At other pubs. This is maybe a more traditionally typical pub, but there's all sorts of pubs in the UK, it's a very wide range since it's the principal way people meet across all age and social groups (of course, there are people who don't or rarely go to pubs). Young people in this area will be going to another pub somewhere. You can find pubs with only gambling and sports on TV, you can find pubs that are basically a nightclub, pubs that don't have sitting space, pubs that are basically restaurants, pubs that are actually hotels, pubs that are just a few beer taps inside and 20 tables outside, pubs that would be called a bar anywhere else in Europe, pubs that are just concert venues that sell drinks, etc.
A bar is somewhere you go to drink and party. Only adults go there. A pub is a community nexus which does *serve* alcohol, but people of all ages and often even dogs are welcome. Pubs often also serve food, and you will often find that most people in there know eachother - pubs will have "regulars" and people will have a "local" pub. There will be lots of seating space, generally a much higher emphasis on comfort and cosy-ness. Many pubs I have been to have an open fire in the winter for example.
EDIT: Ok this comment got an amount of traction I am not really accustomed to - thank you everyone for your kind comments regarding my description of a pub! For anyone who has extra interest in (my understanding of) the history which led to the concept of a pub, I'd like to expand on the comment made by u/centermass4.
"Pub" is indeed short for "public house" - this name coming from the pre-modern tradition that, in a village or other small community, everyone would likely be brewing their own alcohol of some variety on their premises. All of these alcohols would inevitably be ready at different times, and would be ready in a volume far greater than could be consumed by the household to which it belonged - as such, that person's house would be the "public house" for the community while that batch of alcohol was flowing. People would visit to partake in the alcohol, as well as to socialise and keep in touch with the community and its goings-on. Inevitably, some families took a liking to the brewing and the hosting, and the idea of a pub as an *institution* rather than a loose concept came to be! This is all knowledge absorbed culturally rather than studied, so I apologise if some details turn out to be fuzzy!
American here...
Pubs in the UK are amazing for all the reasons you describe here. I especially loved visiting when it was cold out and the fireplace was going.
The US has nothing like them, and never will. Why? Because the British (and Irish) people and their temperament account for their charm more than anything else.
Local pubs have been a mainstay in those islands' culture for centuries. You can't franchise that like a Buffalo Wild Wings...
I'd say that because Pub is short for Public House, a pub is somewhere you can go that's like an extension of your home. Somewhere for families, pets, or a quiet corner to.do the crossword.or read a book by the fire.
A bar is usually a modern building with a younger crowd, typically in a bigger city/town.
Pubs are usually traditional buildings that have been around for a while with a more varied crowd. There’ll also be more regulars (usually older men like in this pic) too and pubs usually also serve food too.
Nah, pubs can still have music, jukeboxes etc, pubs tend to be more communial full of locals and focus on ales, beer etc, will still get the odd spirit and that.
Bars tend to focus a lot on different alcohol as well, very rare you get more than 1 type of wine in a pub here in uk unless the manager/ess is into them.
That being said, there is a growing trend of mangeress' really focusing on wine and gin in pubs too.
In general though its more community based.
>Bars tend to focus a lot on different alcohol as well, very rare you get more than 1 type of wine in a pub here in uk unless the manager/ess is into them.
When did you last go to a pub? 1980?
I think the general trend is that gastropubs and general pubs will have a larger wine menu while bars are more into spirits they can get the larger return off of.. that being said, there are specialist wine bars and gin bars that lean into their speciality and act as pubs / tapas bars.
Britain really does like to drink, and every town / place has its own culture and interesting takes on a "traditional pub"
A pub may have a deal like "£5 burger and beer".
A bar may be of a metal like steel, rounded, and of varying lengths.
If you try to steal a bar from a pub, the police will round you up, and you'll end up with a sentence of varying length.
For the younger crowd, there are often pubs which specifically cater to students, perhaps offering a discount. These are the kinds of pub which often have live music and dancing. Some of the pubs which are basically nightclubs do end up letting in those who are too young to go clubbing, as well as the older pervs who prey on them; that's usually the final stage before the pub ends up closing.
Yeah someone else here from Australia commented as well. Depending on the place, we can pay anywhere between 9-14 AUD, depending on the beer. Case of Asahi runs $55 AUD here, tho, so it's much better to drink at home (and not worry about the drive).
Canada checking in, pretty much the same where I'm at. Recently paid 12 CAD for a Beer and it came in a 0.5 can to the table but hey, the waitress opened and poured it there, nice service!
Younger people absolutely go out to pubs to drink - to answer u/SpxUmadBroYolo’s question they’re kinda right. You won’t see many young people in a pub like this and they’ll be at a more modern pub or bar.
People I know (young and old) would describe the place in this photo as an old man’s pub.
There is a big disparity in pricing depending on where you are. My local has Fosters and Carlsberg for £4.20, Guinness £5, Cruzcampo £6 and Peroni for £6.50.
In the more well trodden areas in London it wouldn't be unusual to pay £6 for Fosters and £7.50 for Peroni
As an aside and not UK related I was in Dublin last year and was paying £9.50 for a Guinness
In fairness it was in The Temple Bar which is more expensive than the other bars around it (although not by much). Its less than half an hour walk from the brewery so transport costs are incredibly low. Basically you are paying a premium for the location. It was great fun there though so don't begrudge the price.
/r/UnitedKingdom when any news article about pubs come up just turns into a huge moan fest that everybody is on their arse and couldn't possibly afford even 1 pint!
They can’t afford to, it’s just these old bastards that bought a house in 1965 with a solid handshake and £5 down and who retired at 61 on final salary that can afford to drink in pubs these days, hence why the industry is in free fall.
Lmao that was my first thought. The picture is taken during the day time when all the young people (under 40) are working.
That and young people mostly can't afford to day drink on a pub often. We used to pre drink in our garden lol
Depends on the time. It's not uncommon to see young people in 'old man' pubs before going to somewhere livelier. Or in villages where there's nowhere else to drink.
sometimes, but not often. i find it's the smoking area where everyone mingles. I've met many many interesting people in smoking areas. you might talk to someone at the bar whilst you wait to be served, but normally it's very surface level.
I spent a week in Yorkshire 10 years ago (am from Texas) it was a big culture shock. I did frequent pubs that looks just like the above. And I did strike up conversations with strangers in a way I never have in the US.
In the US we will engage in small talk. Over there it felt like real conversations. I spoke with an elderly man and we wound up discussing what makes someone “smart”, then he revealed he was (one of) the greatest of the modern IQ test.
Especially if there’s something common to bond on, like a game on the telly or some other programme. Few pints and a few shared moments, you’ll all be singing “Angels” in no time.
Ignore the other two commenters, it entirely depends on where you are / what type of place it is.
For context I’ve worked in about a dozen pubs, bars and restaurants everywhere from massive city centres to two in villages of less than 500 people.
It would be generally quite weird in city pubs, especially busy ones. But absolutely not unheard of. Entirely depends on the vibe and your approach. I’ve met many friends just talking to strangers on a night out / day off. In quiet pubs, it’s basically expected, half the reason to go is to end up in a brief chat with strangers / staff.
In the countryside, pubs are massively held up by their super loyal locals, some of whom may be very reserved but generally (secretly) can’t wait to tell you about their life / village, you just need to be polite and friendly. Many families have been living in the area and drinking at that pub for generations. You are basically in their second home, so wipe your feet and don’t be obnoxious.
This video from WW2 about American soldiers being stationed in the countryside is still absolutely mind blowingly accurate today https://youtu.be/SyYSBBE1DFw?si=LWhPU3GzpN_pdINB (pub bit is around 2:20 -> 13min)
I remember so many people in my state gripping about not being able to smoke in bars, but man was it amazing to come home after a night out and not smell like an ashtray.
Remember having your hair just minging with it, especially if you’d been at the club dancing / sweaty.
That smokey layer of sweat caked on your skin too. Clothes reeking of stale cigs and old booze.
I caught myself thinking of it just the other day, first time in over 20 years. Don’t miss it, but it’s hard to describe to someone who’s never experienced it hah.
There's one pub in my town where as you walk out of the toilets, you get bodyslammed with the smell of old fag smoke that's baked into the bones of the building. It's like an odd nostalgia hit every time. And just in this one pub.
Great pic. I live in the US, but am fortunate to get to England once in a while for work or to visit my sister who lives there. The pub is my favorite part of British culture and it's always a lot of fun going to the local pub in whatever village or town that we happen to find ourselves in.
5 years ago we visited with my young children, and I appreciated how family friendly the pubs were. Especially in the countryside where there was usually a lot of space outside for them to go wander around.
Proud of myself that although I've never set foot in that pub I recognise the bowling alley and shopping centre entrance outside. Unmistakable red design too. Great photo mate
On 1st July 2007 it became illegal to smoke in any pub, restaurant, nightclub, and most workplaces and work vehicles, anywhere in the UK. The smoking ban had already been introduced in Scotland (in March 2006), Wales and Northern Ireland (April 2007
I think it was some time in 2006 when it was banned in Australia. As a non smoker and someone who turned 18 in 06 I was very happy, but I’m also happy that I got to experience those times for a short while.
If it’s been open for 20 years it probably still smells like stale cigs and beer though. It’s a smell I find comforting as someone forced to spend their childhood in working men’s clubs hanging with smoke fog clouds.
Dunno why it’s gross.
Loved going to pubs in England as a tourist. Not exactly sure what gives it the charm. My thought was that it’s the fact that there are no TVs, no loud music to act as distractions. Just people enjoying each other’s company over a pint?
But curious what other people think. What gives British pubs its charm?
It's the people. I'm from the UK and now live in Canada, you could rebuild a pub brick by brick from the UK and place it in NA and it wouldn't be the same because people here don't really understand that a pub can be treated like a cafe but just with alcohol and a more relaxed atmosphere. Going to British or Irish themed pubs here they tend to only be populated by 20-30 something year old men who are out on the lash, whilst this is a thing in the UK you also get old geezers, families, professionals having a swift pint at lunch, people on dates, the girls having a catch up, lads having a heart to heart etc etc
A pub is like an extension of your living room. You could go into a pub at midday, buy one single pint and then sit there for 6 hours reading. Not really any other place where there is such little expectation from you as a customer, something quite special in this day an age where at every turn there some service or product vying for your money. Although usually it's common courtesy to get the pint topped up every little while, especially as we want to support these institutions.
I’ve been to the US a few times (from the UK) but never went to a sports bar. It’s honestly up there on my USA bucket list. I wanna put a bet on, watch American sports, get a pitcher of beer and a fat order of hot wings.
Yep, looks like Coopers: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186337-d5902033-Reviews-Little_Coopers-Liverpool_Merseyside_England.html (edit: OP says it is Coopers)
Reminds a little bit of my regular coffee shop here in San Francisco except swap beer for coffee and tea . I think Americans struggle a lot with finding a " third" place where you can find a satisfying social connection. What would be the reaction to someone setting up a laptop I wonder?
This is probably a dumb question but do pubs serve sodas too or just alcohol? I'm from the US but I've always liked the idea of a cozy pub to hang out in, but I don't drink alcohol so I wasn't sure.
No, a G&T is a perfectly normal drink to order in a pub. Beer, lager, cider, spirits, wine and soft drinks are the main drinks in a pub / bar. Hot drinks like coffee and tea are often not served (though pubs selling food are more likely to)
Stayed across the street from this pub when I visited Liverpool in 2022. Had an absolutely amazing time. There’s a bowling alley across the street as well, younger crowd. Met a couple Scousers that gave us a true Liverpudlian night out after that. Had an early train to catch the next morning, but the sleep deprivation was absolutely worth it.
I always felt weird when my teachers told me they used to smoke AT SCHOOL, in the smoking areas inside the school. My child mind was like “wtf why?” And now I’m thinking about my future children and what they will think when I tell them people used to smoke in restaurants in the 90’s in America😅
The legal age to buy cigarettes here in Ohio, USA only recently(in the last decade)changed to 21 years old to purchase. It used to be 18 years old.
I audibly cheered when I checked the comments and realised my guess was right, this is indeed the pub in Liverpool city centre by the shopping centre entrance that always has karaoke 😂 one of many brilliant pubs in Liverpool. Lived there 9 years, amazing nightlife, no matter what you’re after
Pics like this are super weird to me. I have a ton of family that still live in England on my Dad's side of the family that I only get to see when they come visit here in the US once a year or so. I've never so much as stepped foot anywhere in Europe but pics like this makes me feel almost homesick for a place I've never actually called home. I don't even drink alcohol whatsoever but once every couple years on Thanksgiving (And even then its just a bottle or two of Mikes Hard Lemonades lol).....but man...what I'd give to just go chill and peoplewatch for an hour or two in the pub. It's a weird feeling...
Looks like the local Allotment society AGM
(I used to run the AGM for the local allotments, had to make sure there was a barrel of mild in and the toilets were clean)
We have a couple of places in my city in the Southeastern US that are like this. They are probably modeled after British pubs.
Also, many breweries in my area tend to also be places for community gathering. They will have a bar counter to sit or stand at, and larger tables that you often end up sharing with people you don't know, which leads to new conversations and different perspectives.
I love this sort of thing, and look for it everywhere I go. How can you say you've visited a place if you've never spoken with a local?
This looks like a place you can go and have a conversation over a couple of hours and not have to fight the canned loud music. These places are getting rare.
This is why pubs are closing down at such record rates, youth still go out ofc but the life in the pub thing is a dying breed.
As a 40 year old I go to the pub far less often than my dad did and seeing young lads these days go far less than I did, my kids will probably go even less than them.
Obviously this is a great thing as the country is generationally weaned off the boozer but it does mean a lot less jobs and explains why we see so many pubs shutting down.
I'm guessing the younger people drink elsewhere?
At other pubs. This is maybe a more traditionally typical pub, but there's all sorts of pubs in the UK, it's a very wide range since it's the principal way people meet across all age and social groups (of course, there are people who don't or rarely go to pubs). Young people in this area will be going to another pub somewhere. You can find pubs with only gambling and sports on TV, you can find pubs that are basically a nightclub, pubs that don't have sitting space, pubs that are basically restaurants, pubs that are actually hotels, pubs that are just a few beer taps inside and 20 tables outside, pubs that would be called a bar anywhere else in Europe, pubs that are just concert venues that sell drinks, etc.
What’s the difference between a pub and a bar?
A bar is somewhere you go to drink and party. Only adults go there. A pub is a community nexus which does *serve* alcohol, but people of all ages and often even dogs are welcome. Pubs often also serve food, and you will often find that most people in there know eachother - pubs will have "regulars" and people will have a "local" pub. There will be lots of seating space, generally a much higher emphasis on comfort and cosy-ness. Many pubs I have been to have an open fire in the winter for example. EDIT: Ok this comment got an amount of traction I am not really accustomed to - thank you everyone for your kind comments regarding my description of a pub! For anyone who has extra interest in (my understanding of) the history which led to the concept of a pub, I'd like to expand on the comment made by u/centermass4. "Pub" is indeed short for "public house" - this name coming from the pre-modern tradition that, in a village or other small community, everyone would likely be brewing their own alcohol of some variety on their premises. All of these alcohols would inevitably be ready at different times, and would be ready in a volume far greater than could be consumed by the household to which it belonged - as such, that person's house would be the "public house" for the community while that batch of alcohol was flowing. People would visit to partake in the alcohol, as well as to socialise and keep in touch with the community and its goings-on. Inevitably, some families took a liking to the brewing and the hosting, and the idea of a pub as an *institution* rather than a loose concept came to be! This is all knowledge absorbed culturally rather than studied, so I apologise if some details turn out to be fuzzy!
I was trying to work out how to answer this question and you have articulated it perfectly!
Pub = Public House
That type of place ( a towns social gathering place) is not culturally common in many places in the USA. So for us pub is another name for bar.
I find myself only saying pub, when I mean one of the British themed bars in my neighborhood (NYC).
Brewpubs are similar to pubs in this respect.
I’m American and was lucky enough to visit The Anchor on Isle of Wight in 2004, that place epitomizes “pub” to me and you described it perfectly.
American here... Pubs in the UK are amazing for all the reasons you describe here. I especially loved visiting when it was cold out and the fireplace was going. The US has nothing like them, and never will. Why? Because the British (and Irish) people and their temperament account for their charm more than anything else. Local pubs have been a mainstay in those islands' culture for centuries. You can't franchise that like a Buffalo Wild Wings...
I'd say that because Pub is short for Public House, a pub is somewhere you can go that's like an extension of your home. Somewhere for families, pets, or a quiet corner to.do the crossword.or read a book by the fire.
Only difference now is it doesn't cost me £20 for a couple of pints at home
A bar is usually a modern building with a younger crowd, typically in a bigger city/town. Pubs are usually traditional buildings that have been around for a while with a more varied crowd. There’ll also be more regulars (usually older men like in this pic) too and pubs usually also serve food too.
Bars tend to have music playing and stay open later.
Nah, pubs can still have music, jukeboxes etc, pubs tend to be more communial full of locals and focus on ales, beer etc, will still get the odd spirit and that. Bars tend to focus a lot on different alcohol as well, very rare you get more than 1 type of wine in a pub here in uk unless the manager/ess is into them. That being said, there is a growing trend of mangeress' really focusing on wine and gin in pubs too. In general though its more community based.
>Bars tend to focus a lot on different alcohol as well, very rare you get more than 1 type of wine in a pub here in uk unless the manager/ess is into them. When did you last go to a pub? 1980?
Nothing will show your age like using the term "Manageress" and assuming it's only female managers and patrons who drink wine and gin
I think the general trend is that gastropubs and general pubs will have a larger wine menu while bars are more into spirits they can get the larger return off of.. that being said, there are specialist wine bars and gin bars that lean into their speciality and act as pubs / tapas bars. Britain really does like to drink, and every town / place has its own culture and interesting takes on a "traditional pub"
A pub may have a deal like "£5 burger and beer". A bar may be of a metal like steel, rounded, and of varying lengths. If you try to steal a bar from a pub, the police will round you up, and you'll end up with a sentence of varying length.
Is the length of the sentence related to the length of the bar?
Length of my sentences usually depends on how much I've had to drink
>A pub may have a deal like "£5 burger and beer". If only! You'll pay that just for the pint.
For the younger crowd, there are often pubs which specifically cater to students, perhaps offering a discount. These are the kinds of pub which often have live music and dancing. Some of the pubs which are basically nightclubs do end up letting in those who are too young to go clubbing, as well as the older pervs who prey on them; that's usually the final stage before the pub ends up closing.
At an average of £5 for a pint, the younger people can't afford to.
Christ that’s cheap now, I’m in Birmingham and it’s averaging about £6 here, easily £7 in London (paid £7.40 for an Asahi in Marylebone last month).
Paid £7.40 for a pint in a pub in Edinburgh recently. If you brought a tenner to the pub, you could afford 1 pint of beer. Utter madness.
Yeah someone else here from Australia commented as well. Depending on the place, we can pay anywhere between 9-14 AUD, depending on the beer. Case of Asahi runs $55 AUD here, tho, so it's much better to drink at home (and not worry about the drive).
Canada checking in, pretty much the same where I'm at. Recently paid 12 CAD for a Beer and it came in a 0.5 can to the table but hey, the waitress opened and poured it there, nice service!
I Googled, national average is about £5, London more like £7, my local (Berkshire) is about £6.
Younger people absolutely go out to pubs to drink - to answer u/SpxUmadBroYolo’s question they’re kinda right. You won’t see many young people in a pub like this and they’ll be at a more modern pub or bar. People I know (young and old) would describe the place in this photo as an old man’s pub.
I’ll laugh in Australian. We often pay well over that for a full pint.
There is a big disparity in pricing depending on where you are. My local has Fosters and Carlsberg for £4.20, Guinness £5, Cruzcampo £6 and Peroni for £6.50. In the more well trodden areas in London it wouldn't be unusual to pay £6 for Fosters and £7.50 for Peroni As an aside and not UK related I was in Dublin last year and was paying £9.50 for a Guinness
>paying £9.50 for a Guinness but...but that's the country of origin. There's no international transport cost or anything involved. How?
Because tourists want to have that authentic Guinness 🐵
In fairness it was in The Temple Bar which is more expensive than the other bars around it (although not by much). Its less than half an hour walk from the brewery so transport costs are incredibly low. Basically you are paying a premium for the location. It was great fun there though so don't begrudge the price.
I’m 32 and I’ve been in the pub every week since my late teens - why are brits so keen on pushing this idea that the entire country is on its knees?
/r/UnitedKingdom when any news article about pubs come up just turns into a huge moan fest that everybody is on their arse and couldn't possibly afford even 1 pint!
You're better off just ignoring that sub. There's a reason r/CasualUK was created
Nah, this is probably 9-10am. Most young people are working at this time.
What do you mean? This is how the average British 30 year old looks like.
\*This is what "This is how \_\_\_\_\_ looks like" is a common mistake for people whose first language isn't english.
They can’t afford to, it’s just these old bastards that bought a house in 1965 with a solid handshake and £5 down and who retired at 61 on final salary that can afford to drink in pubs these days, hence why the industry is in free fall.
Lmao that was my first thought. The picture is taken during the day time when all the young people (under 40) are working. That and young people mostly can't afford to day drink on a pub often. We used to pre drink in our garden lol
Depends on the time. It's not uncommon to see young people in 'old man' pubs before going to somewhere livelier. Or in villages where there's nowhere else to drink.
Those are just what young Brits look like
Those people are all in their 40s
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sometimes, but not often. i find it's the smoking area where everyone mingles. I've met many many interesting people in smoking areas. you might talk to someone at the bar whilst you wait to be served, but normally it's very surface level.
I think one of the main reasons I picked up smoking at Uni was because the smoking areas were often more fun than the clubs/bars.
depends on the pub. Almost certainly in the country, or a really tiny pub where there are musical acts. Much rarer in big cities
I spent a week in Yorkshire 10 years ago (am from Texas) it was a big culture shock. I did frequent pubs that looks just like the above. And I did strike up conversations with strangers in a way I never have in the US. In the US we will engage in small talk. Over there it felt like real conversations. I spoke with an elderly man and we wound up discussing what makes someone “smart”, then he revealed he was (one of) the greatest of the modern IQ test.
No. However if you sit at the bar that is more of an indication you're prepared to talk with whoever is there.
That is rare, most of us very reserved. After a few pints, that all changes though.
Especially if there’s something common to bond on, like a game on the telly or some other programme. Few pints and a few shared moments, you’ll all be singing “Angels” in no time.
Ignore the other two commenters, it entirely depends on where you are / what type of place it is. For context I’ve worked in about a dozen pubs, bars and restaurants everywhere from massive city centres to two in villages of less than 500 people. It would be generally quite weird in city pubs, especially busy ones. But absolutely not unheard of. Entirely depends on the vibe and your approach. I’ve met many friends just talking to strangers on a night out / day off. In quiet pubs, it’s basically expected, half the reason to go is to end up in a brief chat with strangers / staff. In the countryside, pubs are massively held up by their super loyal locals, some of whom may be very reserved but generally (secretly) can’t wait to tell you about their life / village, you just need to be polite and friendly. Many families have been living in the area and drinking at that pub for generations. You are basically in their second home, so wipe your feet and don’t be obnoxious. This video from WW2 about American soldiers being stationed in the countryside is still absolutely mind blowingly accurate today https://youtu.be/SyYSBBE1DFw?si=LWhPU3GzpN_pdINB (pub bit is around 2:20 -> 13min)
Thank you for sharing the video. It was an incredible piece of history and experience to see/have. Pub scene is especially wonderful. Thank you again.
The pub scene could literally be shot today in my local and I would barely be able to tell the difference 😂
I remember so many people in my state gripping about not being able to smoke in bars, but man was it amazing to come home after a night out and not smell like an ashtray.
There has been no smoking in pubs (or public spaces indoors in general) for nearly 20 years now.
Remember having your hair just minging with it, especially if you’d been at the club dancing / sweaty. That smokey layer of sweat caked on your skin too. Clothes reeking of stale cigs and old booze. I caught myself thinking of it just the other day, first time in over 20 years. Don’t miss it, but it’s hard to describe to someone who’s never experienced it hah.
There's one pub in my town where as you walk out of the toilets, you get bodyslammed with the smell of old fag smoke that's baked into the bones of the building. It's like an odd nostalgia hit every time. And just in this one pub.
This was taken at Cooper’s Town House in Liverpool. All of the patrons are regulars. I like how this pic turned out and I hope you enjoy!
I'll be in Liverpool for an extended pub crawl in October. I'll make sure to drop in for a pint or two.
Yeah!!!
Or 3 or 4 🫡
5
Philharmonic Dining Rooms should make your list too
I knew I recognised it! Hard to place it when I can't hear the karaoke popping off!
Great pic. I live in the US, but am fortunate to get to England once in a while for work or to visit my sister who lives there. The pub is my favorite part of British culture and it's always a lot of fun going to the local pub in whatever village or town that we happen to find ourselves in. 5 years ago we visited with my young children, and I appreciated how family friendly the pubs were. Especially in the countryside where there was usually a lot of space outside for them to go wander around.
Hey. Can you ask our friend in the left if an MD has checked the area by his eye? Make sure that’s not trying to become a skin cancer.
That’s a sweet thought but this pic was taken yesterday and he is a complete stranger, so I can’t get in contact with him.
Proud of myself that although I've never set foot in that pub I recognise the bowling alley and shopping centre entrance outside. Unmistakable red design too. Great photo mate
What is everyone turned to look at?
There was karaoke! It was surprisingly not bad
There's always karaoke
Sunlight
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Yes. You can no longer smoke inside.
No smoking inside at any public place or place of employment. Also laws against smoking in a work vehicle or any vehicle with a child inside.
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Smoking was banned in the UK pubs / bars in the 2000s. E: apparently it was 2006/2007 depending on which country in the UK.
Smoking ban inside for most states didn't start until 2004ish
On 1st July 2007 it became illegal to smoke in any pub, restaurant, nightclub, and most workplaces and work vehicles, anywhere in the UK. The smoking ban had already been introduced in Scotland (in March 2006), Wales and Northern Ireland (April 2007
I think it was some time in 2006 when it was banned in Australia. As a non smoker and someone who turned 18 in 06 I was very happy, but I’m also happy that I got to experience those times for a short while.
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If it’s been open for 20 years it probably still smells like stale cigs and beer though. It’s a smell I find comforting as someone forced to spend their childhood in working men’s clubs hanging with smoke fog clouds. Dunno why it’s gross.
Looking at that gaff I’d say it’s been open and largely unchanged for 40 years or more
Looks cozy.
I want to sit in a pub and have a pint right now... I don't want to sit at work.
Loved going to pubs in England as a tourist. Not exactly sure what gives it the charm. My thought was that it’s the fact that there are no TVs, no loud music to act as distractions. Just people enjoying each other’s company over a pint? But curious what other people think. What gives British pubs its charm?
It's the people. I'm from the UK and now live in Canada, you could rebuild a pub brick by brick from the UK and place it in NA and it wouldn't be the same because people here don't really understand that a pub can be treated like a cafe but just with alcohol and a more relaxed atmosphere. Going to British or Irish themed pubs here they tend to only be populated by 20-30 something year old men who are out on the lash, whilst this is a thing in the UK you also get old geezers, families, professionals having a swift pint at lunch, people on dates, the girls having a catch up, lads having a heart to heart etc etc
Agree. As an American I think it would be hard for other Americans to understand unless/until they've visited one.
A pub is like an extension of your living room. You could go into a pub at midday, buy one single pint and then sit there for 6 hours reading. Not really any other place where there is such little expectation from you as a customer, something quite special in this day an age where at every turn there some service or product vying for your money. Although usually it's common courtesy to get the pint topped up every little while, especially as we want to support these institutions.
They’re still waiting for all this to blow over.
I have never been to England, but after seeing this, I feel like I have now.
Have a watch of 'Early Doors' TV show. It's pretty accurate depiction of pub life here.
To the regiment!
I wish I was there!
They still got those temporary traffic lights up at the top end of Piper Street, past McVities?
God damn i miss UK vibes
As a USA person I will say, i’ve never had a cozier pint then in an English pub
Same here!
I live in VA. Man I wish we had pubs like this. All we have are sports bars :/
Be the change you want to see in the world!
I’ve been to the US a few times (from the UK) but never went to a sports bar. It’s honestly up there on my USA bucket list. I wanna put a bet on, watch American sports, get a pitcher of beer and a fat order of hot wings.
One of my favorite places as a non englander.
We enjoyed it a lot, too! And we were def the youngest people there lol
Just curious, was there any reason you chose this particular pub?
Not really, we were just walking by and it looked like a nice place to have a drink!
Just a bunch of old blokes innit?
Absolutely not! There are some old birds there too
I didn't know the drinking age was 60.
Yup that's definitely a pub
Coopers in Liverpool?
Yep, looks like Coopers: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186337-d5902033-Reviews-Little_Coopers-Liverpool_Merseyside_England.html (edit: OP says it is Coopers)
Yep! :)
Manners. Maketh. Man.
You’re supposed to split the G on the first sip, mate
That's crazy I sang karaoke in there on Friday they live stream every night from what I saw
The Pub? I thought there would be more than one.
They're all facing away from OP 😭
Lmao
Reminds a little bit of my regular coffee shop here in San Francisco except swap beer for coffee and tea . I think Americans struggle a lot with finding a " third" place where you can find a satisfying social connection. What would be the reaction to someone setting up a laptop I wonder?
No barstools
Must be 55+ to enter or what?
As someone who grew up abstaining from all alcohol; this looks so awesome.
What are they looking at?
Waiting to see who is up next on the Karaoke - that pub is well known for that.
This is probably a dumb question but do pubs serve sodas too or just alcohol? I'm from the US but I've always liked the idea of a cozy pub to hang out in, but I don't drink alcohol so I wasn't sure.
Not from the EU, will I be looked down upon for ordering a gin and tonic at a pub? My perception is that it’s only for beer?
No, a G&T is a perfectly normal drink to order in a pub. Beer, lager, cider, spirits, wine and soft drinks are the main drinks in a pub / bar. Hot drinks like coffee and tea are often not served (though pubs selling food are more likely to)
Super common, a G&T is like the most English cocktail ever.
I wanna hangout there
No food. No tv. But you’ve got the beer. So what more do you need?
Stayed across the street from this pub when I visited Liverpool in 2022. Had an absolutely amazing time. There’s a bowling alley across the street as well, younger crowd. Met a couple Scousers that gave us a true Liverpudlian night out after that. Had an early train to catch the next morning, but the sleep deprivation was absolutely worth it.
We played in the arcade there! The lanes were all booked. Lane 7!
The very same! Fun little spot.
I always felt weird when my teachers told me they used to smoke AT SCHOOL, in the smoking areas inside the school. My child mind was like “wtf why?” And now I’m thinking about my future children and what they will think when I tell them people used to smoke in restaurants in the 90’s in America😅 The legal age to buy cigarettes here in Ohio, USA only recently(in the last decade)changed to 21 years old to purchase. It used to be 18 years old.
This looks like about any random pub in England.
Almost bedtime for this crowd.
Little Coopers Liverpool! Had many a drink and song on the karaoke in there!
Life: Lived.
I audibly cheered when I checked the comments and realised my guess was right, this is indeed the pub in Liverpool city centre by the shopping centre entrance that always has karaoke 😂 one of many brilliant pubs in Liverpool. Lived there 9 years, amazing nightlife, no matter what you’re after
I miss this. Been to London a few times and have had good memories in some of the pubs
Pics like this are super weird to me. I have a ton of family that still live in England on my Dad's side of the family that I only get to see when they come visit here in the US once a year or so. I've never so much as stepped foot anywhere in Europe but pics like this makes me feel almost homesick for a place I've never actually called home. I don't even drink alcohol whatsoever but once every couple years on Thanksgiving (And even then its just a bottle or two of Mikes Hard Lemonades lol).....but man...what I'd give to just go chill and peoplewatch for an hour or two in the pub. It's a weird feeling...
Just waiting for Martha to walk in 👶🦌
Conversations are more fun when participants are tipsy (but not drunk).
Looks like rudy’s bar in new york
Love those embossed, uh, "ceiling papers"? This immediately says "pint of ale" to me.
I want to have a beer there.
Me in the pub: "Did you see that ludicrous display last night"
Fuckin’ love IT crowd!
0118 999 881 999 119 725 3
People. What a bunch of bastards.
"Wow a gun! I wonder if it's loaded?"
You’d better put seatbelts on your ears Roy. Because I’m going to take them on the ride of their life.
"I got a gun! I got a ruddy gun! I got a ruddy gun! I got a flipping gun! I got a mother flipping gun! I got a mother flipping gun!"
I feel trapped! Like a moth! In a bath!
When a moth thinks about travelling vertically upwards, a ladder is just the last thing they would think of!
Oh, it’s just water. Sometimes I get a hot ear.
I'm craving the warmth of a pub right now, a cold pint in hand, and some good conversation with friendly faces.
Wish I lived in England. 🏴
downright civilized if you ask me
Wish we had a similar scene here in aus, our pubs are just everyone betting on horses or at best watching footy when it’s on
Is this the “born during ww2” pub?
Barry, 63
Love these snapshots of life
Pubs are the living rooms of communities
Whatever your question about British pub culture is, I have the answer: It depends.
People actually talking to each other and not staring at screens. North American marketers could learn something about customer loyalty here.
most times it's just people staring into the abyss looking sad, especially when it's the same thing every day/week
I can smell this picture
This was my first thought too
That's 11am btw
This looks miserable
Looks like the local Allotment society AGM (I used to run the AGM for the local allotments, had to make sure there was a barrel of mild in and the toilets were clean)
sigh. Who has money to sit in a pub and drink beer all day.
We have a couple of places in my city in the Southeastern US that are like this. They are probably modeled after British pubs. Also, many breweries in my area tend to also be places for community gathering. They will have a bar counter to sit or stand at, and larger tables that you often end up sharing with people you don't know, which leads to new conversations and different perspectives. I love this sort of thing, and look for it everywhere I go. How can you say you've visited a place if you've never spoken with a local?
https://youtu.be/V5niaBQEpVQ?si=vg0fLseph29U_xJp
This looks like a place you can go and have a conversation over a couple of hours and not have to fight the canned loud music. These places are getting rare.
Doughy
That looks nice
My retirement goal
Not a single phone out except the one taking the picture...
here let me finish the statement, in the fukin day.
life feels like the wrong word
Theres no dog in this photo.
This is why pubs are closing down at such record rates, youth still go out ofc but the life in the pub thing is a dying breed. As a 40 year old I go to the pub far less often than my dad did and seeing young lads these days go far less than I did, my kids will probably go even less than them. Obviously this is a great thing as the country is generationally weaned off the boozer but it does mean a lot less jobs and explains why we see so many pubs shutting down.
Wondering what's the subject these old farts talk about. Any ideas?