A Quick History of the Pub

The name "Pub" is derived from the phrase public house, a house open to the public, that served food and drinks. Pubs would generally be the focal point of a town (along with the local church), and the townsfolk would gather at these establishments to socialize after work, for meetings, for parties, or other purposes. Some pubs would also feature special "game rooms" and hold tournaments for different types of games. The fact that pubs have been around for literally hundreds of years, these watering holes have been ingrained in British culture and are a staple in tradition right next to fish and chips.

Started and cultivated during Roman times, after the Romans settled the area known as London (they named it Londonium) the tavern has gone through many cultural changes into becoming the pubs that we know of today. It was the Anglo-Saxons, after the fall of the Roman - British kingdoms, that established the alehouse in domestic abodes. The woman of the house would post a green bush out front to let the villagers know that her ale was ready. These houses would hold meetings and gatherings of the local people of the village. This is where the early beginnings of the alehouse holds their roots. Throughout the centuries, some of these establishments became inns or hostelries for travelers while having the pubs attached.

In the 18th century with the introduction of gin, a number of these spots became "gin palaces." Because of the cheap production of gin, it began to outsell ale and beer. After numerous taxes and laws, which had to be put in place due to the amount of "drunkenness", shall we say, alehouses started to make a comeback and was actually supported due to the lower alcohol content of the frothy beverage. Some early coffee houses of the day also evolved into pubs as well. Throughout the city of London, especially around Fleet Street, which was synonymous with the printing trade of the time, these establishments would play "second home" to the journalists. Naturally, these coffee shops would have to evolve to the demanding masses.

The pub also introduced the concept of the tap bar and the ale being served from the counter of the bar itself. Up until this time, the beverages were brought to the tables by a server. The bar counter was generally used for the owner or to conduct business or sort through paperwork: This made a big impact and change.

With most of the pubs today being owned and operated by breweries, it is never a difficult task to find and enjoy a hand crafted cask ale on draught. With all of the wonderful ales to enjoy, there will always be one that can please even the most finicky of palates.

Thanks - Charles