E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Portobello Arms.
A public-house sign. The Mirror says: “In 1739, after the capture of Portobello, Admiral Vernon’s portrait dangled from every sign-post, and he may figuratively be said to have sold the ale, beer, porter, and purl of England for six years.” The Portobello Arms is a mere substitution for the admiral.
