Residents of Santa Monica are expressing frustration over the news that their well-loved British pub is set to become a Taco Bell Cantina. The online reaction has been intense, with many worried that the character of their coastal town is disappearing.
Britannia Pub, located at 318 Santa Monica Blvd., has announced that its lease will conclude on July 31. However, the exact date remains uncertain as the establishment continues to operate on a month-to-month basis until the fast-food chain finalizes its plans.
In a statement, the management reassured patrons, “While change is coming around this corner, the spirit of Britannia is not going anywhere.” They also hinted at a future “Britannia 2.0.”
Permit filings reveal that Taco Bell’s Cantina format, which focuses on serving alcohol and offers a more upscale atmosphere, intends to transform the venue into a modern restaurant and bar.
This cantina model differs from standard Taco Bells, featuring options like beer, wine, and frozen drinks meant for sharing, all within a more sophisticated setting.
The news about the pub’s closure has sparked considerable discontent on social media. One user lamented, “This freaking king sucks!” while others voiced their concerns about the trend of local businesses being pushed out by larger chains.
“Losing the cultural icon of Taco Bell Cantina…the American Empire is dying,” stated one commenter. Another chimed in, “Can’t imagine Santa Monica without Brits!!!”
A petition on Change.org has been created, calling on city leaders to take action in protecting local businesses. By Friday morning, it had gathered numerous signatures, with supporters arguing that long-established venues are crucial to the city’s identity.
This shift comes as Santa Monica has relaxed regulations regarding chain restaurants in recent years to help stimulate the struggling retail sector.
For the time being, customers can still enjoy one last drink at the Brit before this chapter closes and the chains move in.
