a quiver of arrows.
After honing French culinary styles from age 15 and working in London’s revered Le Gavroche by age 17, Brendan spent the next decade in some of UK’s best kitchens. In 2002, he went full monty and crossed the pond to be Chef de Cuisine at Mélisse in Santa Monica. During this time, Melisse became double-Michelin starred, which Brendan followed up with an unmistakable stint at The Hall at Palihouse, gaining a fanatical following. And then, the Brit with an extra helping of cheeky humor, went on to open two LA restaurants of his own within a few years span. Although one shuttered since, Larry's—dishing out Cali-beachy eats near Venice Boardwalk—continues to be a buzzy spot.
His latest restaurant, Birch, is an homage to his English ‘roots’. However, it’s less British eats and more reflective of LA’s melting pot, like his Rabbit Baklava with dates, white beans, pistachio and carrots or Monkfish Tikka Masala with quince chutney and lime pickles.
And even though he’s been in Los Angeles for nearly 20 years, Brendan admits to missing a taste of home. So, where does this lad go when he needs a boost of British flair? Read on to find his favorite British eats, bars and vibe in LA:
Birch
Hollywood, $$$
Brendan Collins: Birch isn't a British restaurant. However, what we do that is quintessentially British is the roast on Sundays. We do it right - roast sirloin, peas, carrots, roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings and a good and tasty meat gravy. Nothing beats it. Good British food is a labor of love. I work every Sunday at Birch to make sure the roast is right. It’s very simple cooking and when you’re doing things that simple, it has to be "touched" by the chef to make those small things just right.
Brendan Collins. Image courtesy of @birchlosangeles
Sunday roast at Birch. Image courtesy of @steveshawphotos
Ye Olde King's Head
Santa Monica, $$
BC: One of my favorite spots is the King’s Head in Santa Monica. It's run by Brits, so you can see the details. Peter, the GM, is a good mate of mine and always makes you feel like you’re at a home away from home. I have a couple of mates with kids the same age as my daughter and we've started a bit of a tradition where we go to the King’s Head on Christmas Eve. The holidays are hectic for chefs, so I tend to leave everything to the last minute. We go just with the kids (no wives, they’re all American) and after doing a bit of shopping, we have lunch - all very British. This past year we had meat pies and gravy, bought a stupid amount of English candy from the Ye Olde Kings Head Gift Shoppe next door, played darts, and had a couple of beers. It's always a good time and our little way of sharing our heritage with our kids.
Vegetarian Breakfast with Fried Bread. Image courtesy of @ye_olde_kingshead
Christmas at Ye Olde King's Head. Image courtesy of @ye_olde_kingshead
The Pikey
Hollywood, $$
BC: The Pikey on Sunset is another place I like very much. Their full English is nothing to be trifled at, a proper good plate of food.
The Pikey. Image courtesy of @thepikeyla
Full English breakfast The Pikey. Image courtesy of @lavalleygirl06
Cecconi's
West Hollywood, $$$
BC: On Robertson Blvd. You might not think of it being a British restaurant, but it's owned by the Soho House group and the London subtleties are there. From the ambient service style to some of the the Italian cuisine that borders on British/Italian. Andrea, the chef, worked in London for a long time, so the sensibilities are there.
Cecconi's. Image courtesy of @cecconiswh
Green eggs at Cecconi's. Image courtesy @thegirlwhoatela
The Cock ‘n Bull
Santa Monica, $$
BC: To watch a good game of football and eat a decent fish and chips, I like the Cock 'n Bull on Lincoln. It's a bit closer to me than the other spots and less of a headache with parking. It's always full of familiar faces and I can always brush up on my dodgy English accent!!
Shepherd’s Pie at The Cock ‘n Bull. Image courtesy of @pureobscure
The Cock ‘n Bull. Image courtesy of @yinahy
BritWeek is Here!
Once the belly is full with British eats, head to the 10th anniversary of BritWeek, the largest art fest celebrating creativity and innovation between the UK and the US, from April 23 - May 8. Events, featuring British actors and personalities, are held throughout Los Angeles, from plays, parties and screenings.
Belinda Gosbee is an Aussie writer, actress and coffee snob based in Los Angeles. She loves the Brits because they spell things properly, make good cider and are bollocks at cricket. Follow her jaunts on Twitter @belindagosbee or Instagram @gos22.
