A Taste of Philly
By: Mason Domico
Before arriving in London our program had a few meetings with one another to talk about the plans and what to expect abroad in a foreign country for three and a half months. During one of the meetings the social media director from Providence College was able to inform us that a bar in London was themed around Philadelphia and the owner was a Providence College alumni. After hearing this news I felt that it would only be necessary to check this place out because I’m not only a Providence College student but also live ten minutes from Center City.
My two friends and I set up a day to have a drink and experience some hometown food. We were able to get a table to watch the Providence vs. Georgetown basketball game which was a great experience to take in. When arriving at Passyunk Avenue the atmosphere was through the roof. The environment was loud and locals were trying to get a seat even when chances were slim to none. One cool aspect that the bar allows its customers to partake in is writing on a dollar bill and gluing it to the wall.
Every square foot of Passyunk Avenue is covered with signed dollar bills. When I saw this trend I knew I had to partake in it. The dollar bills had words relating to the Eagles 2018 Super Bowl win, South Philly, Providence, and even South Jersey which was great to see. I had the chance to glue a dollar bill to the wall and write “Fly Eagles Fly!” and sign my name.
Making your way to the back of the bar it turns from Philly themed to more of a Providence themed bar. Right as you walk to the back you may notice a jersey of the great Providence basketball player Ryan Gomes who played from 2001-2005 before being picked 50th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft.
I was made aware that most of the pictures, jerseys, and flags in the bar are given by customers from the past who want to be a part of the bar and what they are centered around.
Because my parents are from South Philly I had to share my experience with them through pictures and a short facetime call. When I was on the phone with my parents, my dad was persistent to find a dollar bill that related to his hometown Juniata. After searching for quite some time I was able to spot one that was right in front of me the whole time. I was able to capture a picture of the dollar bill and share this moment with my dad which was cool to experience. My parents will be coming to visit me at the end of March and Passyunk Avenue is a go-to spot when they come.
Passyunk Avenue is a must-go spot if you are visiting London or studying abroad in the future. Having the ability to watch my basketball team and experience hometown food was an awesome experience. The two hours spent at the bar brought a sense of home and it’s crazy to think that even 3,541 miles away, the Philly spirit is still loud and proud.
