This podcast episode covers various interesting topics related to going to the pub in the UK, including the origin of pubs, the issue of binge drinking, cultural differences in bag safety, ordering drinks at a busy bar, the importance of small talk, different types of beers and wine choices, English pub culture and Scottish accents, levels of intoxication in British English, personal experiences of being fired, classic pub scenes and phrases, and podcast recommendations.
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Quick takeaways
When ordering drinks at the bar, it's important to be polite and buy rounds of drinks for your group.
British pubs typically have amenities like a cigarette machine, fruit machine, or pool table.
Pub culture in England has evolved, with smoking now only allowed outside and a greater variety of food options available.
Deep dives
Types of drinks in a pub
In a typical pub, you can find a variety of drinks such as lager, bitter/ale, stout, cider, and soft drinks. Lager is the most common type of beer, while bitter/ale offers a more complex flavor. Stout, like Guinness, is a dark beer made from roasted malt or barley, and cider is an alcoholic drink made from apples. Soft drinks like Coke and orange juice are also available.
Ordering drinks and bar etiquette
When ordering drinks at the bar, it's important to be polite and use phrases like 'please' and 'thank you.' Avoid waving money or being pushy. It's common to buy rounds of drinks for your group, where you offer to pay for everyone's drinks. Tipping is not mandatory, but letting the bartender keep the change or offering to buy them a drink is appreciated. When making small talk with locals, keep it light and sarcastic, avoiding personal questions or disclosing personal information.
Summary of British pubs
British pubs typically have sofas, chairs, and tables, as well as a bar and toilets. They may also have amenities like a cigarette machine, fruit machine, or pool table. Pool games can be challenging as locals are often skilled players who are used to a winner stays on system. It's generally best to avoid challenging them unless you feel confident in your skills.
Closing times and weather discussions
Pubs in the UK usually close around 11 p.m., and it's important to be mindful of this. Small talk about the weather is common in pubs as it's a neutral topic that everyone can relate to. Mentioning the constant rain or making sarcastic comments about the weather is often well-received. Remember to keep small talk light and humorous, focusing on topics that don't delve into personal matters.
The Evolution of Pub Culture
Pub culture in England has evolved over time. In the past, smoking was allowed in pubs, creating a smoky atmosphere, but since the 2007 smoking ban, smoking is only allowed outside. Traditional pub food used to consist of fatty options like burgers and fish and chips, but now many pubs offer more diverse and interesting food, including collaborations with external kitchens. Additionally, the British have various terms for being drunk, ranging from slightly tipsy to completely wasted.
Pub Etiquette and Drinking Culture
Drinking in pubs is a common social activity in England, with different aspects of pub culture and drinking habits. After-work drinks are popular, where coworkers gather at a pub to relax. The drinking culture often involves vertical drinking, where people stand up and drink, rather than sitting down like in Southern European countries. There are also words for being drunk, such as 'pissed', 'wasted', 'hammered', or 's**t faced'. However, excessive drinking can lead to issues, including being fired from a job.