The pub industry is going through a real rough time currently. There are daily questions as to whether the industry can survive, with many pubs and bars forced to shut their doors once again due to restrictions put in place by governments. But that does not mean they shouldn’t be celebrated, and what better way to do so than to celebrate the traditional British boozer.
While many places these days may focus on their cocktails or strength of Wi-Fi signal, the traditional pub has stuck to its roots. But what makes up a sure sign of a proper, honest British boozer?
Well, the answer’s quite simple…
A Pint of Mild
Mild ale isn’t as prominent as it once was, but some of the more traditional brewers and pubs will still sell it. Sadly, it’s more popular with an older audience these days as younger pub-goers opt for pales and IPAs, alongside the more commonly found lagers.
However, back in the day and throughout the 19th century a brewery would produce three or four milds, and you’ll still find the likes of Theakston’s and regional breweries such as Robinson’s in Stockport do sell it.
Racing on the TV
You know you’re in a proper pub when they’ve got horse racing on the TV. Many pubs used to have the racing on television as locals would sit with the newspaper and betslip and while away the afternoon.
In some parts of the UK you’ll find this, although the number of bookmakers on the high street is starting to make that harder. However, online is now playing its part as brands such as Freebets.com provides horse racing racecards online, with punters then able to sign up with online bookmakers to play.
It really adds to the atmosphere of a venue and betting on the horses in the pub has long been a British tradition, as well as Ireland where it’s still much more prominent. Pubs such as The Morning Star in Belfast, as well as many other great pubs in the country, are well known for their horse racing offering, and tourists will even flock to the place to get a taste of the experience.
Of course, we’re now seeing this much more frequently in football, with fans betting in-play while watching games in public houses and bars, but if you’re looking for tradition, it’s all about the horses.
A Wooden Bar
These days you’ll find bars made of all manner of materials, from concrete to plywood and plenty more. But nothing beats a beautifully crafted wooden bar, and you’ll find many of them are now listed buildings due to their beauty.
They’re a real piece of art and focal points of the bar. The Philharmonic in Liverpool is a prime example of this and is actually a Grade I listed building thanks to its fabulous bar and interior.
The Crown in Belfast is another fine example, a pub which is actually owned by the National Trust in order to preserve its bar and the booths and snugs throughout the pub.
The People
There’s something honest about a proper pub in the UK, and that largely comes down to the people. You won’t find students blasting out music or necking shots for fun. You won’t find groups young adults more interested in Instagram than the fine drink and fare on offer.
What you will find is groups of friends, locals and even lone drinkers simply sampling the ales, having a chat, and generally being part of a community that has been there for generations, and in some cases centuries. And what’s better than that, right?
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