Having been here in England for nearly 4 months, I have visited a fair amount of pubs. My husband fancies that his goal is to find the perfect ale. I must say, I think we have a long and daunting task upon our hands. Of all I have stepped into, perhaps 1 or 2 were even worth taking more than 2 drinks from the pint...or half-pint most usually. Remember the Keystone beer commercials of days gone by that make light of "bitter beer face"? For me...it is still going strong here. Ugh. I have never had such a bitter lot in my life. With names such as "Brains Bread of Heaven" or "Angel of the North" one would expect a mix smooth as silk. Wrong. Perhaps the names given of "Brewdog Hop Rocker" or "Frog Island Croak & Stagger" are most fitting indeed. Fortunetly, most barkeeps are kind enough to give you the complementary sip to make sure you haven't ordered a pint of extreme pucker power. Of course...I should be drinking a "lager"....(yeek) or (gulp) a cider. Never one to shy away from a challenge...I will continue to experiment....or get my husband drunk with my shunned leftovers.
I reflect back upon the "bar" names in the states. Simple most days...to the point. Same idea...different country. Particularly in the area that we live in here in the Black Country, Waggon and Horses seems to be the name of choice. Sometimes seen with the rare "Old" thrown in front of it to mix things up a bit. Actually, I am told, "The Red Lion" is the common name of choice. Associating with flags, medieval kings....yadda, yadda. Haven't read up on that one yet. Of course....King /Queen Head is top on the list. Strange as that is. Stranger yet is many of the various other options: "Bull and Bladder" "The Bucket of Blood" "Donkey on Fire" and my personal simple and tasteful choice: "The Cock Inn". I reserve comment on that one.
One thing I must note, the food in most pubs in Britain is FANTASTIC. Not the usual pizza and onion rings. I'm talking broiled salmon and garlic potatoes...and the puddings (desserts) are to die for. I would put most any pub's food up against most top notch restaurants in the USA. Brits take their eating VERY seriously....God love them for it. (My waistline hates it...but I'm still "sort of" on vacation.) My sister warned me that the food was awful here! How not so! Damn...it's too good most times. Probably the reason why you will see several children in pubs here....it's a family affair. Hell...some even have play areas out back for the kids....no joke. Come on out...have a few snorts and drive the kids home...one part sarcasm...one part sad truth. Doesn't seem to pose much problem from what i read and hear. I'm still adjusting to all of it. Another of the many...."I'm not in America anymore" moments.
Also...forget that mandatory cigarette in the pub for all you smokers out there. Hey...no problem...beer "garden" outside (not so fun in winter....yet usually covered anyway...) and if needed...just take your drink outside of the pub and have a smoke. Depending what time of year....walk through town with it. (Many do anyway...especially in the smaller areas....discretion...no problem..) As long as people are having fun and nobody gets hurt...it's all good. It's just that occasional jack-ass that has to bugger it up for everyone else. Yet...no harm there...if the establishment is lucky enough to contact a policeperson....take the git to the cell and let everyone else get on with the merriment. Good and bad in everything. I just do as my age and choice dictates....have a nice pint or two...a great snack/dinner....perhaps a terrific tribute band (or actual popular artist) and get home before the all-too-lively are running the streets. No harm no foul.
