The Moon and Sixpence — Restaurant in Portland

The meal portions are huge. Seriously, the fish in the fish and chips rivaled a turkey leg. The winter loaf appetizer with pear butter was really interesting and unique apart from anything I've had at various other bars or restaurants. There is no shortage of interesting flavors here.

That said about the food, this is a bar and we all know that the point of going to a bar is the drinks. There is a respectable selection of beers ranging in type, various types of wines, a range of flavors of ciders, and spirits. There are a lot of unique varieties and flavors not commonly seen at standard fare pubs and bars. The prices and sizes of drinks are typical of what you'd expect, so nothing too shocking on that front or on the tab.

I had two different ciders, one of which included a black currant cider which was a really unique flavor, and unlike what I am used to seeing available. The overall atmosphere was what you'd expect in a bar. Most tables are intended for smaller groups; comfortably up to 4, or in our case we squeezed in 7. The waiters/waitresses were attentive and regular about checking in, cleaning out finished dishes/glasses and keeping track of who has which items when it came to refills. The place was pretty busy but there wasn't much of a wait, and it was overall a...

Quaint English-style pub with appropriate English pub menu as well as good rotating tap selections. It can get a bit clausterphobic during peak times, but there is also has outdoor seating area for those needing air. For fun, it also has three real dart boards for those so inclined.

UPDATE: from 4 to 2 stars After a couple of years away, for no fault of their own, we stopped in for a quick pint and a nibble and have to honestly say, it was rather disappointing. Service, while superficially courteous, was slow, especially for just a couple of appetizers. Then the order was incorrect (delivering an item not even on the menu - a bowl of crisps (potato chips) rather curry & chips (fries). When the other was corrected, the curry was thin (think, soup) and bland. The Welsh rabbit was a pale version of the past, as well, resembling more of a cheap pizza bread than anything else. When an this was shared with the server, the response was that we should have said something before my card was run as if having a plate of crisps sent back and expediting the actual order want a hint. As I said, very disappointing to see M&S go downhill so far. Left after paying and leaving a decent tip, but don't see myself returning anytime soon. Too bad, kinda...

I want to love the Moon & Sixpence so badly, as I've lived in London and quite fond of British/Irish pubs. Been going there probably 5x a year for a decade. Last night was the last time, sadly, as I can't get past how consistently awful their bartenders are. Brought a date in last night, sat at the bar. Place wasn't particularly busy, and the folk band was warming up off in the corner, which I greatly enjoy.

We sat for 8 minutes trying to get the bartender's attention, who aggressively ignored us, wandering back and forth between the well, and some band members he was chatting with. It was embarrassing to be ignored like this, and it eventually became offensive. At which time I stood up and walked over to join the line at the well. Another 5 minutes over there, with no luck. Around this time he walks over to my date to ask if she'd like anything. Took him about 5 mins to pour her a Guinness, and he had to ask me again what I'd ordered.

It would be laughable if it wasn't so awkward, and really kind of sad. It wasn't the first time I've struggled with shiftless or entitled bar staff here, but it was the last. I'm quite happy to go a bit farther to TC O'Leary's or better yet, The Horse Brass Pub. Always feel my business is...