What is a Pub?

Pubs (also known as public houses or 'locals') are an important part of British culture. They are establishments that sell alcoholic drinks to patrons. Whereas traditionally there were differences between a public house, an inn and a bar, these distinctions have almost completely blurred, and there is little difference between them.

How many pubs are there in the UK?

There are around 54,000 public houses currently operating in the UK.

When did pubs arrive in the UK?

Since the Bronze Age people have been drinking ale in the UK, but it was not until the Romans build an extensive road network though the country that pubs took off – initially roadside inns for accommodation but alehouses quickly became meeting places for gossip and discussion. By 1830 there were many gin houses across the country, and a plan to reduce public drunkenness led to the Beerhouse Act. This act made it easy to get a license to sell 'harmless' beer but harder to sell hard liquor, and although it did little to curb the amount of alcohol consumed, it led to the modern pub and increased licensing laws.

Is it legal to smoke in any bar in the UK?

Since 2006, it has been illegal to smoke in pubs in Scotland, and since 2007 it has been illegal in both Wales and England. This has led to some pubs having slower sales, but others finding an increase in sale of food.

Is betting legal in UK pubs?

Although betting is generally legal, it must be kept to small stakes, and is officially only designated to certain games such as dominoes and cribbage. However, a pub can gain licensing for other types of games and entertainment that includes a limited element of betting.

What is a 'lock-in'?

A lock-in is where a pub owner allows a number of drinkers to remain in the pub after its official and legal closing time. This came about due to the fact that licensing laws had changed very little since 1915, when pubs had strict licensing hours to stop people from becoming drunk and harming the war effort. These short licensing hours were problematic in later decades for pub owners, particularly in England where they remained the strictest. Since 2003 however, licensing laws have been relaxed, allowing 24-hour drinking. The lock-in is now becoming a thing of the past.

What is a theme pub?

Most pubs have a general clientele, but some cater for exclusive groups. A theme pub could be specific to an interest, such as sports bars, or to a musical taste, such as rock pubs or dance clubs. An Irish theme is a common choice.

What type of food is served in pubs?

Some pubs are deemed 'gastro-pubs', as they also sell high-quality food as well as drinks. Whereas traditionally a pub's focus would be on alcoholic drinks and would offer little food apart from snacks, it is now very common to find food being sold in pubs too. This food is normally considered 'pub grub', and is chiefly traditional British fare.