
BEST PINT: PIG & WHISTLE
They've got a nice selection of British ales and ciders and my fave Boddingtons. The pasties & pies are worth visiting for. The dart board reminds me of pubs back home but it’s the warm hospitality by British bartenders that make Pig & Whistle in San Francisco a right Royal treat.
BEST GRUB: COMMONWEALTH
The Shepherds Pie is worth the trek to the East Bay but lots of other offerings like pot pies and sausage rolls also satisfy that longing for home.
BEST FISH & CHIPS: CODMOTHER
Codmother in San Francisco is simply the best fish and chips this side of Westminster. The thrice fried jumbo chips served with fresh cod in a naughty, crunchy, crispy beer batter hit the spot every time. The sounds of seagulls around the wharf echo the natural seaside soundtrack from home (UK).
BEST BRIT BREAKFAST: THE CAVALIER
There is no better bangin’ British breakfast than the weekend feast offered at The Cavalier in San Francisco. It includes bangers & bacon, eggs & mushrooms & baked beans. It's a right Royal British treat. Call for opening times.
BEST TEA: LOVEJOY'S
LOVEJOY'S Tea Room in San Francsico & their sister shoppe in Pacifica are as authentic a tea house can be. From dainty sandwiches to scones with jam and clotted cream PLUS a fine selection of British brews and cakes, LOVEJOY'S is the real deal. Get your fill, of a right proper British High Tea. You’ll be royally glad you did. Book ahead as tea times often sell out.
BEST BRIT SHOP: ROXIE MARKET
Every time I visit Roxie Market I am transported back to the old country and become an excited 10-year-old kid all over again. There are may shops around the Bay selling British eats and treats but the selection here is unrivaled. From Mars bars to Toblerone chocolate, marmite to specialty jams, this spot has it all. If you love your Brit tea you will not be disappointed by the brew offerings here.
BEST BRITISH PODCAST: LADY CARNARVON
The Lady of the house at Highclere Castle (Downtown Abbey) has a brilliant weekly podcast. She interviews the characters behind the castle and does virtual gin tastings and cocktail hours, too. It's much fun and available for download via the Highclere website now.
BEST BRIT TV SHOW: GRAHAM NORTON
Britain’s number 1 chat show host Graham Norton is actually Irish but he rules on TV in the UK and has quite the following here in the USA.
BEST BRITISH TV HOST: JAMES CORDON
For six years, British-born James Cordon has brought comedy, conversation and lots of music to late night TV on CBS. His segment Carpool Karaoke has invited the biggest of stars from Beyoncé to Paul McCartney for a sing along. The segments, downloaded more than one billion times have catapulted Cordon to Internet mega-stardom. He’s also #1 in the "late late" night time slot.
BEST OVERALL PUB: CAMERON'S
This BRIT pub Cameron's along Highway 1 in Half Moon Bay wins my vote as the best overall Brit pub in the Bay. Along with a nice selection of British brews, there are many offerings like cottage pie, pasties, fish and chips. But the little Brit shop with tasty treats from home make this a mist stop for me anytime I am on the coast. The owner, Cameron, is Mr. Half Moon Bay and the resident honorary Brit.
BEST BRIT SPORTS BAR: KEZAR PUB
The official San Francisco bar for Liverpool fans is Kezar Pub. The vibe is good, the pints are perfect and TV screens for viewing are aplenty.
MUST SEE TV: OPRAH ROYAL SPECIAL
Don't miss Oprah With Meghan And Harry: A CBS Primetime Special featuring Oprah Winfrey as she sits down with Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It's an intimate conversation in an exclusive primetime special to air Sunday at 8:00 p.m. PT.
That’s a royal wrap in this all-British edition of Liam’s List.
Enjoy your weekend.
Liam’s List premieres Fridays on KPIX and is also available to download in a podcast via iTunes. Please email ideas to liamsf@aol.com.
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