Hollywood Gem Cat And Fiddle May Close Doors For Chain Restaurant

HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — A famed Hollywood hotspot among both rock stars and residents alike may close its doors in favor of a chain restaurant.

The popular restaurant The Cat and Fiddle is locked in a rent dispute that may spell an end after over 30 years.

"We've got a lot of stuff that's been with us for five, 10, 15 , 20, 25 years," owner Ashlee Gardner said. "So, it's a big shock to everybody."

For decades, the British pub has been frequented by celebrities and British ex-patriates alike.

"Robert de Niro has been here before; Morrisey comes in a lot," server Danny Riordan said. "Me, coming here as a movie fan myself and being able to interact with these people, is a great experience of my life."

Gardner says that despite several attempts to stay at the location, their landlord is forcing them out, favoring a chain restaurant.

"He's just been really nonresponsive, and he lives out in Atlanta, so he's not based in town," Gardner said. "I don't think he really understand the neighborhood or Hollywood."

Longtime patrons, meanwhile, call the restaurant a pillar of the community.

"You look around in the courtyard, and you see a lot of the same people that you would see all the time, and it's a meeting place," patron Steve Schofield said.

The Cat and Fiddle is on Sunset Boulevard between Highland Avenue and Vine Street. As the pub looks for other possible venues, the lease is set to run out Dec. 15.

The landlord has not replied to calls and has not released any statement.