Night Watch is a regularly-occurring feature by nightlife columnist Tara Nieuwesteeg.
The Lion & Eagle English Pub (2401 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton; 561-447-7707) was a dignified, stately establishment replete with a rich wooden bar, regally upholstered booths, paintings (of soaring eagles, mostly), decorative kettles, lanterns, and model ships. It was also not large--and quite busy.
Liz, the blond, bubbly bartender, told me that the place was very well-established; owned by a pair of brothers; and had a loyal regular base.
"When I first started working here, I figured there'd be no way I'd make much money in tips," she said. "But we get slammed. It's not been a problem."
"What else should I know about this place?" I asked.
"We're having an '80s-themed Halloween party!" she said. "Also, we're
dog-friendly."
Although the clientele seemed generally a little more
"mature," I was drawn to an eye-candy couple in the corner. He was
tanned, with a long face and a ball cap pulled over his hair; she was
petite, with long, straight hair and well-lined eyes. I arrived at
their table just as she leaned in to kiss him. An awkward interruption
always makes a great introduction.
"Uh, sorry," I said when they looked startled. "I majored in "awkward"
in college."
"Yeah," the guy, Langdon, said. "Excellent job--you waited
exactly till she was going in for a kiss."
"I had a 4.0 GPA," I joked.
"Anyway, what are you two up to?"
"We're coming up with ideas to patent," said Langdon's lady-friend,
Stephanie. Furtively, she shielded her list from my prying eyes.
"How many you got?"
"Two so far," she said. "They're good ideas, too."
"Two patentable ideas in one evening?" I asked. "That is more good
ideas than I'll come up with in--"
"--Your entire lifetime?" Stephanie asked with a smirk.
"I was going to
say week," I said.
"Well, this bar gives us inspiration," Langdon said.
I eyed the empty beer glasses scattered over the face of their table.
Bet those ideas won't look so ground-breaking tomorrow morning.
"Liquid
inspiration," Langdon said, following my gaze. "It's the best kind."
-- Tara Nieuwesteeg
