2 pints of lager, please

16 November 2023

It's impossible to imagine Britain without Big Ben, the Thames, the royal family, quaint little villages, and, of course, pubs.

The interiors of pubs resemble old-fashioned sitting rooms, yet each has its own atmosphere and history. Since pubs were once someone's living rooms, everything inside reflects that: carpets, comfy sofas, photos on the walls, bookshelves, lamps with shades, wall sconces...

Writer George Orwell once referred to pubs as "one of the major institutions of English life." Indeed, the typical pub is an integral part of British culture.

In pubs, people don't just drink and eat; they socialize, fall in love, gossip, and unwind after a day's work.

In a typical British pub, you're likely to find three types of beer:

Lager (Heineken, Budweiser, Stella Artois, etc.)

Bitter (local beer, ale)

Stout (dark beer with a white head. The most popular is Guinness)

You can also find cider, whisky and wine in pubs.

In addition to traditional pubs, the British love to visit beer gardens. "Beer gardens" are open-air areas adjacent to pubs, featuring tables with chairs or benches.

Britain boasts a multitude of iconic, age-old pubs. Here are a few remarkable examples:

  1. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem (Nottingham): Nestled in Nottingham, this pub lays claim to being one of England's oldest, with a storied history dating back to 1189, as some sources suggest.
  2. Ye Olde Fighting Cocks (St Albans): As previously mentioned, this pub proudly stands as England's oldest, tracing its origins back to 793.
  3. The Bingley Arms (Leeds): This Leeds establishment, too, vies for the title of one of England's oldest pubs, asserting a remarkable history dating back to 953.
  4. The Sheep Heid Inn (Edinburgh): Step into history at one of Scotland's oldest pubs, boasting over 600 years of tradition.
  5. The Skirrid Mountain Inn (Abergavenny, Wales): Uncover the ancient allure of a Welsh gem, said to have a remarkable history spanning more than 900 years.
  6. The Bow Bar (Edinburgh): This cozy pub in the heart of Edinburgh is renowned for its extensive selection of whiskies and quality beers. It welcomes visitors in an atmosphere of traditional Scottish hospitality.
  7. The Abbotsford (Edinburgh): Located near the Royal Mile, this pub is known for its literary heritage. Here, you can enjoy beer and dishes in a setting inspired by the works of Sir Walter Scott.

These pubs exude an ambiance steeped in history and offer a captivating array of libations. They are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the United Kingdom.

The interiors of pubs resemble old-fashioned sitting rooms, yet each has its own atmosphere and history. Since pubs were once someone's living rooms, everything inside reflects that: carpets, comfy sofas, photos on the walls, bookshelves, lamps with shades, wall sconces...

Writer George Orwell once referred to pubs as "one of the major institutions of English life." Indeed, the typical pub is an integral part of British culture.

In pubs, people don't just drink and eat; they socialize, fall in love, gossip, and unwind after a day's work.

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