English World
Pubs
English Pub
A public house, usually known as a pub, is a drinking establishment found mainly in Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand and other countries influenced by British culture. A pub which offers lodging may be called an inn or hostelry.
Public houses are culturally and socially different from other places found elsewhere in the world such as cafés and bars. There are approximately 60,000 public houses in the United Kingdom. In many places, especially in villages, a pub can be the focal point of the community, playing a similar role to the local church in this respect.
History
Today we talk about the 'pub' but this is a term invented by the Victorians, an abbreviation of 'public house'.
It was the Romans who gave England its first 'pubs' almost two thousand years ago. In Roman towns tabernae served food and wine (and probably the local ale too), they displayed vine leaves outside to advertise their trade.
Beer and food
Pubs are social places where people buy and drink mainly alcoholic beverages, and most public houses offer a wide range of beers, wines, spirits and alcopops. The beer lends most pubs a pleasant, memorable aroma. Often the windows of the pub are of smoked or frosted glass so that the clientele are obscured from the street.
Traditionally pubs in Britain were drinking establishments and little emphasis was placed on the serving of food. The usual fare consisted of specialised English snack food such as pork scratchings along with crisps and peanuts.
"Fish and chips" is probably still the most famous and traditional "fast-food" you may find in a British pub. It had its origins in working class districts: it was cheap, nutritious and ready for immediate consumption after a hard day’s work.
The Sigs
In 1393 King Richard II compelled landlords to erect signs outside their premises. The legislation stated
Whosoever shall brew ale in the town with intention of selling it must hang out a sign, otherwise he shall forfeit his ale.
In the past, pictures were more useful than the words for identifying the pub, as many of the patrons were illiterate. Many British pubs still have highly decorated signs hanging over their doors. These signs bear the name of the pub, in words and in pictorial representation.
The names
Pubs often have traditional names. Here is a list of categories:
Animals - The Swan, The Dog and Duck
Local sporting activities: The Cricketers, The Fox and Hounds
A noted individual: The Lord Nelson
An historic event: The Trafalgar, The Royal Oak
Alluding amusingly to everyday phrases: The Nowhere Inn Particular
With a royal or aristocratic association: The King's Arms, The King's Head
With names of items that may be part of a coat of arms: The Red Lion, The Unicorn
Very strange names - The Goat and Compasses, The Bag o'nails, Elephant and Castle,
The Bull and Mouth
Games
The pub is more than just a shop where drinks are sold and consumed. For centuries it has been a place where friends meet, colleagues 'talk shop' and business people negotiate deals. The place where people gather to celebrate, play games or to seek quiet relaxation.
A number of traditional games are played in pubs including darts, billiards, and in some areas, Nine Mens Morris and Skittles. In recent years the game of pool (both the British and American versions) has increased in popularity. Increasingly, video games are provided. Many pubs also hold special events, from tournaments of the aforementioned games to karaoke nights to pub quizzes. Some play pop music, or show football on big screen televisions.
Hours
In August 1914, the opening hours of public houses were restricted to 12noon-2.30pm and 6.30pm-9.30pm.
In recent times the licensing laws have become more relaxed, with pubs allowed to open from 11am (12noon on Sundays) through to 11pm (10.30pm on Sundays). There is an ongoing debate on whether pubs should be allowed to close later in the evening.
Licensing laws differ in Scotland, and pubs there generally have more flexible opening hours.
Fonts:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A91298
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pub
Visit:
www.tourism.net.nz
www.purr-n-fur.org.uk/fun/pubsign/sign1.html
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