Lucky Baldwin’s Old Town Celebrates Major Milestone

Peggy Simonian outside Lucky Baldwin’s Pub in Old Pasadena. – Photo by Terry Miller

‘20 Years, and oh so Many Beers’

By Terry Miller

It was (way back) in 1996 that two partners got the idea of creating a nice little English pub at 17 S. Raymond Ave. in Old Town Pasadena.

On Saturday, July 23 the flagship Lucky Baldwin’s or “LB’s,” as locals call it, will be celebrating in style, with live bands, prices from back in the ‘96 era, as well as raffle prizes. There will also be a tapping of some rare kegs from the cellar of Lucky Baldwin’s … this could be interesting!

Under the ownership of British subjects, the Late David Farnworth and Peggy Simonian, Lucky Baldwin’s in old Pasadena poured their very first pint July 1, 1996. It wasn’t long before word got around that there was a good “English Pub and good grub” in Pasadena, complete with character and a feel of the old country.

Lucky Baldwin’s is full of the delirious dry wit of an Englishman born in Carlisle – that would be Farnworth. Carlisle is known as the last town in England before Scotland and, sometimes, the last town in Scotland before England, depending on with whom you’re sharing a pint of the amber nectar.

Farnworth told me, years ago (logically enough), that he had lived in Farnworth, which is located within the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton in Greater Manchester, which might account for his thick accent and Northern wit and repartee. I’m not sure if he was pulling my leg – sometimes you never know with us Brits … we love to “take the mickey.” Oh well, it always makes for a good story!

Business partners Farnworth and Simonian, who met while working for the British Tourist Authority in Los Angeles, knew they were on to something special with Lucky Baldwin’s. The place kept growing and accordingly they offered more and more selections and a menu of British pub food that many would argue was better than back home.

What sets Lucky Baldwin’s apart from the madding crowd of bars, sports bars, and gastro pubs in the Los Angeles area is simply the selection of great beers, particularly Belgian beers, and the corresponding beer festivals that have become so popular throughout the years at Lucky Baldwin’s locations.

It is thanks to Farnworth that such ales are even available here in California. A determined beer aficionado, Farnworth literally travelled the world to find what he thinks are the best of the very best beers.
Yes, the place attracts expats, but mostly Anglophiles and those who really enjoy good ales and beers, as well as pub food and company.

However, as one regular British customer at Lucky Baldwin’s quipped “We’re slowly regaining the colonies … ” referring to the number of British subjects living and working in California.

Another outstanding feature about Lucky Baldwin’s is how the pub has introduced Pasadena to soccer. There were very few bars in Pasadena showing live Premier league soccer until Dave Farnworth started the trend, literally by sleeping in the pub and opening up extra early for live soccer from around the world. Word spread fast and now LB’s is known a place where you can watch just about any soccer game that is playing.

– Photo by Terry Miller

In 2005, Farnworth and Simonian jumped at an opportunity to open a Sierra Madre Lucky Baldwin’s that formerly housed the Sierra Madre Brewing Company 2. That location has developed a very loyal following and is known as Lucky Baldwin’s Delirium.

The latest in their series of pubs opened in East Pasadena on Super Bowl Sunday about five years ago and has been attracting a loyal following ever since.

While planning for the American market, the Belgians put their little grey cells to work and decided to introduce unique styles that may appeal to the wine connoisseur and other fussy gourmands, rather than challenge “popular” American lagers. Farnworth knew this well. Emphasizing quality and style was also important, considering that most of the beers sell for considerably more that the price of a Bud Lite. I can almost see Hercule Poirot sampling a Sason Dupont after he has enjoyed a Cuvee des Trolls, after he has solves yet another dastardly crime.

The late Farnworth (who passed away a few years ago from ALS) knew and loved his beers! Really! Farnworth was well-known in the industry and a maverick of sorts when it came to introducing customers to different brews.

But owner Peggy Simonian is quick to point out that its imperative that the servers are well-versed in the fine points of beer.  “We want our servers to be able to offer unique suggestions to those customers who know beers, but we want to have a little more expertise than the average bartender.” Simonian said. In fact many servers and bartenders complete their cicerone training and are literally experts in the world of beers.

Belgium continues to make hundreds of distinctive local beers, including traditional brews flavored with fruits. One of Farnworth’s favorite beers was: Scotch de Silly, a Scottish-style ale brewed in a town named Silly – I kid you not.

When you first look at the beer menu at Lucky Baldwins Trappiste, you might be a little overwhelmed, with not only the choices, but the names. It is actually good reading and quite funny … how about Lagunitas the Hairy Eyeball or Hair of the Dog Fred. For a change of pace try Alesmith Horny Devil … at 11 percent alcohol, this beer could well be served at the Playboy Mansion. How about a beer called Kwak?

Of course the more conventional sellers like Guinness, Boddingtons, and Stella are always on tap, but surely one must try something called Stone Sublimely Self Righteous if it’s on the menu.

In addition to their fantastic beer selection, wealth of community events, and multiple popular locations, Simonian emphasizes that the true success of the business boils down to “good-old, honest, plain, hard work.”

The 20th anniversary celebration takes place at 17 S. Raymond Ave. Take Uber.

Lucky Baldwin’s Trappiste is located at 1770 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena. Lucky Baldwin’s Delirium is located at 21 Kersting Court in Sierra Madre and the original at 17 S. Raymond in Pasadena. For more details, visit: www.luckybaldwins.com.

More from Arts