How many Bermuda restaurants can claim to have had former US presidents as dinner patrons? We know of at least one at the East End, Dennis' Hideaway.

But long-time owner Dennis Lamb is now seeking an investor to help prepare the institution for the 21st century. He has several changes in mind.

The 30-year old St. David's Island business is rare among Bermuda's restaurants in that it has never had a liquor licence. BYOB (bring your own booze) has always been the unofficial policy.

It grew out of the simple fact that Dennis wasn't going to supply it, and as long as behaviour was acceptable, he wasn't going to cramp your style.

But with changing times, he is now considering a beer and wine licence.

He conceded, "I've applied for it, but I haven't really made up my mind about it. I would like to spend some money improving the restaurant first.

"My mother made me promise her that as long as she was living, I wouldn't have a liquor licence. I kept that promise to her until the day she died, a year ago last November.

"But before I do anything, I would like to do some renovations and make some changes to fix up the place. We want to put in new windows, curtains, tables and chairs.'' The restaurant has long been known for two things -- a wide variety of seafood and its lack of convention. That, and Dennis, has always been part of its charm.

But like many other restaurants on the Island, the recession and the continuing restructuring of Bermuda's economy has had its effect on the Cashew City Road establishment. For one thing, patronage has just not been as reliable as it once was.

"It's been quiet all around in Bermuda,'' he said. "But as soon as the ships start coming back, the new Premier and everybody gets settled down, things should be okey-dokey.'' The restaurant has been open since the '60s and the "Mayor'' of St. David's said it is the right time to put some money into it.

He said, "I want to spruce up the restaurant, because I've seen a better class of clientele. It was alright the way it was for years, but people want more now. So I need to fix it up some.'' In recent years, he's had top dancers from the National Ballet of Canada and famous Swiss chef, Anton Mosimann, the London restaurateur, among other famous diners.

He recalled the recent visit of a former US President: "In 1995, I had former President Jimmy Carter here for dinner. He enjoyed it. I'm having people from different walks of life coming here. Some like the atmosphere, but others want something more traditional. So I need to upgrade with better dining room furniture.'' Sitting on the water's edge on a corner of Gunner's Park, Dennis' Hideaway is adjacent to the Lamb's family home, an idyllic location in the heart of Bermuda's historic fishing village.

The septuagenarian has been known to entertain special groups of up to 40 people. They would generally bring their own wine or other libation and Dennis would supply the food, and more than a little impromptu entertainment.

"We've had some nice parties down here,'' he said. "We've seen some really happy people, enjoying themselves.

"Overseas visitors come here to eat and many sign my book, and then tell their friends back home. A lot of people come here on the strength of word of mouth. We don't do much in the way of advertising.'' He and his Filipina wife, Merle, want to offer ballroom dancing and expand the menu to serve Filipino dishes. He said of his local clientele, "I want to try to get more Filipinos out to the restaurant. Bermudians are OK, but I can't depend on them to come down regularly.'' BUSINESS BUC