Gerry Weldon, bartender at The Wharf Tavern, St. George's.

S By Beverley Causey-Smith You couldn't meet a nicer bartender than gentleman, Gerry Weldon, at the Wharf Tavern in St. George's.

He started in the hotel industry in 1947 in the dining room at the St.

George's Hotel and gradually advanced to his present role many years ago.

Mr. Weldon loves his job and enjoys talking and listening to people. "I'm a family doctor, a marriage counsellor and a relationship specialist all rolled into one,'' he explained with a charming smile.

Two of the most popular drinks are the swizzle and the dark and stormy. When the cruise ship is in St. George's he serves about 250 to 300 drinks between the hours of 10 a.m to 6 p.m. His personal favourite drink is scotch and soda.

"The best scotch is Dewar's as it is light.'' The virgin fruit punch is one of the best in Bermuda and is served in a tall generous glass with lots of ice crowned with a cherry. They offer a fine array of ales and wines too.

He has a special concoction he serves customers but he keeps the ingredients a little secret. "Just tell folks to come on over and I will hook them up.'' The Wharf Tavern does not have a happy hour but rather has the "Wharf Rat Club'' and members may join only at the sole invitation of Mrs. Lilley. The members become like a family who frequent the bar and pay lower bar prices for their drinks.