Or maybe it was the charming fellow -- who I later learned was the ownerÂs father -- who greeted me as I entered the front hall. Or maybe it was simply the sense of warmth that engulfed me.
ChurchillÂs -- located at 13 West Bay Street and owned by Manchester, England, native Andy Holmes and his wife, born-and-bred Savannahian Tracy -- has a style and personality that just folds you right in.
Aptly put by Holmes: ÂNobody else does just quite what we do.Â
And just what is it that they do?
The main focus as one enters the pub is a huge, solid mahogany bar that was built in England and shipped by crate to Savannah. Keep walking and there are two separate dining areas, each with its own mood. One is a more enclosed, intimate space and the other is a very open room with windows facing Bay Street and tables that cozily flow into one another.
In the basement is a game room providing billiards, darts, and foosball. The last area, a rooftop dining terrace, is still being renovated, but shows amazing promise.
ÂWe just want to offer something for everyone, says Holmes. ÂIf you want to go to the bar for a drink, fine. If you want a nice restaurant environment, thatÂs great, too. ItÂs just a little bit of everything.Â
The bar was originally opened in 1996 on Drayton Street, but burned down in June 2003.
ÂPeople loved ChurchillÂs and we had so much local support, explains Holmes. ÂPeople used to stop me and ask when weÂre reopening or to express how much they love the new place. It just had to be reopened.Â
ChurchillÂs new home is the former location of J.J. CagneyÂs, but former customers of J.J.Âs may not recognize the place.
ÂWe completely gutted the place and it bears no resemblance to J.J. CagneyÂs, says Holmes. ÂOld patrons canÂt believe itÂs the same place.Â
But fear not, ChurchillÂs has not lost its charm.
ÂThis location may be larger, reassures Holmes, Âbut it still maintains its coziness. EveryoneÂs told me that.Â
So, besides the atmosphere and the authentic English and American cuisine, why should folks frequent ChurchillÂs?
Holmes answers without a blink of an eye.
ÂBecause great people hang out here. ItÂs just a cool place. The way we do it, the attitude of the staff and the customers. WeÂve got some great customers. ItÂs just cool.Â
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Churchill's Pub and Restaurant is at 13 W. Bay Street. Call 232-8501.