POP
The signage in front advertises Mathew's as Portland's oldest pub, hence POP, but I've found no information to back this up. So the classification of it being the oldest pub in the city is up in the air, and I don't think it would meet most true definitions of a pub either. Dive? Yes. Pub? No. I stopped in 'light years' ago to wet the whistle with some friends and based on a few reviews I've read lately, things haven't changed much. There always seems to be a seedy bunch smoking outside these entrances too. The looks you get are enough to convince anyone looking for a few beers to move along to another spot. A joint like this is usually a place where the 'regulars' rule and are most of the patrons. Portland has lots of choices to make before you'd settle for an evening with friends here; however, it does make for an interesting image in early Sunday light.
Hoist one for the sun on the bricks!
Would you feel better about this place if your name were Matthew? Or Matt? Or Mark, or Luke, or John? ;-)
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to find a real "pub." A place that isn't overrun with a bunch of rowdys looking to get blasted.
Yes, the sun on the bricks and the blue awnings w/blue skies. Purty.
ReplyDeleteIf friends are together, it doesn't matter where you imbibe. The place doesn't look too bad, esp with the sun shining on it.
ReplyDeleteyeah, pub sounds a lot friendlier than that place is. :)
ReplyDeleteYour story reminded me a trip I took to Portmeirion in Wales all by myself. I got off the train in the closest village and then had to figure out how to get there. I spotted a pub that was actually part of the train station. I could hear the humming of voices from inside but, the minute I walked in, utter silence. I walked up to the bar and asked if there was a taxi service that could take me to my destination and they called one for me. However, the hum of conversation never returned and all eyes watched me while I waited for the driver. I was glad the driver arrived so quickly.
ReplyDeleteI do like a good pub, but as you say... there are conditions on what can be called a pub!
ReplyDeleteOh hell, I'd try it all the same.
ReplyDeleteIt can't be all that bad, I see Santa standing by two doors. Might he be the bouncer? OH OH OH!
ReplyDeleteI'm persuaded. On to the next . . .
ReplyDeleteI'd pass and move along to the next.
ReplyDeleteNice composition.
ReplyDeleteNice,
ReplyDeleteYou know my one and only time in Portland was almost 30 years ago and I just couldn't find a place to get a beer that felt "right." Too bad because I bet there were "right" places there, I just didn't know where they were.