If you're curious about how the restaurant came up with its name you only need to look on its walls. An array of photographs depicting the different types, shapes, and sizes of porches around the island can be seen.

Entering the bar area may cause you to do a double take because it looks very much like a family study with stacked bookcases and a crackling fireplace.

Every type of book surrounds the generous fireplace that often is burning.

Owner of The Porch, Mr. David Speakman, said he added the bookcases to make the room appear more comfortable and relaxing.

"When people were waiting for a table or just having a drink we did not want them to feel as if they were in a waiting room,'' he said. "The fire place makes it comfortable, people actually want to sit in there talk, read a book or have a drink.'' The books on the bookcase, which were purchased by co-owner of The Porch Mrs.

Elizabeth Speakman, range on topics from plants to a selection of treasured novels.

And those who get so absorbed in what they're reading that they can't put it down, can take the book home, providing it is returned.

"Encyclopaedias are also stacked on the shelves, and they seem to come in pretty handy, Mr. Speakman said, "because they settle quite a few arguments''.

"We encourage people to come and sit off by the fire, read a book and have a drink,'' he added. "The bar area is meant to be comfortable, attracting the mature crowd that have had a hard day at the office and need a drink or a good meal.'' Mr. Speakman also said the interior of the restaurants and bar had been totally repainted to give the rooms a sense of closeness.

Decorating the Grill was a pleasant treat for the Speakmans after inheriting replicas of some Mediaeval weaponry.

"The weaponry which consists of guns, shields, swords and a few other items were owned by the previous Rum Runners Restaurant but was not used, so we cleaned them up and used them to decorate the wall,'' Mr. Speakman explained.

A DRINK AND DINNER -- The Porch Restaurant and Bar owners Mr. David Speakman and his wife Elizabeth sit in the more intimate 93 Front Street Grill. With them are maitre'd Mr. Jason Bell and waitress Miss Susan Burnett-Herkes.