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Story and photo by Suzanne Nielsen and reprinted with permission of the
Daily Herald.
March 18, 2004
"Saba's Treasure, Antique Inn and Tavern"
Downtown Windwardside now boasts Saba's first sidewalk café, "Saba's Treasure."
Owned by Commissioner Will Johnson's wife, Lynn, the establishment opened mid-February. Son Chris Johnson and Marvi, his bride of only eight months, run the establishment with the help of Xiomara Noboa-Campo. The well-coordinated team previously managed Rumors Bar and Restaurant.
Guests are greeted by a large outdoor wooden deck with six tables. There, in the shade of umbrellas, they can watch busy street traffic and shoppers on their errands. When entering the pub, the darker interior is soothing to the eyes and guests are immediately plunged into the seafaring lore of the island.
 Johnson said that the owner of the two-story building, who was living abroad, was located through the internet, and he was willing to sell. Renovations started in late September.
Local artist Robbie Lynn carried out the interior design, the first time he has undertaken such a task.
Although most recently used as a student apartment, the room had maintained its rock-faced bar, a testimony to its first existence as a rum shop under "Brother," a sibling of Lambert "Lambee" Hassell, who engineered The Road.
Picking up on the rustic rock theme of the bar, Lynn fabricated large floor tiles, which look like real stone, until you look closer. The tiles at the pub entry are imprinted with the footprints, handprints, and names of various members of the Johnson family, pressed into the concrete when the tiles were still wet.
Lynn tore down one dividing wall and added another to enclose the kitchen. The walls are covered with nautical maps, old timbers, hawsers, blocks and tackle, staying pins, and boat fixtures. There are many framed historical documents and photos from the Johnson collection, some dating from the 18th century. Guests walk around admiring, reading, and absorbing the history of the island.
The 25 inside tables were crafted from discarded wooden cable spools, stained, with edges finished with rope. The old bar is surfaced in copper plate, ending in a cushioned leather elbow rest.
 The ceiling is covered with embossed wallpaper that Lynn painted and antiqued to give the affect of the carved mahogany of a ship's stateroom. He fashioned a false fireplace, with artificial flame, as a cozy focal point. Above the mantel is an oil painting of Saban Sea Captain John Simmons, lost at sea in 1918. The only thing left to come is an outdoor shingle, which will be designed in keeping with the theme of the restaurant.
Lynn said that his vision was to create a space that "even if brand new, had to look like it had always been here, like an old local pub." The crowds who gather in the space are proof of his success.
Johnson said that he is very pleased with the response to the restaurant. Pub fare is served, with a stone-fired Pizza a stable and available at any time. Take out is welcome. There are also deli sandwiches, salads, hamburgers, and a dessert selection that includes a mouth watering "Saba Spice Walnut Cake." The evening menu is varied, but always includes the "catch of the day."
Saba's Treasure is open from 10am to 10pm, Monday through Saturday. Reservations may be made to 416 2819.
Photo (top): Staff members (from left) Chris Johnson, Xiomara Noboa-Campo, and Marvi Johnson enjoy the "warmth" of the artificial fireplace.
Photo (middle): Johnson, standing, with interior decorator Robbie Lynn. Saba Lace is framed on the wall.
Photo (bottom): Guests enjoy the outside deck of Saba's Treasure.
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