About Pubs

Pubs, or public houses, have a long and beloved tradition in American and European society, particularly in British and Irish history. They are generally houses for greeting, meeting, drinking, laughing, gaming and fun.

History

In Britain, pubs (and their predecessor "alehouses") have been a focal point of community and society since the Anglo-Saxon times. Old housewives used to raise a green bush on a pole to notify their neighbors that they had a fresh brew ready; the town would congregate to drink and, most usually, to gossip. These developed into the alehouse, and when King Edgar decreed in 985 that there could be only one alehouse per village, it became both limit and minimum: Nearly every town or village had one. This developed into more of what we recognize as a modern-day pub with the introduction of a variety of liquors in the 18th century via trade, and also the development of the inn as a place to rent lodging and have a drink.

Significance

In Britain, a pub is often referred to as a "local" with good reason -- every person has a pub that, whether it's closest or they just prefer it most, is their "local" and the place they go as a default for a drink, sports coverage, companionship and camaraderie. For this reason it is an integral part of community life in Britain. In Ireland, this is also the place where local musicians share and demonstrate their skills, and the experience of Irish music is a daily and crucial part of their social identity. In America, however, the significance of the pub lies more squarely with its purveyance of alcohol as a social lubricant.

Types

Pubs tend to vary little in the traditional sense -- they will offer a range of alcoholic beverages that varies based on the owner's discretion, but typically there will be a range of both bottled and draught (or draft) beers (ales and lagers), a selection of wine, a selection of hard liquors and soft drinks. In terms of appearance, there is often a preponderance of wood or wood paneling, and typically comfortable furnishings.

Considerations

Pubs have a long history of not being as casually accepting of women as they are of men, mostly because drinking is still considered more of a masculine pursuit. Pubs often had secret spaces called "snugs" where people could sit privately behind frosted glass. Snugs were considered a good place for women to enjoy a drink. Still today you'll see men sitting alone and enjoying a quiet drink at the pub more often than you'll see women.

Benefits

Be it for a slightly drunken night out, a quick drink with pals, a pub quiz, or just a place to check the scores, the pub is still, as it was in medieval eras, a fixture of British society in particular and in European and other cultures worldwide. It is a place to engage in socializing and foster good community spirit. All in all, it is a popular place to see and be seen.