beer as chilled as can be and knows the locals by name. Mr. Walter Paynter has been taking care of customers for 31 years at the White Horse Tavern, St.

George's.

Mr. Paynter keeps everything flowing smoothly and has been pouring for locals and tourists a little over three decades. He is soft spoken and well mannered with a lot of patience.

"I love my job and enjoy working with our tourists! I get to know them since many make return visits here and actually return to the tavern looking for me to serve them their favourite brew,'' he said with a smile.

Mr. Paynter came to the White Horse to work as a bus boy in 1966. Shortly after Mr. Paynter's employment the bartender, Lionel Simmons, decided to leave. He had noticed the positive interaction Mr. Paynter had with the customers and thought Mr. Paynter would be an ideal bartender.

Mr. Simmons taught the art of bartending to his cheerful student who has been working steadily ever since.

Bartending takes a lot of stamina if you are the only server at a popular tavern like the White Horse.

A couple will come up and perch at the bar, then three or four others walk in at the same time. When it's hot they want their drinks immediately. A good bartender moves fast when he sees hanging tongues.

"Tending bar gives me a lot of exercise and helps me to stay fit. I'm always running around back here. This is a sizable and roomy bar and you would be surprised at how many steps I take during a shift,'' explained Mr. Paynter.

The tourists love chatting up the good natured Mr. Paynter and generally ask him four basic questions: Are you Bermudian? Where's the best beach? Where's the most historical museums and sights? Where's the best spots to eat and shop? "Visitors are curious and ask all kinds of questions. They ask life style questions. They ask immigration questions. They want to discuss politics.

"I'm a patient, easy going guy and I try to give them the information they request providing I know the answer. I like talking to people. Our tourists are important and should be treated with courtesy,'' he said.

In conclusion Mr. Paynter said, "I would like to see Tourism provide a huge square shade on the square to keep the tourists cool and dry. Something like a giant tent with comfortable benches to sit on.

"It would be nice if there was local calypso music played with someone to coordinate it all. People pay a lot of money to come to Bermuda. When the cruise ship passengers are here they are looking for local flavour.'' WHITE HORSE FIXTURE -- Walter Paynter