Porto’s most stylish new night spot gets its name from a typical punch drink, Prà Poncha, concocted by Madeiran fisherman from local sugar cane brandy, lemon juice and honey. The cocktail is now served in large plastic jugs with ice and sugar instead of honey, or with absinthe or vodka versions packing that extra punch. The decidedly retro É Prà Poncha rocks to the best synthesised sounds of the 1980s. Resident mixologist and co-owner Duarte Pestana hired local architect António Fernandez to create a playful ‘fluorescent cave’ ambience and he has succeeded in making the most out of the limited narrow space. Grey concrete and stone walls give a neutral flavour, contrasting with the blue and green translucent backlit ceiling. At the bar, there are photographs of the beloved original Madeiran bar, as well as a giant poncha stick painted black that was once used to stir the poncho pots, known locally as ‘caralhinho’.
