Post by JD Black on May 21, 2006 0:39:25 GMT -5
Inside the tavern you see the original wooden beams and joists, which still bear the marks of the axes that were used to shape and mold them. The brick and stone are also exposed, which lends Dockside a cozy, tavern-like air. A massive fieldstone fireplace. Floor to ceiling windows. The tables in the booths are suspended from the ceiling by thick chains in a fashion similar to that of ships of the time, where tables could not be stationary, lest the roll of the waves tip over the plates and mugs. (The tables bring to mind the old joke, "If it's the Captain's Mess, let him clean it up!") There are also tables outside, offering a pleasant view of the river and its traffic, which ranges from cargo vessels to passenger ships, from private yachts to tall ships. Dockside offers seafood as well. One particularly delightful special is the Potato and Onion Crusted Salmon. The crust is light and rich, the salmon delicate and flaky. This is served with zucchini, baby carrots, yellow squash and broccoli. If you prefer, you can go a more traditional route, with scallops, oysters, deviled crab or "U-peel-um" shrimp
Honey mead, golden ale, rum and whiskey flow freely. Only the lower level, one can drink themself into oblivion. There are rooms above used to pass out in or find a nights delight. Everything a seafarer could ever ask for is provided. It's a place for drinking, relaxing after a long voyage, or for tending to business dealings. Though most business dealings tend to end up into a brawl, sometimes with fist, others with a blade, even an occassional flint lock to bark out it's blast when drawn. Here intermingles all walks of life. From the warf rat to the noble lord. Even a lady or two who have decided to risk their reputations on a single evening of fun. Blackmail, theivery, murder ... just a few of the crimes committed by the vast majority that linger in the tavern or the shadows within and out.
The tenders here are Veronica Hansford, a sometimes timid lass. Though she's been known to get fiesty a time or two with patrons who get out of line. Also tending is Jim, aka Jim Dandy. A burly man who gave up life on the sea to tend bar at the Dockside. His fate was delt when he met the wench he now calls wife. The anchor of many a mans life, a woman. (Jim is NPC (nonplayed character. You play interactions of service with these individuals. You can not kill, maime, or harm them in any way). Also servers Jennie and Grace.) The buxom women who worked as servers, would move from table to table to tend to ones need of drink, or just a good grope. The upper levels offered women for hire, escorts if you will, to scratch that itch which may have grown and needs saited.
The Outdoor Bar
As you climb the four steps that lead up onto the porch of the tavern, you'll find yourself walking through an outdoor bar room. You could continue inside, or remain out to enjoy a drink or meal offered. The old wooden tankards would be utilized, so that if stolen, it was no lost cause. No glass bottles for anyone to grab either, only kegs of ale, whiskey, rum and house wine provided outside. Which was generally enough for those who frequented this side of town. What was even better yet, if a drunk passed out, they didn't have to carry them from the bar, nor clean up the mess of stomach's contents dumped on the floor. Jim had utilized an old sail of the Swan's, to make a canopy that pulled over the deck like formation of the porch. Tables and chairs set a safe distance apart. Most drinkers were hit and run. Buy a drink, then run back to their duties. It wasn't their fault half the dockhands were getting drunk, with all so easily provided.
During the evening, the outdoor bar would provide a wonderful view of the harbor and the setting sun. At night, the full sky of stars and moon when available, as a canopy hung over the spanse of the harbor and ocean beyond. An almost romantic setting, for the area in which it rests. Minstrels would set up their performance area in a small place set off to one side of the deck like porch. The street before the tavern would become a dance floor during the evenings. Giving a twist on the term "Dancing in the street."
