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Pubs

The British pub (short for a “public house”) is unique. This is not just because it is different in character from bars and cafes in Britain itself. The pub is the only indoor place where the average person can comfortably meet others, even strangers, and get into prolonged conversations with them. In cafes and fast food restaurants, people are classless. A pub with forty customers in it is nearly always much noisier than a cafe or restaurants with the same number of people in it.

As with so many other aspects of British life, pubs have become a bit less distinctive in the last quarter of the twentieth century. They used to serve almost nothing but beer and spirits. These days, you can get wine, coffee and some hot food at most of them as well. This has helped to widen their appeal. At one time, it was unusual for women to go to pubs. These days, only a few pubs exist where it is surprising for a woman to walk in.

Nevertheless, pubs have retained their special character. One of their notable aspects is that there is no waiter service. If you want something, you have to go and ask for it at the bar. This may seem a strange way to make people feet comfortable and relaxed. But to British people it is precisely this. To be served at a table is discomforting for many people. It makes them feel they have to be on their best behavior. But because un pubs you have to go and fetch your drinks yourself, it is more informal. You can get up and walk around wherever you want – it is like begin in your own house. This “home from home” atmosphere is enhanced by the relationship between customers and those who work in pubs. Unlike in any other eating or drinking place in Britain, the staff must know the regular customers personally, know what their usual drink is and chat with them.