CHARLIE'S BAR
Situated on the corner of two streets in West End (Stone and Weir) sits Charlie's Bar. From outside, it has the likeness of a tird, old man. There is nothing ostentatious about the plain brick and wood facade. At dusk, each letter flickers to life in a series of small, round lights that twinkle and emit a soft, golden aura.
Inside, cosy, bronze globes emit more of that golden aura from fixtures along the walls where dark timber rises to half way up the wall and marries with the painted cement of the upper half. The lighting and its radiating, soft-focus glow seems to permeate every angle and loan a sense that this is a place where one can lower their guard and find relief.
Straight on from the door is the counter itself lined with a series of backless stools with studded, cognac-hued leather. Behind the counter, a sink, trays for the glasses, a preparation bench, two large bins and a wide multi-tiered shelving unit wherein sits a large, antique-framed mirror. On either side of it are the rows and rows..and rows of various liquors, styled in order of their make and/or distinction. Dead centre, above the mirror and the alcohol, is fixed a large long-horn skull which looks out over the crowd with a hollow-eyed glare. It has been given the nickname of 'Percy' for reasons unknown, by various guests, who claim to have felt the eyes following them. Whether it is a talisman or simply decor, only the owners know.
The largest collection of whiskey in Rhy'Din can be found at Charlie's though it is a fact known by those weekly patrons rather than one boasted in any medium. The cocktail lists change regularly, are often quirky and inventive and bar food is available to compliment any drink.
All of the bartop and its surrounds and all furniture is dark mahogany offset by aubergine walls which give the place an old fashioned appeal as much as a kind of kitsch elegance. The chairs and tables all match where once upon a time were all misfit shapes and sizes, though the patrons ensure the place is not your every day venue. Every one from dock workers, entertainers, first date cuties and retiring lawyers visit Charlie's, for it's comfortable, laid back appeal and the friendly staff and the promise that drinks that won't go flying off the table because of a brawl or magic-fueled contest. Magic is strictly not allowed in the bar and will warrant removal from the building.
Beyond the counter area, over to the west-side of the room, are two solid, sizeable booths and three circular tables. There is a back room opposite to this but it clearly reads STAFF ONLY in gold lettering and anyone daring to go behind it who is not a staff member will get a mean bar-towel whip to their behind.
To the east-side, a large table with benches for larger groups of people and can be reserved for occasions if needed.
Near this table is the foot of the unexpectedly grand stair case to the upper level. The stairs have been smoothed and repainted and one replaced for safety precautions, but otherwise, have retained the scars and battlemarks from years of wear, which adds to the offbeat charm of this quaint and charming premises. The floor of Charlie's has been left untouched even in its renovations and is smoothed with many a heel and time.
The upper level is strictly off limits to anyone but staff, like the back room. Down the hall leading off the stairs a little and to the left is a door to Madison's office, which is where reconciliations, stock orders and quantities and wages are filed and processed. For a small room, it holds a heavily armoured safe, two tall shelves and a large desk without the area being too restrictive. The shade of the walls is a delightful surprise of rhapsodic blue.
Down the hall further is a closet where cleaning supplies are kept as well as a few boxes of excess stock. The case is the same in the back room.
Beneath the bar is a basement which is surprisingly deep and vast and is filled with kegs, barrels and the rest of the excess stock, as well as empties and any breakages which are collected in a metal bin and taken to landfill as needed.
There are only two entrances to the basement - one and the one most commonly used, via the backroom to the left hand wall and the door there locked at all times unless being used, and via a black-paint peeled and nicked staircase outside the bar on its Weir-facing wall from off the street only used for deliveries under the supervision of staff. The bar's former and original owner, Charlie Renauldt, had a ward place over this entry to further secure the premises on closing due to repeated attempted robberies. Charlie otherwise was not a man who condoned its use.
Charlie's, under new management and revived a year ago by Madison and her fiance Tag, has become a go to for visitors to West End looking for a quiet drink and an excellent jukebox which rotates regularly with a selection of classic rock, old time blues, southern gothic, jazz and even a cycle of pop selections.
