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In 1943, as American soldiers were deployed to air bases across England to participate in the Allied military campaign, a short film titled H was made.Ways to Behave in BritainIt was made. In particular, a special segment was dedicated to highlighting the do's and don'ts of British pubs. The scene depicts a rude American soldier: throwing money at the bartender, shouting mockingly at a Scotsman in a kilt, and boasting that his large family often ate steak for breakfast – all to vividly illustrate the behaviors to avoid. Finally, the boastful soldier disappears in a cloud of smoke – a perfectly fitting ending.
Pub culture is an integral part of British social life.
Over 80 years, British pubs have changed considerably, but still retain many unique characteristics that can be confusing for newcomers. Therefore, if you plan to visit the UK, you should equip yourself with some knowledge of "pub culture." Below is a 21st-century guide to fully enjoy the experience at a "boozer"—the British term for a pub.
Pubs are everywhere in England, but it's important to know a few things before visiting.
The unwritten rules of bars in England
In England, the number of pubs is comparable to the number of beers, and if you plan to try them all in one day, you'll probably need someone to help you to a taxi. From thesewet pubWe only serve drinks.historic innBringing the spirit of the previous century with fireplaces, stone floors, and more.Gin Palacemagnificent gas lamps from the Victorian eracraft beer pubWith their high-alcohol and distinctive beers, each pub has its own unique character. You can enjoy beer right at the brewery.brew pubor have a decent meal atgastropub- Pub-style dining has been a popular trend since the 1990s.
Bars and pubs are popular in England and have many unwritten rules that tourists should familiarize themselves with to avoid feeling out of place on their first visit.
Sports pubs are always buzzing with the cheers of Premier League matches, while flat-roofed pubs evoke a tough, somewhat skeptical and edgy image. Some chain pubs like Greene King or Craft Union may not offer a wide variety of choices, but freehouses are the complete opposite – freely sourcing beer from any producer, resulting in a much more diverse menu. New trends like micropubs are also flourishing, where the experience is so streamlined that you might be reminded to call, but you'll be offered free cheese on Sundays. And of course, we can't forget Wetherspoon – a "pub universe" with a distinctive style, almost becoming an icon of British pop culture.
How to identify a store with a strange sign.
Pub signs originated in a time when people were illiterate and identified establishments by pictures. Today, many pubs still display images on their signs along with their names – from familiar names like The Red Lion, The Royal Oak, and The King's Arms, to quirky ones like The Bucket of Blood, Dirty Dick's, or I Am The Only Running Footman.
Strange names on the signs
Rules for ordering drinks
Visitors should know how to order drinks properly in a "pub setting" to avoid feeling out of place. In England, if you're only going for drinks and not a meal, you'll have to go to the counter yourself to order; don't wait for a waiter to bring the menu to your table like in a restaurant. Bars don't have long, orderly lines like in supermarkets; instead, people are scattered around the counter, but still quietly follow the order of arrival. The secret is to choose a visible spot, make eye contact or a slight nod to the staff. Absolutely do not push, wave, or hold up your bank card – these behaviors are considered rude and… could get you overlooked for quite some time. In busy pubs, you might even hear someone reminding the staff that "that person was here before me" – a very English courtesy in a crowded place.
Tourists should know how to order drinks. In England, guests don't sit and wait for staff to come to their table to serve them.
In English pubs, order drinks by the "round"—meaning buying for the whole group in turn, is an almost mandatory social etiquette. The first person usually starts with a round of beer, then the rest follow. Treating the first round allows you to relax and enjoy the evening, at least until it's your turn again when someone is in the mood for a glass of premium whisky. Paying at pubs is also simple and flexible: cards and cash are widely accepted, and even a small pub in rural Surrey accepts… Bitcoin."
To be served, customers need to stand in a visible spot and make eye contact or give a slight nod to the staff.
Beer and the English way of enjoying it.
Contrary to the popular misconception about "warm beer," most pubs today serve a variety of types.large(pale yellow beer)pale ale(light beer) andsttus(Dark, strong beer, often with coffee or chocolate flavor) is properly chilled. Specifically forreal aleFor traditional English beer, cellar temperature is the standard. If the beer is too warm, it may be due to poor quality, or you might be sitting too close to the fireplace. Another characteristic is that the beer names are often quirky, such as Bishop's Finger, Old Peculiar, or Release the Quacke, all with a touch of humor or unique imagery.
Contrary to popular belief, English beer is typically not served hot.
English-style beer
In England, apint(568 ml) is the standard unit for pouring beer, larger than the American standard. The CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) organization even campaigned for the government to ensure the right to drink.full pint(Full glass, excluding foam) for consumers. Besides the traditional straight glass, many people prefergun(A cup with a handle, a square-shaped glass top). Some long-established pubs even hang individual cups for regular customers behind the counter; if you're close enough, your name might be engraved on a brass plaque on the table you sat at after you've passed away.
Pub etiquette: Be polite but relaxed.
Tipping isn't a common practice in pubs in the UK. However, if you want to show your goodwill, you can tell the staff:"Have one for yourself" (Let's have a drink)Then, they will automatically add the equivalent of one drink to the bill, as a subtle, pub-style way of saying thank you.
While some drinkers prefer to keep to themselves, sharing a larger table with anyone else sitting there is quite normal.
Sharing a table with strangers is perfectly normal in British pubs. In the relaxed atmosphere, you can easily strike up a conversation with just a few small talk about the weather, football, or current events. However, be careful not to get "stuck" with a pub bore (someone who can monologue for hours on end). Especially, don't join their round (group drink order) if you don't want to end up with a huge bill. And if you brought a snack, don't keep it to yourself – just open it and share with everyone at the table, because that's the pub spirit: relaxed, sharing, and no one left behind.
Food and snacks
Start with simple dishes likecrisps(Packet potato chips), popular with flavors like salt, vinegar & salt, or cheese & onion. Crispy pork rind is a favorite but hard enough to break a tooth. There are also other options.pork pie(cold pork bun) andScotch egg(boiled egg wrapped in meat, then deep-fried until crispy).
Main courses often include steak & ale pie, scampi, and lasagna. However, if you want to try fish & chips, it's recommended to find a restaurant that specializes in them.
Many specialty dishes are served in pubs in England.
Pub activities: Intimate and rich in tradition.
Pubs are not just for drinking; they're also places for community gatherings. Popular activities include watching football, playing darts, and discussing American football. In the past, pubs used to distribute newspapers, but nowadays most people read on their phones.
British people often spend time at pubs chatting and sharing stories with each other.
Midweek team quizzes are a popular activity, with prizes often including £50 gift vouchers for the winning team. Games like old-fashioned Russian pool, chess, Monopoly, and Cluedo also contribute to the distinctly British pub atmosphere. Some pubs still retain these elements.jukebox(music player with song selection), or it has been replaced with a digital version.
Closing times and last orders
Before 1988, pubs used to close in the afternoon from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Nowadays, most are open from noon to 11:00 PM. As closing time approaches, staff will ring a bell for last orders. After a few minutes, the bell rings a second time, a gentle but firm signal for you to leave. As the legendary pub owner in the TV series says...EastEnders”, Peggy Mitchell: “Get outta my pub!”
