Martin Breese

A Visitor\\\'s Guide to the British Pub

... being a useful guide for the visitor to the peculiarities of the British pub.

The British “pub” has always been a place of relaxation and entertainment. Add in the attractions of traditional British beer (an adventure in itself!) and good food - often to be enjoyed in interesting and historic surroundings – and it becomes clear that a visit to the UK without a visit to the pub would be seriously lacking!

However, for the newly arrived visitor to the UK, passing through a low, creaking wooden door and stepping down into the flag-stoned, unknown interior of a British pub with its own “rules” and etiquette may be a little daunting. So let us buy you a pint, sit you down in the “snug” by a warming log fire and explain how to enjoy the British pub without fear or trepidation...

The first thing that might confuse a visitor is that many pubs have a number of differently named entrance doors – perhaps bearing the signs “bar”, “snug”, “lounge” or “games room” - which to choose?

Traditionally in the UK the “bar” room was the preserve of the locals – where generation after generation of working men would have relaxed after the day's toil over a pipe and a pint or two of beer - and played “arrows” (darts) and rattled his “bones” (or played dominoes, to you and I!). In recent years there might be a television on the wall showing horse racing. The atmosphere might well be rowdy (though not unpleasant). The bar room usually sold drinks slightly cheaper than in the pub's other rooms – but then again the room might lack a carpet and the light fittings might have seen better days... Never the less, to many these Spartan surroundings are just what are required! This is in contrast to the Lounge room...

The Lounge room was traditionally the place where the squire or boss might go; the place where a lady would be made welcome and feel comfortable. Conversation here would be hushed, as important issues would be under discussion. The decoration would be plush, with perhaps horse brasses (which once decorated plough horse bridles) and hunting pictures on the walls, giving the room a warm, welcoming feeling. The bar staff would definitely have addressed you as “Sir!” In days gone by for these comforts you might have expected to have paid a penny or so more for your pint.

The “snug” is usually a small, cosy room, often to be found located between the bar and the lounge. The “games room” of the past would provide facilities for the games of darts, billiards (more usually nowadays, pool) and perhaps (even now, if you are lucky) a skittle alley. Other games occasionally found are “bar billiards” (like pool, but with holes in the table top and “mushrooms” which you must avoid knocking over) and “shove-halfpenny”.

Confused? Concerned? Relax.. The present day pub welcomes all to it's different rooms, regardless of status – and the prices are the same whichever room you choose to use!

OK. Important and useful stuff:- On entering the pub do not choose a table, sit down and wait to be served: this will not happen. In UK pubs you must walk to the bar, say “Hi” or "Morning" to the bar man/ lady and order your drinks – remembering that you can choose to have either a “pint” or a “half pint” - and that traditional British beer is colloquially called “bitter”. Thus you might say “Hi! A pint of bitter, a gin and tonic, a packet of crisps and a packet of peanuts, please!” And remember that in the UK (in contrast to mainland Europe) you are expected to pay for your drinks when they are served – not later, when you are leaving. By law you must be over 18 years of age to buy alcoholic drink in the UK.

You then carry your drinks to a table and enjoy them and take in your surroundings. You can feel free to add something to a light-hearted conversation that is going on nearby (but you would not, of course, interrupt an obviously private conversation). Depending on the prevailing atmosphere your conversations can be quiet and discrete or reasonably animated – but do not use rude of profane language – as well as possibly offending other pub customers this is after all the publican's house – and he/ she can ask you to leave! There might be a menu on your table or chalked up on a blackboard showing the meals available.

Note that late in the evening, to give warning that the pub is to close soon, a bell might be rung and a voice will call out the dreaded words “Last Orders, Please, Ladies and Gentlemen!” Should you want further refreshment you must then hurry to the bar (there might be a bit of a crowd there!) and order your final drinks. You then have a certain amount of time to consume those last drinks.

When you have finished your drinks and are ready to leave it is polite to take your empties and crisp packets etc. and place them on the bar – saving the bar lady/ man having to go over and collect them. This is certain to ensure you leave the pub with a friendly “ Bye! See you again!” ringing in your ears!

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