People 2 - Alvaro, bar Meia Pipa.

Alvaro.

No matter how casual he dresses Alvaro is one of those men who always looks smart and well groomed. Rarely to be seen without a broad smile on his face Alvaro is the archetypal pub landlord. Having lived and worked in France for a number of years Alvaro speaks fluent French as well as English and of course his native Portuguese.

Whenever I recieve official mail such as tax demands etc. my first port of call is Meia Pipa where Alvaro cheerfully interprets the document for me and usually gives me instructions and directions on how to deal with it.

During quieter periods at Meia Pipa you are guaranteed Alvaro's personal attention as there is nothing he enjoys more than to socialise with his customers. Alvaro is a mine of information and delights in sharing his local knowledge.

Serving draught Guinness and Sagres lager plus a wide range of bottled beers Meia Pipa is the nearest thing in Santa Luzia to an english pub. With live music three times a week and open until the wee hours it is also the nearest thing to a night club.

A wide range of soft drinks, coffee and bar snacks are also always available and the bar is always busy during important football games which are shown here on a giant screen. The bar is also very popular with the local youth on music nights but don't let that put you off, Portuguese youths are generally well behaved, polite, well mannered and respectful of their elders and I have never yet seen one of them drunk.

Having full air conditioning Meia Pipa is also the only establishment in Santa Luzia where you can enjoy a cigarette along with your beer without the need to step outside.

Try cerveja preta (Portuguese stout).

Open daily from 7-00p.m. Closed Sunday