Places with character… Mandy and Britannia La Cruz
Walking into the fortress that is Britannia in La Cruz makes one think they’re in jolly old England. The bar with its dark wood and grandeur with English beer steins hanging has one begging for a Guinness. The foreboding knights in shining armor guard us as we dance the night away. Never experiencing a rockin’ night like Tuesdays at ‘The Brit’ when I’ve been to England apparently that’s where we leave Britain behind.
Tuesday is my favourite night in La Cruz. Mandy has the house band ‘The Turn’ commence the evening playing favourites of the crowd where one by one the huge open-air dance floor calls folks to boogie. Every time I take guests I have to be careful of overselling it as nothing can always be that good, right? With rare exception it really is that good, most of the time! It’s hard to determine whether I prefer the nights when it’s ‘off season’ and locals turn up and the out of work musicians rock the house or in high season when open mic earns its name.
Mike Curlette leads the open mic inviting folks on stage to play or sing. Week after week for six years now, I’m still in awe as he scans the crowd inviting those who often had only introduced themselves upon arrival as a bass player, drummer, etc. Knowing nothing about music except how much I love dancing its amazing to me that three to eight musicians who never knew each other moments before can whisper a couple of letters to each other (notes) and then make sweet, sweet music. Not only are the musicians talented but Mike, too, in his putting together several bands a night impresses the heck out of me. The dance floor is usually packed indicating others are impressed too!
Like many before her and since, Mandy came to La Cruz on vacation and never left. Well that’s not quite true, her first vacation was in 1991 when she visited her parents, who had built their own home here. Then a few more visits and she decided to move here in 2002 and built her bar and opened in 2004. Born in Widnes, Lancashire and raised in Gunnislake, Cornwall, Mandy (Amanda) Delaney is a force. She’s itty bitty but knows what she wants and created a bar where everyone who shows up is welcomed and has fun.
Mandy and Britannia Pub have weathered the seasons, literally and figuratively, Mandy has experienced the boom times and the lean. Committed to keep what she’s created successful she opens three days a week for now until certain the tourists are back. Opening Hours for November; Monday at 7pm for Game night, Tuesday at 6.30 pm for Open Mic and Wednesday at 2.30 pm for BINGOOOO. Stayed tuned for various fundraisers, Mardi gras and so much more fun at Britannia La Cruz!
Offering drink specials and pub food; Cottage pies and fish and chips and much more, Mandy has created a gathering place where once you visit; I think you’ll be hooked! I hope to see you there on Tuesday night!
