A pub, or public house, is a place where people gather to drink alcohol and socialise. It is generally owned and run by a licensed landlord or publican (spelled ‘landlord’ in England). The term pub can also refer to an establishment where food is served. Pubs usually offer a variety of drinks including draught beer, cider, wine, spirits and soft drinks. Most allow minors if accompanied by an adult. Pub food is typically homemade slow-cooked foods such as stews and savory pies, rather than the more snacky fried finger food found in bars.
The pub is a part of the British culture, and it has been the backdrop for many novels, stories, and poems. It is a tradition that has not been under threat in the way that other parts of traditional British culture have been.
Many of the characteristics that define a pub have evolved over the centuries. The buildings themselves are often old, with low ceilings, wooden beams and log fires. Many have cosy little snugs that were once private areas for the wives and girlfriends of the men drinking in the bar. Today, pubs can be very modern and even trendy, but they retain the sense of community and familiarity that makes them a feature of British life.
