Fancy a Pint at a Local Pub?

Travel Advice for Seniors: Grab a Pint at the local Pub!

The United Kingdom has many things that make each member distinct and unique, but all have one this in common: Everyone seems to agree that pubs all over the UK are definitely worth a visit!

We visited several throughout our trip to England, Scotland, and Ireland, trying the local drinks and the local food. What could be better after a full day of sightseeing, after all?

Pubs are easy to find all over the UK. In Scotland, they are more Victorian looking with long wooden bars, tiled floors, and dark paneling. In Ireland, pubs are more rustic and eclectic. English pubs are typically also darkly paneled, with a more cozy, intimate feel, lower ceilings and sometimes a fireplace. Of course, pubs come in many styles, usually with interesting, catchy names such as The Drunken Duck and The Tartan Sheep. You may also see very, very old pubs as well as new ones. For instance, The Brazen Head was established in Dublin in 1198 and is still going strong.

 So, what is special about a pub? Short for public house, pubs officially originated in 1700’s as a social gathering spot, outside of one’s home. Many pubs/inns also featured food and lodging for the weary traveler. The special part comes in the form of a neighborhood gathering place and the comradery that it brings.

So, what makes an English, Scottish and Irish pub different from each other? Besides the ambience, the food, drink, and activity are what set them apart.

The English like to have “pint” of ale, lager, or cider. The Scottish favor a dram of scotch whiskey at their pubs. The Irish love a good pint of Guiness or other stout (and you should not leave Ireland without trying their national drink!) Irish Whiskey is also served.

While the Irish love to have a rollicking good time at the local pub, the Scottish take it a bit more seriously. I’ve been to many an Irish pub with lively dancing and as the locals call it “craic” or good times. The Scottish pubs seem to be a bit more conservative, and I have attended at least one live music performance where everyone sat at tables facing the musician and no one said a word during the singing! English pubs seem to be more about meeting friends and neighbors, like a community gathering point.

For food choices, Irish pubs will typically have hearty fare in the way of Irish stew and soda bread, fish stews, Shepard’s pie and of course, fish and chips. Scottish pubs will have haggis for the brave (made with sheep organs and oats), meat pies and sausages. English pubs will have fish and chips, Sunday roast, few stews, Shepard’s pie and “bangers and mash” (translated: Sausages and potatoes). We tried fish and chips in every UK country we visited, and it was reliably delicious every time! There are also gastropubs, which feature more fine dining options.

Whatever your preference, do make time for a visit to a pub or two and enjoy the local libations and ambience. After all, it’s a big part of experiencing the local culture! (If you need an excuse!).