British Pubs

Another pub lunch today. We normally have at least one a week. Pub lunches are by far the best value for money when eating out in the UK. But the food dulls in comparison to the sheer experience of going to a pub. Pubs are a major part of British history and culture.

Public houses (i.e. “pubs”) were were originally houses where the public could eat, drink and even stay overnight. Signs have hung outside public houses since 1393, when King Richard II decreed they should replace the usual bush outside the door. As most people were illiterate at the time, names were chosen that could easily be illustrated, like the Rose & Crown, coats of arms (Freemasons’ Arms), historical figures (Henry VIII), or heraldic animals (White Lion).

You’ll find pub on nearly every street corner in England. They have always been a place for neighbors and friends (generally men) to meet up and chat. You’ll still find old men gathering in pubs to enjoy a pint and a smoke. Smoking is still allowed in most pubs.

The drink of choice in a pub is draught beer. The beers that are typically offered are those brewed by the local brewers in the area. The main varieties of beer are: lager (lightest of all beers; most American beers are lagers), bitter (stronger and darker than lager), mild ale (sweeter than bitter), stout (thick, dark, creamy; Guiness, which comes from Ireland, is the most famous stout), and cider (traditional English drink found in all pubs; it’s made from apples and comes in a variety of strengths and degrees of dryness).

When ordering a beer on tap, you ask for it by the pint or half-pint. Imported bottled beers are generally also available. Budweiser is normally the only American beer you find in pubs.

You always order and pay for drink and food in advance at the bar. The bartender will hand you your drink, and someone else will bring the food to your table when ready. You do not tip in a pub.

Pub food (also known as “pub grub”) is simple, hearty fare, which normally includes a few select appetizers (mostly fried), a selection of sandwiches, jacket potatoes served with a variety of toppings, and hot meals such as fish & chips, chili, sheppards pie, cottage pie, or a mixed grill. Another common pub lunch is the Ploughman’s lunch, which consists of cheese, salad, pickles and bread. Roast dinners are served in most pubs on Sundays are are the best meal bargain to be found in England.