Oh, to Sink a Pint and Sling Some Arrows

It was something he had wanted to do for years. So, first night in his new role as a publican, British rock bass player Kim Gardner was so anxious to make the classic announcement “Time gentlemen, please!” that he stood on a high bar stool to say it.

“I got smacked right in the head by the ceiling fan,” Gardner said. “It was on high speed, too.”

Enthusiasm and Know-How

Despite such minor mishaps, Kim and his wife, Paula, have managed to make a success of their Cat & Fiddle Pub--though they say it was more because of enthusiasm than actual managerial know-how.

Now in their second location (the original pub was in Laurel Canyon) and five years into the business, they employ a staff of more than 50.

The Cat & Fiddle is a popular hangout for rock and jazz musicians. And Gardner, who has played with such artists as Rod Stewart, Ron Wood and Bo Didley and who has 24 records to his credit, encourages their patronage. The relaxed atmosphere, excellent British beers on tap and British home-style cooking--much of which prepared to Kim Gardner’s specifications--attract a loyal crowd of local customers.

Then, of course, there are the darts tournaments. If you’re serious about darts, you will find avid and accomplished players in this pub on any night.

The Cat & Fiddle occupies a classic Old Hollywood, Mexican-style palacio that dates to the 1920s and was once the home of a popular Chinese restaurant called Sunset Gardens. With its high, decorative wrought-iron gates and walled garden court, it’s a great place to dine outdoors on a warm evening.

Jazz on Sundays

Every Sunday night from 6 to 10, the garden court hosts the Pat Britt/Wilbur Brown & Friends Jazz Quintet. Gardner often sits in with the band, playing acoustic bass. Recently the sessions have been packed with people, and the Gardners plan to book other musical acts.

Some British cooking may not have the most vaunted reputation, but you may want to try some selections on Cat & Fiddle’s “English/Continental” menu: Cornish pasties, shepherd’s pie with lamb, and bangers and mash. The bangers, or English sausages, are made from Gardner’s recipe.

And if your taste runs to lighter, more complex fare, they also serve such dishes as curried chicken with walnuts and raisins, bay shrimp and pate with cornichons.

The Cat & Fiddle Pub and Restaurant, 6530 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood; (213) 468-3800.