Text 7. Pubs

The British Pub is unique. This is not just because it is different in character from bars or cafes in other countries. It is also because it is different from any other public place in Britain itself. Without pubs, Britain would be a less sociable country. The pub is the only indoor place where the average person can comfortably meet others, even strangers, and get into prolonged conversation with hem. In cafes and fast food restaurants, people are expected to drink their coffee and get out. The atmosphere in other eating places is often rather formal. But pubs, like fast food restaurants, are classless. A pub with forty customers in it is nearly always much noisier than a cafe or restaurant with the same number of people in it.

As with so many other aspects of British life, pubs have become a bit less distinctive in the last quarter of the twentieth century. They used to serve almost nothing but beer and.spirits. These days, you can get wine, coffee and some hot food at most of them as well. This has helped to widen their appeal. At one time, it vas unusual for women to go to pubs. These days, only a few pubs exist where it is surprising for a woman to walk in.

Nevertheless, pubs have retained their special character. One of their notable aspects is that there is no waiter service. If you want something, you have to go and ask for it at the bar. This may not seem very welcoming and a strange way of making people feel comfortable and relaxed. But to British people it is precisely this. To be served at a table is discomforting for many people. It makes them feel they have to be on their best behaviour. But because in pubs you have to go and fetch your drinks yourself, it is more informal. You can get up and walk around whenever you want -it is like being in your own house. This 'home from home* atmosphere is enhanced by the relationship between customers and those who work in pubs. Unlike in any other eating or drinking place in Britain, the staff are expected to know the regular customers personally, to know what their usual drink is and to chat with them when they are not serving someone. It is also helped by the availability of pub games (most typically darts) and, frequently, a television.,

Another notable aspect of pubs is the appeal to the idea of tradition. For example, each has its own name, proclaimed on the sign hanging outside always with old-fashioned associations. Many are called by the name of an aristocrat (for example, 'The Duke of Cambridge') or after a monarch; others take their names from some traditional occupation (such as 'The Bricklayer's Arms').

Nearly all pubs are owned by a brewery. The 'landlord' is simply employed. by the brewery as its manager. The few pubs that really are privately owned proudly advertise themselves as 'free houses'. The practical significance of this for the customer is that a much wider variety of beers can usually be found inside.