A pub is a social gathering place where drinks are served, usually along with food. The term is also used to refer to a local brewery. Pubs are not the same as bars; some pubs offer a full restaurant menu while others focus on drinks only.
A lot of people have strong opinions about what a good pub is like. Some of the key features include an impressive selection of drinks and a friendly bar staff. There are also many different types of food offered at a pub, from traditional British fare to international cuisine.
Other key features include a comfortable seating area, fireplace and beer garden. Some pubs also have bowling greens or have live music as entertainment. In addition, there are often activities such as darts and pool available at a pub.
The most important criterion for many is the quality of the service. Pubs that serve great food but have rude or unhelpful staff are not as appealing to most people as those that have helpful bartenders and a wide range of drinks on tap.
The type of people who visit a pub is another important factor to consider. If a person enjoys catching up with acquaintances, then they should seek out a pub that has a good mix of people. However, a pub should not try to be something it is not. For example, a gastro-pub that serves more than just Walkers ready salted should not pretend to be a normal pub.
