Photograph by Alyson Aliano

There’s no surer sign of L.A.’s gentrification than spotting a British Dame in a Westlake bar. Backed by nightlife impresario Cedd Moses, actor Rio Hackford (son of director Taylor) has transformed a Mexican pool hall into an urban watering hole. A vaulted gold ceiling adds unexpected grandeur to the gritty saloon, which is an antidote to the overrun downtown scene. Good tip: Young crowd not withstanding, Hackford’s father reportedly comes in for scotch; step-mom Helen Mirren prefers the gimlet. » 1222 W. 7th St., montybar.com.