The city of Santa Monica in California is known for it’s famous pier and the beach but it also has a wonderful British pub! Ye Olde King’s Head is the perfect place for fish and chips or an English breakfast which is hard to find stateside. They have a cute little shop and also serve a wonderful afternoon tea.
I ordered their Royal Tea which includes a glass of champagne, a mimosa or kir royale. Kir Royal is a French cocktail that consists of crème de cassis topped with champagne, I had a glass of champagne along with afternoon tea menu for the day: cucumber sandwiches, tomato mozzarella sandwiches, quiche, deviled eggs, sausage rolls, coronation chicken, turkey with cranberry and of course scones. There were several teas to choose from. I went with my favorite, English Breakfast tea.
Christine, a very sweet shy Scottish woman, oversees all things tea at the pub. She managed afternoon teas at the Sugar House for 22 years before it was closed 9 years ago at which time the owners at Ye Olde Kings Head brought her in to manage their afternoon teas. Christine’s favorite sandwich is cucumber and she’s added her own twist to it. She changes the menu throughout the year so if you go there often you won’t get bored. There’s also a special Christmas tea for the month of December that includes Christmas Crackers and cucumber sandwiches with a mint butter. If you have leftovers overs she’ll offer you a “wee” bag to take them home in her delightful Scottish accent. Christine really loves what she does and it absolutely shows in the presentation and service.
Afternoon tea is served Wednesday through Saturday 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. Like most places that serve afternoon tea you have to make reservations.
They also do special events / private parties. You can book afternoon tea on Sundays with a minimum of 25 guests.
Ye Olde King’s Head, 132 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
(310) 451-1402
Travel, Tea & Me 