The California

The California

pub
family-friendly
outdoor-seating
good-for-groups
reservations-accepted
LocalsTourists
3.9Google (1084 reviews)

Cosy pub with smart contemporary decor and a carvery restaurant, plus garden and kids' play area.

Price range:

About

Looking for that perfect London pub where the good vibes flow as freely as the drinks? The California in London is that rare gem where every visit feels like you've stumbled into the best house party in town - except someone else is doing all the work and the drinks are professionally mixed. Trust me, this isn't just another stop on your typical London pub crawl.

Let me paint you a picture: imagine walking into a place where the energy hits you before you've even ordered your first drink. The California London has that magical quality where you can roll in with any scenario and somehow it just works. Date night? The intimate corners and mood lighting have your back. Squad celebration? The spacious layout means everyone's got room to let loose without feeling like sardines in fancy clothes.

Oh. My. Days. Can we talk about the service for a second? There's this absolute legend called Kat who's basically become local famous for turning ordinary evenings into "remember that night when..." stories. She's got that sixth sense for knowing exactly when you need a top-up or when your crew is ready for the next round. If you're lucky enough to get seated in her section, you've basically won the hospitality lottery.

Speaking of winning, let's discuss the food situation because HELLO TASTE BUDS! The menu hits that sweet spot between "fancy enough to impress" and "portions that actually fill you up." And here's a pro tip that'll make you look like a genius: they do this Sunday deal on starters and desserts that'll make you want to permanently block out your calendar for end-of-week feasts.

The vibe? It's like someone took the best bits of a traditional London pub, mixed them with your favorite local hangout, and added just enough polish to make it date-worthy without losing that genuine soul. The outdoor seating area is basically summer goals personified - perfect for those long London evenings when the sun's playing hard to get but you're not ready to head inside.

Groups? They LOVE them here. Like, actually love them, not just tolerate them while secretly hoping you'll leave soon. The space is set up so you can have your rowdy reunion without the table next door giving you the side-eye. And they take reservations! In London! For a pub! It's like finding a unicorn that serves beer.

Dog people, bring your furry friends because they're welcome here too. Nothing beats a Sunday afternoon watching dogs living their best lives while you're tucked into a roast that could make your nan proud. The California London has somehow mastered that tricky balance of being both a proper grown-up establishment AND a place where you can genuinely let your hair down.

Here's some insider intel: they take cards (including contactless), have actual parking options (a miracle in London), and the location is spot-on for either starting your night or making it your final destination. The free parking situation alone is worth its weight in gold - trust me, your Uber budget will thank you.

Let's talk location strategy. The California sits in that perfect sweet spot where it's easy enough to get to but just far enough off the tourist track to keep it real. It's become this brilliant hub where locals and in-the-know visitors mix together in this perfect storm of good times and great memories.

Listen, I'm not saying you HAVE to drop everything and head to The California London right now... but also, why haven't you started walking there already? This is where memories are made, folks - where "just one quick drink" turns into "best night ever" and where "let's grab a bite" becomes "I can't believe we just spent 6 hours here!" Don't be the one hearing about it secondhand on Monday morning. Get yourself down to The California and thank me later. Your future self is already raising a glass to this decision.

Contact Information

Address

267 Brighton Rd, Sutton SM2 5SU, UK

London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the)

Opening Hours

Sunday: 11 AM - 11 PM
Monday: 11 AM - 11 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM - 11 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM - 11 PM
Thursday: 11 AM - 11 PM
Friday: 11 AM - 12 AM
Saturday: 11 AM - 12 AM

Amenities

Dine in
Takeout
Restroom
Reservable
Allows dogs
Serves beer
Serves wine
Good for groups
Outdoor seating
Serves cocktails
Good for children

Photos (10)

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