Residents of Santa Monica are frustrated to discover that a beloved British pub is set to be replaced by a Taco Bell Cantina. Online reactions have been intense, with many fearing this change will strip away another piece of the town’s identity.
The Britannia Pub, located at 318 Santa Monica Blvd., has announced that its lease will officially conclude on July 31. However, the exact closing date is still up in the air since the pub will continue operating on a month-to-month basis until Taco Bell finalizes its moving plans.
Management reassured patrons, stating, “While change is coming around this corner, the spirit of Britannia is not going anywhere,” hinting at a “Britannia 2.0” for the future.
According to permit applications, Taco Bell Cantina—a more upscale offshoot of the fast-food chain—intends to transform the venue into a modern restaurant and bar. This format features alcoholic beverages and a shareable menu, setting it apart from typical Taco Bell locations.
Nonetheless, the announcement of the pub’s closure has triggered a wave of discontent online. One user expressed their displeasure bluntly: “This fucking king sucks!” Many others mourned the increasing displacement of local businesses by national chains.
“Losing the cultural icon of Taco Bell Cantina…the American Empire is dying,” lamented one commenter, while another echoed the sentiment, saying, “Can’t imagine Santa Monica without Brits!!!”
A Change.org petition has emerged, urging city leaders to protect local establishments. By Friday morning, the petition had already garnered dozens of signatures, with supporters arguing that these longstanding businesses are essential to the city’s character.
This transformation comes amid Santa Monica’s recent relaxation of regulations surrounding chain restaurants, intended to rejuvenate the struggling retail landscape.
For now, patrons can still enjoy a final drink at the pub before it embarks on a new chapter—somewhere else.
