door to Onion Jack's Trading Post.

Welcome to the new Onion Jack's Outback Pub.

Jennifer Pedro, the manager of the small restaurant, was only too happy to sit down and chat.

"We've been open for about five or six weeks now,''she said. "It was originally the driveway for deliveries to next door -- but Bill Carr, the owner, figured since he was paying the rent anyway he might as well put something different here.'' Ms Pedro had applied to work as a cashier in the Onion Jack Trading Post, but when the general manager of the store saw her resume she offered her the job of managing the new pub next door.

What the manager didn't know was that Ms Pedro had lived in Australia for ten years.

"She told me, `I just knew you were perfect','' Ms Pedro laughed.

The theme of the pub, after all, is the Australian Outback. Complete with African and Aborigine statues, including a six-foot tall Aborigine standing outside the entrance, hanging plants, and stools wrapped with rope.

Ms Pedro describes the decor as: "More earthy -- that type of thing seems to be quite popular with Bermudians and tourists.

The self-serve restaurant has a lot of variety for a small place, serving sandwiches, wraps, and salads amongst other items. They also serve hot food from The Pie Factory.

"It's all healthy and everyone's getting into the healthy,'' Ms Pedro explained. "Well, we have the pies and stuff too, we try to get as much variety as we can and satisfy everybody.'' "We're also getting fresh squeezed orange and tangerine juice in every morning -- the same as Miles. All our stuff is delivered fresh every day.'' There are several tables outside on Front Street for patrons, offering an almost European experience where diners can relax and watch the world go by.

"I just put those (tables) out this morning,'' said Ms Pedro. "They're a big plus!'' Especially since the only other places on Front Street that are able to offer dining right on the street are Port O' Call, The Beach, and Beans, Buds `n' Books, which had a little table out on Thursday.

When asked about comments recently made by Peter Yesawich, co-author of the National Travel Monitor Research series, about Bermuda being too stuffy, Ms Pedro said: "I think it's becoming more relaxed. I think people need to start getting into culture -- we have a vast variety of people here on the Island, and everyone's getting more relaxed and earthy.

Ms Pedro also selects the music for the Outback: reggae, soca, and of course, Australian Aboriginal music.

The Outback Pub is open from 5 a.m. until 5 p.m., though Ms Pedro adds next month they would be staying open for Harbour Nights and other street festivals.

Ms Pedro had to pause several times during our talk to serve and chat with customers. At one point a business man came in and looked around, then tapped her on her shoulder.

"Just looking around,'' he informed her. "You've got a nice place here. I'll be back.'' BUSINESS BUC