PUB CULTURE IN BRITAIN
Họ và tên: Phạm Thùy Linh
Lớp: D.10.20.01
Số điện thoại: 0925511518
Pub culture is an integral part of British life. Pubs are a place to go to socialize, relax and have a drink.
HISTORY OF PUB CULTURE
The word pub is short for ‘public house’. It describes an establishment that’s been granted a licence to serve alcoholic beverages for drinking on the premises.
The very first pubs to appear in Britain were Roman taverns, which served alcoholic drinks and food. Later, those taverns that had been granted licence to put up travelling guests in their rooms were known as inns. Inns tended to be located in the countryside or along Most of us have heard about British pubs, but not many realize how old they are. Pubs are nowhere near a modern creation as they have been around for thousands of years, just in different names and appearances.
First pubs known as tabernacles started to pop up along with the construction of the Roman road. Let ‘s not forget that ale is a native British drink and after Romans left, the Anglo-Saxons started to establish alehouses that quickly became popular places to not only drink but gossip and more. By the year 1577, England and Wales already had around 14,202 alehouses, 1,631 inns, and 329 taverns recorded which equals one pub for every 187 people.
However, the modern pubs that we know and love today started in the 19th century with a Beerhouse Act of 1830 which allowed pubs to be purpose-built, have unique architecture, and stand out from regular houses and competition. Gin houses and palaces were becoming increasingly popular as well which leads us into the next step! highways, whereas taverns would generally be more central to villages and town.
The most popular pub names are taken from:
- Animals, e.g. The Dog & Partridge
- Random objects, e.g. The Old Pint Pot
- Heraldry (coats of arms), e.g., Elephant & Castle
- Landowners, e.g. The prince Albert
- Myths and legends, e.g. The Robin Hood
- Old occupations (many of which will run on coats of arms), e.g. The Butcher’s Arms
- Historic events, e.g. The Royal Oak (after the 1651 Battle of Worcester)
- Books or literary characters, e.g., Jabez Clegg (taken from Isabella Banks’ novel The Manchester Man)
- Places, e.g. The Cambridge Inn
SOME CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF PUB CULTURE IN THE UK
The pub culture is very important for the British. Almost all celebrations are in the pub such as: birthday, wedding, engagement.
Foods and drinks of British pub life
- A British pub will serve you lager, ale, wines, cider, or spirits. If you are not a drinker, you will be able to get soft drinks such as coke, bottled fruit juices, or fizzy water.
- All British pubs serve a selection of beers which include lager, ales, stouts, pale ales and bitter. There is also usually a selection of bottled beers if that’s more your thing.
- In Britain, beers are served in pints and half-pints, a pint measures 568 ml.
- Beer isn’t the only choice though, there’s usually a selection of wines, spirits, soft drinks, ciders and teas and coffees too. Some pubs offer a wide selection of these, and some are more limited, some even offer cocktails. Wines are usually served in either 125ml, 175ml or 250ml measures, or the bottle. A single shot of a spirit in Britain is 25ml.
- Pubs usually take orders till 10:30 pm or 11:00 pm on Sunday’s. When the time closes by, the bar staff rings the bell to signal the customers that it’s time to place the last orders. They shall ring the bell again indicating that the bar is closing. After the second bell, no one can place any orders.
Pubs serve both hot and cold food. The popular food ordered are crisps and nuts. As days changed, now you can choose from the menu items available at the pub. Fish and Chips are always loved by everyone in the pubs. Gastropubs are different they sell restaurant-quality food. A pub is unlike a restaurant, you need to go to the bar to order. Once your order is placed you will be given a table number that you should place on the table so that food will be bought for the table.
Hub for entertainment & socializing
- One of the best things about British pub culture is the freedom to strike up a conversation with strangers.
- This allows for an excellent opportunity to make friends. While it may come off as odd to strike up conversations outside the pub, it’s completely welc
- There’s plenty of things to talk about such as football scores, politics, day-to-day life, or anything else.
- During the week, pubs become a place for a quick lunchtime drink or a social meeting while weekends will see more of a younger crowd.
- A lot of pubs in Britain have their own sports teams too. In more traditional pubs you can see people playing darts, pool, indoor quoits, and other games.
PUB DESIGN STYLE IN BRITAIN
In the UK, most pub design styles follow ancient trends. You’ll usually find pubs inside classically British buildings. Think thatched roofs, small doors, wonky corridors and worn stone floors. Throw in some chunky wooden furniture that looks like it’s been there for centuries, in some cases it has. Some of the oldest pubs in the UK are situated in buildings that were put up way back in the 1600s.
Here are some of the finest architectural examples of British pubs interior and exterior:
Princess Louise : A magnificent pub built between the late Victorian and early Edwardian pub-building boom with an 1891 Victorian interior design.
Eastbrook Dagenham: One of the finest pubs built between the two world wars where the aim was‚ fewer but better. It sports a built-in 1937 in a free Neo-Classical style and was built in 1937. The type of pub also depends on the geographical location. This pub in Northern Ireland showcases a classic and familiar wooden layout that is perfectly preserved.
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN PUBS IN SCOTLAND, ENGLAND AND WALES
Music
| Scotland | England | Wales |
| Scottish pubs often feature live Scottish folk music and bagpipe performances, reflecting the country’s musical traditions | The atmosphere can vary widely. Music, when featured, is often a mix of contemporary and traditional. | May host Welsh-language music nights and traditional folk music, reflecting Wales’s strong musical heritage |
Culture and History
| Scotland | England | Wales |
| Scottish pubs frequently embrace Scotland’s rich history, with nods to clans, tartans, and historical figures. They might have a rugged, Highland- inspired aesthetic, especially in rural areas. | Pubs often reflect a broad range of English historical periods, from Tudor-style buildings to Victorian and modern establishments. The decor can range from traditional to contemporary, depending on the region and the age of the pub | Welsh pubs often incorporate aspects of Welsh culture and history, including the Welsh language. Pubs might reflect the local history, such as the mining heritage. |
Drink and Food
| Scotland | England | Wales |
| Renowned for Scotland whisky, with many pubs offering an extensive range of single malts and blended whiskies. Beer selection includes traditional Scottish ales.
Food: haggis, neeps (mashed turnips or swedes) and tatties (Scottish slang for potatoes) and Cullen skink. |
Known for a wide range of beers, particularly ale, bitters and stouts. The focus is often on local breweries and traditional brewing methods.
Food: fish and chips, pies and Sunday roasts.
|
Welsh pubs might showcase local Welsh ales and ciders, and there’s a growing craft beer scene.
Food: Cawl (a traditional Welsh soup or broth), Welsh rarebit and bara brith (a traditional Welsh fruitcake) |
CONCLUSION
Pubs have long been unique characteristic in British culture and lifestyle. Everyone can enjoy their time with their friends, families, and other relationship. If you have opportunity, you can experience pub culture in British to see its specialness and I hope through my study you can understand deeply why pub has become the best culture.
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