What Makes a Good Pub ?

[Nymzee]

Margins are so fine now that food is often the only way pubs can survive

They are, but if we’re designing our theoretical good pub, that’s not a concern.

 

[kev]

They are, but if we’re designing our theoretical good pub, that’s not a concern.

I agree.
If we're designing an 'ideal pub' then it's crisps, nuts or nothing . . . built next door to a good cheap resteraunt.

 

[dublinbluenose]

Lighting is key, can't stand pubs that resemble the foyer of a hotel. Low lights, lots of nooks and cranys and a fire. Dog in the corner and good Guinness.

 

[Noisy noise annoys]

Pro’s and Cons. If it’s a restaurant with a bar, tables need to be set and the smell of food can put people off. It’s even worse now because food is expensive, NIC’s and minimum wages have gone up and servers (who were always younger people) are being let go. Most pubs by us always served food to the detriment of the beer and atmosphere, it used to work to a degree but it didn’t bring in regulars and they are now suffering, whereas beer led pubs are doing well and have a better atmosphere. But it’s horses for courses depending on location etc. being a country pub means we get various organised shoots in and people who have walked across muddy fields, and there are always half a dozen well behaved dogs accompanying them, it really adds to the atmosphere……

Agreed, most of the people eating in my pub aren’t really pub people. I’ve been in pubs all my life and I prefer a working class pub - the pricey, fluffy food does tend to kill that vibe somewhat

 

[Noisy noise annoys]

I agree.
If we're designing an 'ideal pub' then it's crisps, nuts or nothing . . . built next door to a good cheap resteraunt.

What about the cheese and onion rolls with cheese an inch thick, in a plastic round container at the back of the bar???

 

[Littlesue]

What about the cheese and onion rolls with cheese an inch thick, in a plastic round container at the back of the bar???

Pork scratchings too!!

 

[Daytripper]

Layout, lighting , nice staff, decent toilets, zero tolerance to troublemakers

 

[Bryan+]

Lighting is key, can't stand pubs that resemble the foyer of a hotel. Low lights, lots of nooks and cranys and a fire. Dog in the corner and good Guinness.

What you’re describing is a dive

 

[Noisy noise annoys]

Layout, lighting , nice staff, decent toilets, zero tolerance to troublemakers

Proper trouble makers, the punchy af types can ruin a pub

 

[Noisy noise annoys]

Pork scratchings too!!

Ideally the peanuts have the hidden baps picture behind, it is 1992 after all

 

[Daytripper]

Proper trouble makers, the punchy af types can ruin a pub

People who used to deliberately fart in other peoples ash trays back in the 90s were atmosphere ruiners as well.

 

[Noisy noise annoys]

People who used to deliberately fart in other peoples ash trays back in the 90s were atmosphere ruiners as well.

Yeh, much worse than those who did it accidentally

 

[Kurt.]

Went to my ‘local’ tonight for the first time in about 2 years ( I’ve popped in for 1 or 2 pints occasionally, but not a full night), anyway, as it was my first proper night out in a while I thought I’d make an effort. At the risk of sounding like a pretentious bellend I wore a Ralph Lauren jumper, a pair of Armani jeans, a pair of nice blue Kicker’s on my feet, a nice Tag watch on my arm, and a lovely Canada Goose coat…. And when u walked in all the lads greeted me with a “ffs what you doing out you knobhead” and it was just like old days, nobody batted an eyelid as they sat there in their tracksuits and some in work clothes….. that’s what makes a pub…. Love it .

 

[Littlesue]

In The Swan , Halesowen. One of the Black Country Ales pubs.
Half a Doom Bar Shandy and hot pork cob with toasties.
5 quid for the cob. Well worth it

 

[RufusCat]

In The Swan , Halesowen. One of the Black Country Ales pubs.
Half a Doom Bar Shandy and hot pork cob with toasties.
5 quid for the cob. Well worth it

Being (very) nosey, I took a look at their website. Looks very good - and real ale too!