A visit to the English Pub is like going to the British pub at World Showcase at Disney's Epcot, full of what we Yanks like best of Great Britain. Suits of armor, family crests, fish 'n' chips, and cold pints of beer transport patrons to a climate-controlled atmosphere of simple pleasures and campy entertainment.
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English Pub |
Authentic English Public House with Live Entertainment and English Cuisine.
2408 LinwoodAve
Naples FL
Phone:
775-3727
Hours:
Daily 11am to Close
Dinner Show Price:
$25
(Includes 3 Course Meal)
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Arguably the kings of camp, Rat Packers Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Dean Martin were impersonated by Ray Lavosi, Jeff Bradford and Michael Angelo respectively last Saturday at the English Pub.
These beloved characters represented a generation full of 'hep' cats and slick ladies who wore beautiful suits to glamorous shows, guiltlessly smoked cigarettes and drank highballs. Judging by the standing-room-only turn-out in the dining room, this sort of lifestyle is still missed and cause for nostalgia.
The enraptured audience grinned at the antics of a be-robed Dean Martin who meandered around swilling scotch. Frank Sinatra was the undisputed ringleader, ribbing Martin and encouraging him to share a song with the crowd. Sammy Davis, Jr. was the good-natured butt of some very un-PC jokes and the whole thing was just too cool.
The English Pub was a strangely perfect venue for such an exhibition as guests were already transported out of Naples by the venue itself, and then whisked away again to a dinner show featuring one of the world's most famous boys' clubs.
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| Ray Livosi, left, as Frank Sinatra and Michael Angelo as Dean Martin entertain guests at the English Pub with Rat Pack standards Aug. 27. |
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The costuming was fairly low budget, but this was inconsequential when paired with the genuine talent of the performers. Sinatra crooned, Martin was swarthy, Davis was saucy, and the audience tittered with delight.
For those who yearn for a way of life already part of the history books, the show was a treat. For those who long to travel to distant lands for a bit of strange, the English Pub is an inexpensive and accessible alternative. The food, shepherd's pies and roasts, is comforting, the ales cold, and the staff friendly and authentically British.
For more information call the English Pub at 775-3727.
©Naples Sun Times 2005
Re-printed by kind permission of Naples Sun Times
