BERMUDA AFTER DARK - Bermuda 2012 - page 180

to the hordes of singles who gather on the nearby verandas of the hotel that contains
it, there might not be room to sit. Some islanders insist that it's the hottest and most
easy-to-flirt-with-a-stranger venue on the island. We can't confirm that for sure, but
with more than a thousand partiers who cram into this place to hear the live enter-
tainment and to see and be seen, the assertion doesn't seem far-fetched. In the Fairmont
Princess Hotel, 76 Pitts Bay Rd. & 441/295-3000. Bus: 10 or 11.
The Pickled Onion For years, Ye Old Cock & Feather was one of Bermuda's
landmark pubs. In 1997, after a multimillion-dollar renovation, it glaringly changed
its image (as well as its name), and the once fairly staid pub became a stop on the
trend-conscious after-dark circuit. Funky fabrics cover the booths and tables where
patrons listen to music that ranges from Top 40 to blues to oldies and hits of the past
50 years. Live music starts at 10pm during the summer season. This place is some-
times cited as one of the few bars in Bermuda that continues to serve snacks and pub
grub during the midafternoon, when many of its competitors have locked up their
kitchens. Happy hour is Monday to Friday from 5 to 7pm. Open daily from 11:30am
to around 1am (Fri-Sat until 2am). 53 Front St. & 441/295-2263. Bus: 7 or 8.
The Robin Hood More than most other drinking spots in Bermuda, this one
attracts expatriates from the U.K. who might, if they're in a good mood, satirically
describe themselves as “good-natured blokes” and “merry wenches.” Set within a
10-minute walk from the offices of downtown Hamilton, it serves foaming pints of
lager and hale and hearty pub fare, including some of Bermuda's best pizzas. It's also
one of the island's premier sports bars, with big-screen coverage of various U.S. and
British league competitions. Some nights, a master of ceremonies conducts trivia
quizzes, while other nights focus on reggae and rock 'n' roll. And when it's particularly
rowdy, a prize might be awarded to the patron who can drink a pint of ale the fastest.
Monday through Saturday 11am to 1am, Sunday noon to 1am. 25 Richmond Rd.
& 441/295-3314. Bus: 1 or 2.
Sandys Parish
The Frog & Onion Pub Converted from an 18th-century cooperage, or barrel-
making factory, this sprawling and perhaps haunted British-style pub (p. 96) is
within the solid stone walls of the Royal Naval Dockyard. Sprawling and steeped in
a sense of British military history, it serves stiff drinks and bar snacks throughout the
afternoon and evening. Established years ago by a “frog” (a Frenchman) and an
“onion” (a Bermudian), the pub is open daily 11:30am to 1am. The Cooperage, Royal Naval
Dockyard, Ireland Island. & 441/234-2900. Bus: 7 or 8.
Smith's Parish
North Rock Brewing Company When this likable pub was first established, it
did most of its brewing right on the premises, and as such, did a lot to raise the local
community's appreciation for the nuances of fine brew-making. Alas, in 2007, the
actual fabrication of the beer was moved to a distant location on the western tip of
the island, in the Royal Dockyard. So although you can certainly drink and appreciate
the only beer brewed on Bermuda, the actual brewing won't happen, as in days of
yore, directly in front of you. Regardless, Bermuda-brewed lagers and ales are king
here, and available only for local consumption unless you opt to actually haul a bottle
or two back with you. Depending on the day, the inventories, and the season, you'll
find brews known respectively as “Whale of a Wheat” and “North Rock Porter.” The

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