Many people, especially St. Pete residents, both know and often frequent The Moon Under Water. This has been one of the most popular places in St. Petersburg, Florida for both grabbing a satisfying British meal and sipping on an ice cold beer. The ambiance of the surroundings at The Moon Under Water will take you away with gorgeous views overlooking North Straub Park. All these amazing amenities aside... people start to wonder, where did they get their name?
Many a moon ago, no pun intended, in order to recruit new members to the British Army, one would have to accept the Queen's shilling as a sign of acceptance with a side of impending doom. However, with most men knowing the dangers of the British Army, it was a rarity that anyone would accept these coins willingly. It was the sneaky ways of the Recruiting Sergeants that would visit taverns and drop the Queen's shilling into an unsuspecting individual's drink. When these oblivious men took their next sips, it was as good as saying they accept the Queen's shilling and were then rushed off to join the British Army and meet their fate.
In the times of the 18th century, men drank from what are called tankards, which are large mugs with a handle and typically made of silver or pewter. Glass tankards were introduced following the Recruiting Sergeants' sneaky ways, which would allow drinkers to see the bottom of their glass along with any shilling that someone may have dropped in. This image of the Queen's shilling at the bottom of a glass tankard was dubbed, "The Moon Under Water," thus giving this popular tavern in St. Petersburg its name.
The story is just as interesting as the tavern itself. People come from near and far to indulge in the tasty British Colonial cuisine from Executive Chef Michael Crippin, relax with an ice cold beer, take in the serene views and be treated like family with their wonderful service. All these amenities are reasons to go to The Moon Under Water in St. Pete, but even more so, are reasons to keep you coming back.
