Left: Richard Mc Kenzie (Smokey) stands next to a painting of himself. Right: The famous Smokey & Bunty Bar in St James. Photos: ANGELO MARCELLE

Smokey & Bunty celebrated 20 years in the business on April Fool’s Day, last Wednesday. The dynamic duo—Richard Mc Kenzie (Smokey) and Ronald Munro (Bunty)—have planned a gala event later this month to commemorate their achievements. After two decades in the business, Smokey is still passionate about his job. I told him I had always heard about his establishment in St James, but it was only recently that I visited for the first time, and that the first thought that came to my mind when I saw the bar was, “This is what Smokey & Bunty is? I don’t see what the big deal is.” He said my thoughts were not unusual and explained why people find enjoyment at the bar.

Smokey boasted that the establishment was the first to have umbrellas and chairs on the pavement. The corner lime was always a thrill even from the beginning and remains that way. On entering the bar, the first thing that meets the eye is the numerous photos of sporting legends that line the walls. Most indicate that the celebrities would have graced the establishment with their presence and with the sole purpose of sipping on something cold. Former Brazilian football captain, Cafu, Dwight Yorke, Brian Lara and the Strike Squad are but a few of the famous faces on the wall.

Even President George Richards and Prime Minister Patrick Manning found the magnetic pull of the bar irresistible. Smokey explained that even after the initial attempts by the authorities in the early stages of the business’s life, and a bomb exploding in a garbage bin outside the premises about three years ago, the fun and excitement continues, and they have rallied. He attributes this particular achievement to his courteous staff and the equal treatment that patrons of all backgrounds receive. As a memorabilia for the anniversary celebration, a T-shirt with cartoon characters Popeye and Bluto will be printed. This printed T shirt represents the first logo used by Smokey & Bunty.