On the Prowl for Belltown Pub's "Sleeping Lion"

Three months ago, the Belltown Pub on First Avenue put up an outside banner: a stylish lion, sleepy with food and drink. Then, one fine morning, the banner was g-gone. Co-owner Erwin Arceo figured it had been "permanently borrowed" by a homeless person, but the lion was spotted a short time later at a booth in the Pike Place Market, transformed into a $40 shoulder bag! Dave Tolan, another owner, went to confront the vendor, who claimed the banner had been "found on the street." Tolan didn't buy the explanation, but he bought the bag back anyway (for $5).

Now it's back at the Belltown Pub, where it matches the art on the wall from the building's original use, as a factory for sleeping bags.

And if this post looks familiar, it's because you've also seen it on Eater.com and BelltownLocal.

Belltown Pub, 2322 First Avenue, Seattle, (206) 448-6210