There has been a long-running conversation here the past afternoon and morning about the kilts servers are wearing at the recently opened Maewyn's, formerly the Harp & Fiddle, in downtown York.
As a fervent fan of "The Quiet Man," part of me can't let this aggression stand, man. The original Harp & Fiddle already had ceilings that were entirely too high compared to that cramped Irish pub in the movie, a pub that was so cool that a man's horse knew to stop there without prompting. But I got over that.
But kilts? They seem a wee bit gimmicky.
And then, the conversation turned to whether kilts are even Irish to begin with. A lot of time on the Internet - probably too much time, and too many disparate links to post - turned up that there is a lot of circumstantial evidence that kilts might have a history in Ireland, although they are most predominantly Scottish.
However, most of the Irish evidence is pretty strongly disputed, with some sources saying skirt-like cloths were something else entirely in Ireland.
The best decent evidence I found is that some Irish adopted kilts as a way of showing Celtic solidarity, most likely in opposition to the English.
Regardless, I still don't think it's right. Then again, I'm just an old Dutchman who is basing my image of Ireland on a John Wayne movie.
And I'll still probably try the place out, since my first date with my wife was at the old Harp.
What do you think?
All I know is that the Harp was way too over priced for my liking! So, as a working mans pub, it was not. At that, I can see why it failed financially. My favorite Irish Pub is simply called "The Irish Pub" and is located just off the boardwalk in Atlantic City NJ. It is dimly lit like a traditional Irish pub, Irish themed atmosphere, has great food at reasonable prices (Including authentic Sheppards Pie). But to tell you the truth, I did not see a Kilt anywhere. However, at the entrance, you will find a fellow that truly resembles a Leprechaun (Pointy ears and shoes to boot), actually he is the owner, and loves to dress the part for the customers. But, he wears knickers and button up shoes, not a kilt!
After looking at the pictures in the YDR on 2/18 I sent the writer the following e-mail. My best guess was that it was Wallace Red Tartan. My insulted sources tell me that the Irish kilts were plain colors. ------- News item --- Only in York, PA - a faux Irish Bar bartender wears a Scot's kilt. I believe the attached pattern is the one he is wearing.
Stopped in for lunch on saturday. atmosphere was a little busy and contrived. food was average to below average. service was horrible. Guinness was stale! The Harp and Fiddle did a much better job. I will miss them