The Cat and Fiddle
Restaurant & Pub
More Than a Pub - A Gathering Place
The Cat isn’t just about food-it’s where memories are made. We host wrap parties, film shoots, alumni gatherings, birthday celebrations, and intimate private events. Families love our kids’ menu and doggie menu, while locals and visitors alike return for our consistently welcoming service and flavorful dishes.
We couldn’t have survived this long without the dedication of our Cat family, our employees, many of whom have been with us through the transition of the previous location and in thick and thin. The Gardner Family is proud to work alongside them.
Recognized by the City of Los Angeles as both a “Los Angeles Legacy Business” and with a “Certificate of Recognition” for our cultural contributions, The Cat is proud to be a community hub for over 40 years.
Always Something Happening
Whether you’re here for a pint or a party, there’s always life at The Cat & Fiddle:
Football central: A top spot in LA to watch English Premier League, Champions League, and World Cup matches.
Afternoon Tea on the Patio: A charming and affordable treat, perfect for bridal showers, birthdays, or a leisurely afternoon.
Tuesday Pub Quiz: A high-energy trivia night hosted by King Trivia—packed with competitive fun.
Friday Vinyl Nights: Resident DJ Dandy Randy spins a killer mix of rock, psychedelia, and soul.
Rotating Chef Pop-Ups: Acclaimed guest chefs cook specialty dishes on-site, paired with custom cocktails from our staff. Past pop-ups have included Spanish tapas, Latin Guatemalan flavors, and even a Guinness & Oysters night.
The Cat’s History:
Paula Gardner at the original Cat & Fiddle at Laurel Canyon
The Cat & Fiddle was first opened in Laurel Canyon by British rocker Kim Gardner, and his wife, Paula, from New Orleans. Kim was a bassist and integral part of the British Rock Invasion of the 1960s and 70s. He recorded over 27 albums and played in bands such as Quiet Melon (with Rod Stewart), Ashton, Gardner & Dyke, The Creation and The Birds (with Ron Wood). The music industry eventually brought Kim to Hollywood and he decided to open a British pub in the neighborhood because there's wasn't one! Like his dad always said, "That boy would do anything for a pint!" Paula's roots are in fashion and she owned a successful shoe store named "Lily Bleu" on Santa Monica Boulevard. After the Cat & Fiddle launched with overwhelming success, Paula closed her store to work with Kim at the Pub full-time. The Cat & Fiddle quickly became the favorite watering hole for the entertainment community worldwide.
SUNDAY MAGAZINE, No. 357, August 14 1983
The Cat & Fiddle Pub
Laurel Canyon CLEANER AUNDRY OUT BY S 354-194
British bassist Kim Gardner took over the liquor license of a small Laurel Canyon restaurant and opened a pub which reminded him of home, inviting friends like Ron Wood and Rod Stewart along for the ride
By 1985, The Cat had outgrown the small nook in the Canyon and moved to a larger location on Sunset Boulevard. For a magical 32 years, The Pub poured many pints, served delicious homemade food and created lasting memories before local development forced the doors to shut. It took 2 years to find the perfect place to write the next chapter of The Cat & Fiddle, and in 2017 the new location on Highland and Melrose Avenue was announced. It is an intimate setting complete with a lovely garden patio, and was previously home to the popular music venue, Highland Grounds.
Kim Gardner with his father at the original Cat & Fiddle in Laurel Canyon
Sadly, in 2001, Kim passed away but Paula and their three daughters, Ashlee, Camille and Eva have carried on the torch. They continue to work alongside their mum, keeping the Cat & Fiddle legacy alive. Ashlee, who currently owns and runs the day to day of the pub alongside her mum since 2005, is a graduate of USC's Marshall School of Business and author of Entrepreneur Magazine's Great Book of Business Lists. She also owns a music management company, Paulie Music, with her producer/writer husband Justin Raisen. Camille has a food and beverage consulting company and has spent several years working for successful hospitality groups such as Patina Restaurant Group and David Burke Group in New York. She also has a commercial real estate business servicing the LA market. Eva, a bassist that has followed her father's footsteps, has her own signature bass with Fender and has played for artists such as P!nk, Cher, Gwen Stefani, Tegan & Sara and Moby. Together, they run the Cat & Fiddle and keep the spirit very much alive. Many thanks to the community for your continued support! Cheers!
Ashlee and Paula Gardner