British & Dominion Social Club

Walking into this club, my first impression was not a good one. But as soon as I neared the bar, where everyone was, those feelings washed away so quickly that I'm almost embarrassed to even admit I had them in the first place.

Imagine, if you can - the comedy sitcom "Cheers" - when Norm walks into the bar and everyone calls out his name. Not that everyone called my name - but strangers who I've never seen before were so welcoming that they not only took me on a tour of the club, but they made sure to introduce me to the other regulars and even checked up on me while I was throwing darts, waiting for a blind draw tournament to start. Which was the reason I ended up at a British club, in Garden Grove of all places.

I refer to this place as a club because that's what it is. There's a bar, there are dart boards (multiple), food is served (limited) and there is a membership fee, though not required as hung out there without being asked for a card or dues. In fact, there wasn't any aggressive sales tactics, I initiated the conversation because I noticed signs about club functions. The facility is of a decent size and as I left that night, one end of the club was being decorated for what looked to be a wedding - over where a full stage is located.

As for the bar, I know that Bass, Guiness and Harp are served. I didn't care to ask if there was more to their selection. After all, I was in a British bar. So, when in Rome ...

Great place to start the New Years Eve celebration at 4pm!

First off I'll preface this review with a look back at a message from my homeboy D H. who teased me with a day at the track over dinner at the Ranch the night before.

Message from D H ...  "Ponies? All of my buds flaked, then I remembered being invited to the Dominion Club. Sounds like a better bet........get it? Sorry, did not get this msg till just now. Call when you awake."

Ok so I was a bit skeptical about a mid day New Years Eve bash at some place I'd never heard of nestled in an industrial complex. But then again never look a gift horse in the mouth. So I looked up the British & Dominion Social Club and I started to get the feeling.  That good one. You know when you walk on thick shag carpet with bare feet or when you touch that soft spot on a baby's head and feel its hear beat.  An underground kind of British pub/club smack dab in Garden Grove. Who Knew???  Alright Dan I'm in!

So after a morning of shopping with my girls I blindly head to the B&DSC. As I pull into the complex I see a small British flag, yup this must be the place.  I walked in and found Dan at the bar (imagine that) where we sat and got our attitudes adjusted with a couple of cold draft Boddingtons.  <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/34GzP_ThldDoRhUk9KhZCw?select=d1buMSCc59QkXWX2ER1WMQ#6wFFsFbVlkBOO7_aW7jSPw">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>  Now were talking the bar was well set up for a bunch of Brit's and a couple of So Cal dudes like us to get the new year started.  <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/34GzP_ThldDoRhUk9KhZCw?select=d1buMSCc59QkXWX2ER1WMQ#y9QExctymXXLmg7yITvhtw">http://www.yelp.com/biz_…</a>

There was a great spread of pub grub brought in from the various club members, and the hospitality and niceness of the patrons was first class all the way. I felt like I was English for a couple of hours. God save the Queen!  As the NYE countdown came and went the patrons became more friendly. I had someone explain to me that the B&DSC was a great place to watch a game of footie (Liverpool being the local favorite) and it was not uncommon for members to be there at 0-dark-30 for a game and a pint.  

While membership is not required for the B&DSC  if you were a soccer fan, a Brit or just someone who likes to hang at a fun place  I would strongly encourage anyone who comes here to kick down the $75 a year to support this establishment.  They have occasional live music and entertainment, super waitresses (hardest working around) a great atmosphere and lots of friendly folks, this is a fun time for British and non Brit's alike. Good beers, and New Years Cheers!

I'll be back!

I have been coming here, off and on for a the past five years or so, both as a paying member and not.  What I love overall about this establishment is the overall feel of being in an underground bar in England or Germany for that matter.  No windows, low lighting and large fireplace, is something that lends to this mood.  Don't misinterpret this as being a negative thing.  I like that it feels removed from the rest of Orange County and find immense solace in spending time here.  Guinness, Boddingtons, Magner's and Stella Artois are favorites and are all on draught.  Prices are very reasonable and although they do not have a kitchen, they sell chips (crisps) and nuts.  Membership is not required for this place but I would strongly encourage anyone who comes here to fork out the $75 a year to support this establishment.  This will hopefully keep the doors on this club open for many years to come.  I do wish they had an internet jukebox of some sort but I can get buy with there current Satellite music stations, I suppose.
Almost forgot, this is great place to catch futbol (soccer games)!