And if they’re not friends who cares?

Nudie and the Turks doing their thang on Saturday night at Churchill Arms

Charlottetown’s under-rated pub Churchill Arms has moved up a notch in the pantheon of bars to hang out in. We won’t go into past haunts. Like most people I yearn for the neighborhood bar, Cheers with the dimmer lights.

Last week on Friday night things got even more interesting when an Irishman dropped in. We’ll dispense with the animus between the English and Irish. It’s PEI for the love of Pete.

Something clicked and the boys at the corner table started singing Irish and English songs. At first it was like what the heck is that?

Then the mood of conviviality took hold and people were joining in on whatever words they knew. Even a few of the more caustic members of the stand-up crowd joined in. English met Irish over drinks and song as it should be.

We’ve been going there for years and sing-a-longs were never part of the festivities. Churchill Arms eschews music. Except for a weekly band on Saturday night, no canned music is played.

Churchill Arms is a place to meet friends, make friends and talk. The talk is quick and full of good natured and not so gentle barbs. The same gang meets on almost each Friday to run down the local politicians and wind bags.

Sports events are played on the flat screen TVs but no sound is allowed. We get to fill in the blanks on coverage which is more colorful than what you hear on television.

Last week it was the 100th anniversary of the Montreal Canadians which brought out some old Habs fans in the crowd.

The food is pub food plus with specialties like English fish and chips, curries of several varieties and – where else can you get this – beef steak and kidney pie. They also serve salads but what’s that for? Don’t take my word for the menu. Wednesday is 2 for 1 curries which all the cheapskates like myself know about.

A word of caution. Don’t try to take on the waitresses. They can cut a man to shreds in seconds. Respectful conduct gets the best service but suit yourself.

I’m not sure if the boys will be singing this week but it would be great if they did. If not we’ll trade quips with the waitresses and try to hold our own in the numerous conversations that pass the time.

Saturday night music is eclectic. Sometimes it is a cover band. Catherine MacLellan played there a lot before she went big time. Saddle River Band and Nudie and the Turks played there too.

For trivia buffs, Saturday afternoon is the time but I wait until it’s over. Too much shouting. One day I walked and he called out a question so I answered it. They didn’t invite me to be on a team for some reason.

The lower part of the bar including washrooms is wheelchair accessible which is a nice touch for an older establishment.

Check out the location and hours on Google