British Pubs

In England, they do not have bars, they have pubs. And, I love them, especially in the Summer!

Pubs have a very cozy atmosphere. Each pub is decorated differently, with mix and match sofas/arm chairs, decor and tables. It is not all the same matchy matchy tables/chairs. Most pubs have a yard outside with picnic tables and a yard for kids to play in. Once the weather is nice, people will spend all day socializing in the "Beer Garden". They will bring their family, the kids can play in the yard. Most pubs have a playground set, a bunny in a cage or a dog and kids will amuse themselves for hours just playing. While adults can sit and soak up the sun and enjoy a beverage.

Cece, ready to go to the Beer Garden!

There are some pub chains, where the menu is set for all of that chain, but a lot of them are family owned and have quite interesting menus. They are based on what is in season, which is fabulous!

This past weekend we went to a family owned pub to celebrate a good friend's birthday. Their menu was a piece of paper (nicely decorated, they just print their menus every week as it is always changing).

I am not a picky eater, but in the case of some of the above listings.. I am! Pig cheeks... Chicken Liver Pate... I just can't bring myself to eat that! But, I thought I would be a little adventurous and try the Pigeon breast. It tasted very gamey (if that is a way to describe food?), it was good, but not something I would crave or have to eat again. Craig went simple and got the cheese and onion tart.. and it was so good. I have had their Crab on a different visit, and that is also very good.

For Craig's Main Meal he had the Chicken Pie, it was really good! I had a burger, and that was good.

The main beverage at pubs are beers, ciders and wines. They have spirits, where you can get a gin and tonic or a vodka and coke, but they do not overly specialize in mixed cocktails. If you are a fan of wine, they always have a house red and a house white, which is less expensive, but they are always good. 

 At this pub they had a cider that was called the Blind Pig, there were two different flavors, whiskey apple and honey and the other bourbon and poached pear. Craig tried both of them. My favorite was the apple, and I am not a fan of whiskey, but the flavors were so good!And I LOVED the packaging! After asking the owner of the pub where she got them from, she had no clue as she did not even remember ordering them, but they are an American company. If you come across these, try them. They are so good!

When we move back to the States, I will really miss Pubs! They are a very laid back relaxed atmosphere. It is so nice that they are family owned and you get to know the owners, local people relaxing and a place to just enjoy yourself.

I hope you have had a fabulous weekend, and spent it lapping up the sunshine in your local Beer Garden!

Cheerio!

Courtney