But it has evolved within a building which is believed to be 200 years old and which housed long-popular Front Street haunt the Cock and Feather.

Now it is the Pickled Onion and features a modern and airy California-style look -- a far cry from the wood panelled Cock and Feather.

But the restaurant's historical ambience is still evidenced in the open ceiling exposing old cedar beams and limestone slate.

When speaking about the renovations for The Pickled Onion, general manager Phillip Barnett commented: "The electrical wiring was about as old as electricity itself. We now have a contemporary look, solid pastel walls and hardwood floors, in a 200 year old establishment which formally lodged Cock and Feather.'' The building, dating back to the 1800s, was headquarters to Messrs. John E.

Lightbourn and Co. Wine and Spirits Merchants; the bottom floor was and continues to be the main storefront. The second floor served as Lightbourn's whiskey warehouse.

And Hamilton itself is a far cry from the city where the building was first constructed.

Author G. Daniel Blagg refers to the opinion of a Harriet Suzette Lloyd (1835) who he quotes in his, Bermuda Atlas & Gazetteer, "Hamilton consists of one long row of houses with green and red verandahs; the background is formed by barren and dreary looking hills, on one of which stands the courthouse; a cold, uninteresting building, string of wharves from cargo docks at east end of harbour -- colourful shops on west.'' "In 1790 the town of only a few buildings on a rocky shore was incorporated under the name of Hamilton in honour of the Governor,'' wrote Mr. W.E.S. Zuill in his book, Bermuda Journey.

On January 1, 1815 the seat of government was moved from St. George's to Hamilton. Bermuda Journey reflects a vivid, captivating 1800's Front Street and harbour scene, "The most interesting thing about Hamilton is of course, the waterfront and harbour. Ferryboats come and go; rowboats lazily ply across to Paget; old sailboats with rusty sails beat slowly up the harbour with freight for the western parishes; fishing craft come alongside to sell their catch.'' Sitting on the Pickled Onion's Front Street verandah today and looking out over the harbour will reveal a slightly different scene. You probably won't see too many rowboats or sailboats laden with cargo but there are always boats motoring about and plenty of meandering locals and tourists.

And there's no better way to while away a few hours with friends than enjoying the breeze, people watching and relaxing over a cold drink or one of the excellent meals conjured up by the Pickled Onion's staff.

WELCOME ABOARD! Staff at the Pickled Onion are ready to serve you. From left, waitresses Trice Carter and Ruby Ray, general manager Phillip Barnett and waitresses Edwina Cooves and Emma Rossiter on the verandah of the Pickled Onion.

Graphic file name: PIKK SHADES OF HISTORY -- The Pickled Onion's interior retains its historical ambience with an open beamed ceiling. The building has a rich and vibrant history dating back to the 1800s when the bottom floor was (and still is) the headquarters to Messrs. John E. Lightbourn and Co. Wine and Spirit Merchants.

The second floor served as their `Whiskey Warehouse'. Table wine is poured by the "finger'' in a tumbler as a historical tribute.

Graphic file name: RESTROOM