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Britannia Arms--Almaden 5027 Almaden Expwy, San Jose 408.266.0550 Rod's Roadstop Almaden soccer pub wears it well By Justin Berton There's a good story about Rod Stewart and Britannia Arms. In 1994, when the United States hosted the world's most popular sporting event, the World Cup, Brazil played Cameroon in a match at Stanford University. At the time, Rod "If You Want My Body And You Think I'm Sexy" Stewart played soccer for a semipro team in Los Angeles. It was during the World Cup frenzy, coincidentally, that Rod and his teammates flew to San Jose to play against a team sponsored by Britannia Arms. When Rod arrived, there was a mix-up in the schedule and the teams never played. So Rod and his buddies, along with his newfound friends at the Brit, fed on breakfast inside the pub and, later in the day, chartered a bus to Stanford to watch the World Cup match. When they all returned, they drank some more beer and watched more soccer on the big- screen TV. "He said he needed a day off," recalls owner John McKay. "He just wanted a day with the lads to watch some soccer and have some fun." Since then, Britannia Arms has been patronized by just about every individual who lives south of Capitol Expressway--Grammy winners or no. This neighborhood pub where everybody knows your name--don't mind the cliché, because it means something here--is the unofficial meeting place for anyone who graduated from Gunderson High School. Ever. On the Friday night after Thanksgiving, "The place is packed to capacity 15 minutes after we open," McKay says. "Everyone's back in town and they all know where to go." Including Rod. Hours: Daily 11am-2am Crowd Age: 21-65 Music: Live music Décor: Soccer pub casual Signature Drink: A cool pint Dancing: Yes Games/Amenities: Darts, trivia Listings by Geographical Location: Campbell | Cupertino | Los Gatos | Mtn. View | Peninsula | Central San Jose | San Jose 'Burbs | Santa Clara | Saratoga | South County | Sunnyvale | South County | Bar and Club Locator Features: Light's On, Door's Open: What makes a bar a favorite hangout the world over? One writer aims to find out. I'll Have What She's Having...: What's new and what's cool when it comes to the latest cocktail twists. Reviews: Senoritas and Margaritas: Left at Albuquerque--blame it all on Route 66. Scene Stealer: All the animals come out at night... to the Camera Cafe. Saddle Up: Sangria Restaurant, where sitting at the bar is a gripping experience. Retro Groovin': At the DancePlex. partygoers relive the '70s, '80s and... this morning! Flash and Dash: Mardi Gras and other surprises at Nola Restaurant and Bar. Knight Dreams: Black Watch--where swords cross and Stoli freezes over. United Nations: Lido's Nightclub, where world beat has a whole new meaning. Taste the Music: The Icon Supperclub is the new incarnation of the Edge. Mineral Wealth: Mining for meaning under the Cinebar's disco ball . In the Pink: All in a dogone day's work at the Pink Poodle. Rod's Roadstop: Britannia Arms at Almaden wears it well. [ San Jose | Metroactive Central | Archives ]