One of the city’s most alluring public spaces, Praça do Comércio is characterised by an imposing triumphal arch on the north side of the square and a statue of King José I. The lofty battlements of Castelo de São Jorge can be seen in the background.

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This exciting and innovative exhibition explores the culture, history and future of video games and looks at where games have come from and where they are going.

And it’s totally interactive! Nearly every exhibit is in perfect working order and can be played by visitors as if it were new.

As well as showcasing some of the finest arcade, console and hand-held games produced over the last 50 years, Game On also highlights the work of the creative people who are involved in the industry, including designers, artists, musicians, testers and programmers.

Game on is playing in the Portuguese capital as part of a ten-year global tour that has taken in more than a dozen countries and thrilled over a million players of all ages.

The exhibition is arranged chronologically with eleven different sections displaying rare and little-seen gems such as the very first arcade game, Computer Space from 1971, invented by Noel Bushnell, founder of Atari and one of the industry’s most respected figures.

Among a treasure trove of consoles, arcade machines, multiplayers, packaging and curios, game history buffs can marvel at the original storyboard for Grand Theft Auto III and the original design concepts for Tomb Raider displayed alongside the BAFTA award the game collected in 1999.

There’s a prototype of the Sony PlayStation and an early Game Boy, amongst other hand-held games. Elsewhere, Japanese Shigeru Miyamoto’s original illustrations of his creation Mario, plus other colourful artwork, provide unique insight into the creative process of game development.

In all, visitors can try their hands at over 120 video games and arcade machines.

Organised by Barbican Art Gallery, London, in collaboration with the National Museums of Scotland, Game On presents games as a creative field which stands alongside music, cinema, and the visual arts and runs until 15 July.

Tue–Thur 10am–6pm; Fri–Sat 10am–8pm; Sun–bank holidays 10am–7pm. Closed Mon. Adult €9; children under 5 free; children 6–12 €5. Family pass 2 x adult 2 x children €23.

Photographs © www.paulbernhardtphoto.com

The scruffy-chic maze of cobblestone streets, blind alleys and terraced patios provides refuge for the alternative, a safe-haven for the different and a cure for the non-conformist.

Here you can wear your heart on your sleeve, and anything else for that matter. And the older the label, the more distant the make, the better the look. After all, this year’s collections are next year’s hand-me-downs.

Bairro Alto is proud of its left-field attitude. The neighbourhood is nourished by a healthy disregard for the norm. Refuse to comply and you’re welcomed with open arms.

Shopping for vintage apparel is more than just making a fashion statement. It’s about writing your own manifesto. Truth is, an original and creative mind seeks more than a high street fix.

Instead, a free-spirited individual needs a wardrobe that’s compatible with their imagination. No matter that it once belonged to someone else. Indeed, perhaps that’s part of the appeal? More to the point, vying for vintage can be fun and inexpensive because vintage has never really fallen out of fashion.

So, next time you’re in Bairro Alto try these places for size. They’re very you.

BLOW UP VINTAGE

Silk ties displayed in a hotel key rack

This pocket-sized boutique on Travessa dos Fiéis de Deus is named after the cult 1966 Michelangelo Antonioni film Blow Up, though much of the stock dates from the 1980s.

Blow Up’s staff have first-hand knowledge of the second-hand scene, and the clothes here are best described as urban vintage, for the guy in the street, the girl about town.

Lads, check out the original Fred Perry polo shirts and American homage T-shirts. Lasses, try on the brushed suede jackets or pure wool jumpers.

That great feminine double-act – shoes and handbags – includes a star appearance by Dorothy Perkins c.1984.

Urban style: Lonsdale sports holdall.

The choice is predominantly geared for women, but sporty brands score too – Lonsdale, Adidas and Nike: the messenger bags and holdalls are in mint condition, the trainers born to run.

If the shoe fits: trying on the footwear.

The mark up on merchandise is minimal because as Blow Up’s co-owner Jean-Pierre explains, “Vintage is not supposed to be expensive.”

EL DORADO

A pair of colourful 1980s Converse plimsolls

The Grande Dame of Bairro Alto’s vintage fashion scene, El Dorado on Rua do Norte has been nurturing the nostalgic since 1978.

Look carefully and you’ll find some beautiful Edwardian white linen embroidered dresses amongst the ‘60s and ‘70s gone-bys. The footwear is mostly retro, with platform shoes Roxy Music would record again for.

A handmade cotton quilt embroidered with intricately designed silk flowers

The antique inventory also numbers some remarkable collectors’ items including an Art Deco tea service, a set of French Vallauris ceramic tableware and rare examples of Portuguese romantic-risqué postcards.

Clock the quirky stuff: a 1950s baby’s rattle, a hairdryer from the same era, a pair of chunky chrome Elvis sunglasses that must have looked really cool in 1972, and an assortment of rings, broaches and earrings that would make a magpie weep.

Picture this: a "Sgt Pepper" military overcoat and Electra Marro motorcycle jacket worn for posterity.

And don’t forget to browse the vinyl, anything from Old Blue Eyes to The Beatles. Shop owner Fernanda prefers The Rolling Stones, but she’s happy to dust down the gramophone and spin requests.

ÁS DE ESPADAS

A retro Bésame cashmere lipstick, powder and compact kit

A solid block stone ceiling arches itself over the wares of this vintage shop on Rua Luz Soriano. It’s housed in the basement of a refurbished town house in one of Bairro Alto’s oldest vicinities, a location that lends the “Ace of Spades” a singular character.

Style and character at the "Ace of Spades"

The elegant 1930s and early ‘40s is celebrated in style at this unusually designed vintage shop. The retro accessories like the Bésame cosmetic kits (not tested on animals – hooray!) and assorted hats, shoes, braces and ties hark back to the golden age of Hollywood and the pin-up calendar.

For brylcreemed boys and beehived girls, there’s a stomping collection of ‘50s-style Hawaiian T-shirts and patent leather jackets to rock ‘n’ roll over.

Cocktails and Burlesque, vintage style

More than just doyens of style, co-owners Bruno and Tiago are convivial hosts too.

The proprietors’ propensity for parties means that after dark, boutique becomes bar where cabaret-style entertainment, including Burlesque, takes place under flickering candlelight.

All images © www.paulbernhardtphoto.com

Actually, the tables at this celebrated fine dining venue are set for noon, when a pastel wash of soft, natural light accentuates the geometry of the contemporarily styled interior and tableware placed over crisp white linen.

Perched above the city’s Parque Eduardo VII, the views from the restaurant take in the very heart of the Portuguese capital and set the scene for a weekend treat.

Brunch is served at Eleven

The new menu, Brunch em 11 pedaços do Eleven, has been designed by Joachim Koerper and comprises 11 different plates of Portuguese and Mediterranean-inspired delicacies beautifully presented Continental-style.

Ensemble of fresh fruit

A confection of fresh croissants and crunchy almond whirls, rich chocolate cake, sugar coated muffins and other pastries are complemented by an imaginative selection of oven-baked bread.

Freshly squeezed orange juice, tangy and sweet, is poured at the same time as that essential morning pick-me-up, a bica (espresso). There’s also a choice of tea and infusions.

Eleven’s master chef is highly regarded for his expertise in combining traditional Portuguese produce with Mediterranean ingredients, and Koerper entices with his wafer thin hams, mildly spiced salami and wood-smoked salmon. The accompanying cheeses include queijo da Serra Estrela, one of the finest in the land. This is a cold plate that warms the heart!

Indulge with some sparkling wine

The espumante – sparkling wine that positively fizzes with anticipation – together with a harmonious ensemble of pineapple, blackcurrant, mango, papaya and kiwi fruit, perfectly cleanses the palate for what follows.

Brought to the table in a handsome lidded oven dish, the biologically produced spicy sausage over melt-in-your-mouth scrambled egg is simply delicious. The sprig of rosemary is a wonderful touch.

Spicy sausage and scrambled egg, beautifully presented

The culinary occasion is crowned with succulent neck of black pork served with grilled courgette and finger-thin fried potato.

Light, well balanced and carefully conceived, Eleven’s new brunch menu is best enjoyed at leisure with family or with groups of friends.

Breakfast epiphany, or enlightened lunch? You decide.

Saturday brunch at Eleven is €35 per person including taxes, with a 50% discount for children under 12.

Photographs © www.paulbernhardtphoto.com

Lying at the foot of these ancient hills is Sintra itself, whose old quarter (Vila Velha) is possessed of a beguiling, medieval character.

Sintra's historic centre - a UNESCO World Heritage site

This magical destination, and the parks and gardens that embrace it, is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and makes for an inspiring excursion.

Exploring Sintra on foot reveals a labyrinth of narrow cobbled lanes, steep winding passages and terraced arcades lined with elegant mansions, handsome townhouses, engaging museums, boutique stores and enticing cafés and restaurants. (Pop into Piriquita, Rua das Padarias 1, and sample their queijadas – crispy cheesecakes flavoured with cinnamon: a regional speciality.)

Sweet delicacies: queijadas, Sintra's cheesecakes

Overlooking the pretty central square is the Palácio Nacional de Sintra. A pair of tall conical chimneys distinguishes the palace’s exterior.

The majestic Sala dos Brasões in the Palácio Nacional de Sintra

A favourite summer retreat for Portuguese royalty, the Paço Real, as it is also known, has a surprise in every room. But it’s the Sala dos Brasões that takes your breath away. The domed ceiling of this stately room is decorated with stags holding the coats of arms of 72 noble Portuguese families. The azulejo (tile) panels lining the lower walls date from the 18th century.

The cultural landscape of Sintra is heightened – quite literally – by the Palácio da Pena. Perched on the highest point of the Serra, this astonishing fairytale eyrie dazzles with its icing cake architecture and inventory of rare antiques.

16th-century alabaster and marble retable in Palácio da Pena

Protecting the northern flank of Parque da Pena – a verdant expanse of woodland and shrub that surrounds the palace – are the mighty, time worn ramparts of Castelo dos Mouros. Hewn from the granite that shapes the land, the fort dates back to the 9th century and the period of the Arab occupation.

A golden sunset hue coats the ramparts of Castelo dos Mouros

The Park and the Palace of Pena are the finest examples of 19th-century Portuguese Romanticism. It’s probably why Lord Byron chose to pen part of Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage (1812) in Sintra.

Another English scribe drawn to the region’s charm was William Beckford, who sought sanctuary at Palácio de Monserrate.

Beckford rented Monserrate Palace in 1793 and immediately got his hands dirty by carrying out some much-needed repairs on the building. He then turned his fingers green by laying out the garden.

History and mystery go hand in hand at Quinta da Regaleira. Dripping with a confection of exuberant decoration, this palatial mansion with its assorted towers and turrets resembles a bizarre oversized doll’s house.

The extravagantly designed Quinta da Regaleira

The fascinating amalgamation of various architectural styles – Gothic, Italian Renaissance, neo-Manueline – and the curious religious references and symbols of the occult lend the place a deliciously spooky undertone.

The eerie, subterranean well at Quinta da Regaleira

The fantastic gardens are planted with exotic flora and embellished with lakes, waterfalls and grottos. One of these, the Cave of the Orient, allows access to an underground tunnel system that leads to an eerie subterranean well. The kids will love it!

Conveniently for visitors, the quinta is only a short walk from Palácio de Seteais.

A picture of serenity, the Seteais Palace is set in beautifully manicured grounds. The elegant structure dates from the late 18th century and was built for the Dutch consul Daniel Gildemeester.

Palácio de Seteais, now a luxury boutique hotel managed by Tivoli Hotels & Resorts

Today, the building serves as an upscale boutique hotel managed by Tivoli Hotels & Resorts.

Careful refurbishment has maintained the period character of the interior. The precious frescos that illustrate several walls of the inner rooms are attributed to French painter Jean-Baptiste Pillement. The Sala Gildemeester is of particular merit.

The beautiful Sala Gildemeester in Palácio de Seteais

Accommodation is privileged and discerning, an intimate ensemble of 30 rooms and suites. Comfort here is beyond reproach – falling into bed is like sinking into a huge marshmallow, and equally as sweet.

The hotel’s classical style and graceful ambiance is carried through to the restaurant. The menu errs towards international cuisine, with entradas such as Caesar salad with roasted chicken breast, and dishes like sautéed grilled steak with pepper sauce and fried potato Ponte Nova style, enticing the palate. The arm-long wine list honours some of Portugal’s finest labels.

Impeccable service at the Tivoli Palácio de Seteais restaurant

When night falls, a mystical aura descends over the property, as it does over the entire countryside. Indulge in a moonlight walk and you’ll understand why Sintra is the capital of Romanticism.

Photographs © www.paulbernhardtphoto.com

LISBON LOUNGE HOSTEL

Face to face: urban artwork at Lisbon Lounge Hostel

Conveniently located in the city’s Baixa (downtown district), Lisbon Lounge Hostel scooped the Best Small Hostels award in the ‘Worldwide’ category.

A minimalist design signature and cool colour scheme lend this hostel a stylish and sophisticated quality more reminiscent of an upmarket boutique hotel.

Vintage furnishings like the Sanyo record player (complete with Vinyl LP collection) and a portable ladies’ Ciclone hairdryer (now a lamp stand) decorate the common room.

City artist “Dirty Cop” has produced the striking urban murals illustrating the walls of the upper floors, where the dorms are situated.

Equally creative are the “astonishing dinners” prepared by chef Pedro that include dishes like chicken piri-piri with couscous.

YES! LISBON HOSTEL

Group therapy: catching up on emails at Yes! Lisbon Hostel

Enjoying another fantastic location in downtown Lisbon, Yes! Lisbon Hostel collected three gongs: Best Large Hostels in the ‘Worldwide’ category; Most Popular Hostel ‘in Lisbon’; and Best Hostel for Groups.

This hostel is big on space (there’s room for 108 guests) and big on fun. Simply put, it’s a great place for young globetrotters to hang out.

The lounge area doubles up as a dining room. Here, delicious meals can be savoured against a colourful wall panel depicting whacky Lisbon street scenes created by Vanesa Teodoro.

Note the furniture: it’s all wooden boxes, tables and upturned cable bobbins. The retro accessories come from Feira da Ladra. Upstairs, the dorm halls feature beautiful artwork by Carlos Baptista.

TRAVELLERS HOUSE HOSTEL

Reflecting the night: socialising at Travellers House Hostel

The warm, lively atmosphere that permeates through the downtown-based Travellers House helped earn it a clutch of accolades: Best Medium Hostels award in the ‘Worldwide’ category; ‘Best in Portugal’; and in the ‘Ratings Criteria’ category, Most Fun Hostel, Best Location and Best Staff.

The hostel overlooks Rua Augusta, and the lounge offers fine balcony views over this attractive and historic thoroughfare.

Soft colour-coordinated carpeting spread over wooden floors radiates a wonderfully mellow living room atmosphere.

Upstairs, some of the dorms feature original wood-beamed ceilings (the building used to be a private residence). By the way, the hostel can also offer contemporary-styled studio apartments.

A popular activity here is the special BBQ evening, when tasty grilled chouriço (spicy sausage) is served with hearty red wine.

LISBOA CENTRAL HOSTEL

Quiet and comfortable: relaxing at Lisboa Central Hostel

A wonderfully engaging Portuguese family run Lisboa Central, which claimed top place as Most Secure Hostel in the ‘Ratings Criteria’ category and was runner-up in Best Small Hostels ‘Worldwide’.

The rooms and dorms make good use of the floorspace, with accommodation for larger groups found on the ground floor while the first floor offers excellent twins. (Ask for “Alfama”, which has an en-suite bathroom.)

Co-owner Odette is a former nutritionist and a wizard in the kitchen, conjuring up traditional meals, including nourishing soups.

She hails from Alentejo province and one of the common rooms is decorated with rural flourishes including lovely old ceramic plates typical of the region.

This quiet, comfortable and unpretentious hostel with its cheery, easy-going character is located mid-town near the top end of Avenida da Liberdade.

More Lisbon hostels…

Loft space: room at the top at Lisbon Poets Hostel

Two other Lisbon hostels received mentions in this year’s awards: Living Lounge Hostel and Home Lisbon Hostel. And while it didn’t win on this occasion, Lisbon Poets Hostel, in Chiado, is leading by example with its superb loft-style lounge and the recent inauguration of 10 new double and twin rooms.

And what are the guests saying? Well, a comment left by ‘Kellie from Houston’ in the guest book at one of the winning properties sums it up succinctly: “It sets the bar high for all of Europe.”

And the rest of the world.

All images © www.paulbernhardtphoto.com

But riding the subway is more than just hopping on a train to get from A to B. Going underground is also means a ticket for a contemporary art exhibition that has drawn commuters ever since the network was inaugurated in 1959.

Lisbon’s metro stations are subterranean galleries of creativity. Portuguese artist Maria Keil started it all. Between 1957 and 1982 she illustrated no less than 19 stations with striking abstract panels of glazed tiles (azulejos).

As the network expanded and new stations built, more artists were commissioned to leave their own unique signature on walls, ceilings, stairwells and platforms. Today, Lisbon’s subway showcases a remarkable collection of colourful and intricate tilework, engraving and sculpture.

At Saldanha, a busy interchange that straddles the Red and Yellow Lines, look out for Luís Filipe de Abreu’s beautiful Primavera, one of a series of panels themed around “The Universal Characteristics of Man”.

• Alight at Saldanha for Café Versailles

Saldanha Metro Station

Images of tropical flora and fauna in soft pastel hues decorate the interior of Jardim Zoológico, a station midway along the Blue Line. Artist Julio Resende’s work is magical and lifelike.

• Alight at Jardim Zoológico for Lisbon Zoo

Jardim Zoológico Metro Station

José João Brito, who used the Christian reconquest of Lisbon as his theme, sculptured the quirky characters set in marble at Martin Moniz station, on the Green Line.

• Alight at Martin Moniz for Tram 28

Martim Moniz Metro Station

Back on the Blue Line, Parque station is simply stunning. The entire platform is embellished with azulejos in various shades of blue that illustrate the “Portuguese Discoveries” and “The Rights of Man”. The work is by Françoise Schein and Federica Matta.

• Alight at Parque for Parque Eduardo VII

Parque Metro Station

The detour to Alto dos Moinhos further north along the Blue Line is worth it for Júlio Pomar’s freehand studies of four great Portuguese literary figures. The poet Fernando Pessoa can be seen on the stairs!

Alto dos Moinhos Metro Station

Another destination somewhat off the beaten track is Quinta das Conches, on the Yellow Line. The artwork here is some of the most original found on the network – doodles, sketches, musings and more by Joana Rosa.

Quinta das Conchas Metro Station

At the end of the Red Line is Oriente Station. The panels decorating the platforms were created around the theme “The Oceans” to celebrate Expo ’98. International artists from five continents have left their wild and whacky interpretations for posterity, including Austria’s Hundertwasser and António Ségul from Argentina.

• Alight at Oriente for Parque das Nações and Oceanário de Lisboa

Oriente Metro Station

All images © www.paulbernhardtphoto.com

A Vida Portuguesa

Ach. Brito/Claus Porto Soaps are handmade using only natural ingredients.

Occupying a former warehouse building on a quiet side street in the city’s trendy Chiado district, A Vida Portuguesa celebrates the country’s traditional retail heritage by only selling products made in Portugal.

First manufactured in 1887, Ach. Brito/Claus Porto Soaps are handmade using only natural ingredients. Each bar is carefully wrapped in colourful and highly detailed retro packaging that makes these fragrant and luxurious items a shopping list favourite.

Among the various liquors, syrups and Port wine on sale is the rare and precious Moura Alves vinegar: Production is limited to just 1500 bottles a year! This fresh, aromatic condiment is also adorned with a beautifully illustrated and vibrant label.

Rare and precious: Moura Alves vinegar.

Look out for Arcádia chocolates, handmade in Porto since 1933, Triunfo and Saloio olive oils, distributed since 1878, and – especially for the gentlemen – the Semogue shaving brushes, made in Granja since 1955 and crafted out of badger hair or natural bristle.

Before you leave (no doubt laden with all sorts of goodies), be sure to note the quirky ceramic dinnerware designed by the renowned 19th-century Portuguese caricaturist Rafael Bordelo Pinheiro.

Ceramic figurines by Rafael Bordelo Pinheiro.

His symbolic and decorative swallows are also for sale along with the popular Zé Povinho, the wonderfully expressive Everyman figurines that exemplify the long-suffering Portuguese working-class.

Conserveira de Lisboa

Tins of sardines, variously garnished, each hand wrapped with vintage packaging.

Portuguese seafaring tradition is faithfully upheld at Conserveira de Lisboa, a remarkable little store found in the city’s Baixa (downtown district).

Here you can buy tins of sardines and other fish and seafood, variously garnished, with each can hand wrapped on the premises.

The artwork is faithfully reproduced from the original labels that first appeared in the 1940s, designed to illustrate the company’s Tricana brand. Today, the smiling fishwife logo remains an endearing emblem of an industry now in serious decline.

Confeitaria Nacional

Deliciously decadent and calorie busting confectionary

Looking for something sticky and sugar coated? The deliciously decadent and calorie busting confectionary at Confeitaria Nacional is rich, reverential and totally irresistible.

This lovely antique cake shop overlooking Praça da Figueira was founded in 1829 and has been tempting the sweet-toothed ever since.

Nip in for a coffee and a plate of crunchy almond cookies before ordering a gift box to go crammed full of doces and pastéis – anything from bonbons and macaroons to chocolate gateaux and the traditional bolo-rei, a rich fruitcake made to a secret recipe.

All images © www.paulbernhardtphoto.com

Indeed, the yellow, open-topped double-decker buses are a familiar sight on the city streets.

Their itineraries take in the capital’s favourite historic monuments, with multilingual commentary accompanying each route. The same company also operates antique trams tours that trundle the same tracks as Tram 28. These also provide a detailed running commentary in different languages. Yellow Bus is great for families, larger groups and the elderly.

If you’d rather discover the Portuguese capital in a less predictable manner, consider Lisbon By Segway, one of the coolest ways of taking in the sights.

Image courtesy Lisbon By Segway

The Segway is a two wheeled, self-balancing personal transportation device that’s electrically powered and environmentally friendly (applause!)

These whacky balancing acts make short thrift of Lisbon’s steep hills and can even negotiate steps and curbs. Users can go it alone, travel in pairs or wheel through Lisbon as part of a guided tour.

Now here’s something different. Any tour operator that elects to call itself We Hate Tourism Tours must be worth checking out. And it is!

If you shun convention, loathe routine and like mixing with a young, offbeat crowd then Bruno and his friends are waiting to show you their city through their eyes.

These guys run one of the most original tour operations in the city. Using a fleet of vans and a rare Portuguese-manufactured UMM 4×4 jeep (Bruno is not called “King of the Hills” for nothing), itinerary options include A Travellers’ Introduction to Lisbon, its Surrounding Areas and Portuguese Culture, and Há Petiscos – A Food Tour of Lisbon. Along the way you’ll be regaled with useful tips, amusing anecdotes, and new friendships will blossom.

Another Lisbon tour operator with savvy city guide credentials is Gocar Tours. The name may sound familiar to anyone who has visited San Francisco; the concept originated in this American city.

The Go Car is a GPS guided three-wheeled vehicle that you drive yourself, with room for a passenger. Don’t let their dinky size fool you – these smart cars whiz around town like demented wasps, and you can stop along the way to admire views or grab a coffee. It’s up to you, and the independence this kind of tour allows makes it hugely popular with free-spirited individuals.

For more information about city tour operators browse www.askmelisboa.com/www.visitlisboa.com

Unless otherwise stated, all images
© Paul Bernhardt

This lively venue is an original Irish pub – the proprietor, Conor O’Gílín hails from Dublin. It’s been pulling them in since 1995 and is hugely popular with a predominantly young, fun-loving crowd.

The authentic ambiance is further enlivened by regular live music. Resident pub band Melting Pot takes to the stage on Friday and Saturday nights for toe-tapping sets of traditional Irish folk ditties – drinking songs, ballads and occasional laments. Conor himself sometimes sings, and he’s pretty good with the spoons, too.

On Monday nights punters can bring along their own instruments – guitars, fiddles, accordions etc. – and join improvised jam sessions. Pub quiz nights take place on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month. A single big screen broadcasts live sporting events.

As well as the ubiquitous draught Guinness, O’Gílín’s offers up Kilkenny and Magners, an Irish cider, as well as a range of Portuguese and other European beers. Jamieson, of course, is the spirit of choice.

The menu, chalked up on an old blackboard, lists chicken breast with black pepper, and potato skins stuffed with pineapple and sausage, among other hearty pub grub options. The Irish vegetarian breakfast is intriguing.

Conor also has a hand in Lisbon’s other great Irish pub, Hennessy’s, situated just across the square.

This is a larger place and is well known for its multi- TV screens that lure football and rugby fans on big match occasions. Beer choice is the same, and the food is equally delicious and even a little exotic: try the Thai chicken curry, or the roasted vegetables and goat’s cheese bruschetta with basil pesto.

Both pubs mark St Patrick’s Day, when the life of the Emerald Isle’s patron saint is celebrated in raucous style. This year the revelry takes place on Saturday 17 March.

All images © Paul Bernhardt