A pub, or public house (as in the original sense of the word), is an establishment that sells alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises. Pubs typically serve food, and many feature games such as darts and snooker, as well as televisions to show sports.
There are a few things you can expect to find in every good pub: a selection of draught and bottled beers, lager and cider; a choice of spirits; and wine from around the world. You can also expect some kind of entertainment, whether it’s a live band or singer; karaoke; or even a quiz night. Pubs tend to be very inclusive, and they are one of the few places where you can be sure that you’ll be able to talk about almost anything.
Although some purists would like pubs to stick to beer only, the reality is that most of them now offer something to eat. They may offer a full restaurant, or a separate dining area with its own name and a branded menu. They will likely be licensed to sell both alcohol and food, and they’ll probably need a health department permit and a liquor license.
Despite their declining popularity, the pub remains a much-loved part of our social landscape. It’s somewhere you can go to catch up with friends, meet people from work, play a game of darts or pool, listen to music and watch sport. In a world where so many of our local institutions are being lost, the pub is still cherished for its comforting familiarity.
