pubs, pubs, pubs

the alexandra

The English pub is a unique experience; its closest match the Irish pub. A good English pub is old, at least older than the European discovery of the New World. It is dark: dark wood paneling, low lighting, muted colors, leaded windows that don't let in much light. It smells of beer immediately upon walking in but isn't unpleasant. The carpet is a multicolored horror that works somehow. There's a dog behind the bar or asleep under a table somewhere. It has something that is used by the locals. For example, the pub next to our campsite in Surrey had reading glasses on string hanging from a nail on the wall, three pairs. A checkers board is a favorite. You are not served at the table but must go to the bar to get drinks and even food - remember your table number. I read in a great book called Watching the English that this encourages socializing among a people who not long ago required formal introductions before being able strike up a casual conversation. The English probably won't like this next one, but I feel that a proper English pub must have at least one Eastern European on staff. This is because almost all of the pubs I've visited in my two years here (and that's a lot of pubs) have had Eastern Europeans serving. Personally, I think the best English pubs don't have TV; however, that's highly debatable, and I agree that the best place to watch a sporting event is a pub. A proper English pub is also within walking distance of wherever you are staying. If you have one near home, it is your local. Our local, The Woodman, doesn't meet all of the criteria, but it's a good place to watch Rugby and enjoy a pint.



the woodman

The Hand and Racquet is special to me because I first went there on 7 July 2005, the day the tube was bombed, with Paul and three other friends. By 19:00, the place was packed with people who seemed to be saying, "You can't scare us. We refuse to hide in our homes, quivering in fear."



Paul and I went to the Fox and Grapes the first time that I visited him in London from Bulgaria. We'd had a picnic in Wimbledon Common and stopped in for a pint on the way home.


the fox and grapes

The Crooked Billet is also close to the Common. We took Tim there with Mark and Gabe when Tim was only nine days old. It's the most family friendly of all the pubs we frequent. There are always a few dogs to pet as well.



the crooked billet

The Hand in Hand is next door to the Crooked Billet and we only went in for the first time this week. It's a charming place with low ceilings and a beer garden out front. By the way, Young's is a brewery.


the hand in hand

What I'll miss the most about the English pub is being able to walk in have a pint or two and walk out, never having to think about a designated driver.