Why I Miss The Pub...
It has been nearly 2 months now since I last stepped foot into a pub. This may not seem like a long time to some and in the grand scheme of things, I would agree. How could I yearn for a pint of draught beer pulled through neglected lines whilst the musky scent of sweat and pork scratchings lingers in the air. Furthermore, why would anyone miss an overpriced glass of wine served in a poorly cleaned glass giving an almost murky hue to the delicate shade of pale gold so accustomed to a helping of pinot grigio. When put so bluntly, some time away from such establishments seems like a good decision for all. With the on/off lockdown that has occurred over the last 11 months in the UK, my pub visit occurrence has reached record lows. But what is it that connects me with the pub environment? Why do I seem to be missing the pub more than a bar or restaurant?
Overall, my positive feelings associated with pubs stem from past experience. The word experience is key in this statement as I am yet to discover the same character and ambience anywhere else. From the moment I step foot through the doors of such drinking holes, this warm cloak of comfort engulfs me. It’s the sense of contentment that you don’t expect from the outset but grasps you once you are inside. The wooden interior design has the sense of history as you gaze around and feel those drinkers present before you. The flow of people coming and going at leisure is almost electric but the buzz that is expelled is somewhat reassuring. The characters you see are from all walks of life and in various tones you can hear that the purpose of visitation is very different for each party. Whether it is for a celebration, a quick bite to eat or possibly just to kill time before meeting others; the pub is the place to be!
I have had the privilege of regularly connecting with friends from all over the globe and so often the pub has provided the ideal setting for general chit-chat, work discussions or juicy gossip regarding who loves who. The typical British pub provides a spot where anyone can feel comfort in knowing they can get a drink or some food with friends and not have a care in the world. The sense of social interaction without worry is a real attraction.
Having worked in some excellent hotels and restaurants in my career, I am all for the 5* service that you would expect when paying top money for a drink or a setting. However, the pub is the welcome escape from this. It is nice to not have the pestering service when waiters are slightly too eager. Or perhaps the lack of needing to be called ‘Sir’ or ‘Madam’ evades the formality of otherwise daily life. There is no pussyfooting around in the pub. If you ask for it and they have it, then you’ll get it: the simplicity of service is welcoming. It’s almost relaxing to have a space to sit with friends or family and just enjoy the moment. I would even go as far as saying this is one of life’s little luxuries. One doesn’t need to dress to impress or have a point to prove to the other patrons; they just need to turn up.
Pub chats can’t be beaten. Lonely drinkers can’t be judged. Is there another public establishment where you can play a board game in front of a fireplace and not be given strange looks? I am yet to find it… Pets are welcome. Time isn’t an issue. Nourishment is there to suit all palates. Then comes the sunshine: pub gardens are open! Armed with only pound notes and a pair of sunglasses (and potentially a pet dog), we can happily spend an afternoon soaking up the rays and sinking jugs of Pimms whilst debating who is more sunburnt. Sound familiar?
With some luck, pubs will be back open soon and we will be able to reconnect with those closest to us once again. Maybe your first visit will be a quiet drink whilst catching up on some overdue work (a nice change in environment from your home office)? Perhaps it will entail chewing the fat with some old school friends prior to splitting the bill on too many bottles of rosé? The beauty of the pub is that there doesn’t have to be a reason to visit. When it is safe to do so, I urge you all to get out and catch up with some old friends at the pub; I am sure it will be a long time overdue. I can’t be the only one missing the pub!