UK: Pub Culture

The pub is a British invention and "pub culture" is an integral part of British life. 

Pubs are a place to go and to socialize, relax and have a drink.

In 1577 it is estimated there were 17,000 alehouses, 2,000 inns and 400 taverns throughout England and Wales. 

Taking into account population of the time, that would equate to one pub for every 200 people.

I found this one on the Isle of Wight, claiming to be the oldest one on the island.  

This sign caught John's eye.

As times change, pubs have changed too. 

Now many pubs are also restaurants and sell food. 

This change has been a function of survival as many pubs across the UK are closing. 

According to statistics, in 2010 there were approximately 55,400 pubs in the UK, and in 2020 it was down to 46,800 pubs. 

Another statistic says that pubs sell approximately 6 million litres of beer a year, and average of 177 pints per person.

This little pub was on a moored boat in the Thames, just down river from the Parliament Buildings. 

While in the UK we've tried to contribute to the economy and support the local pub culture so that it doesn't go extinct.

For another post on pubs when we lived in London check out our blog from when we lived in London:

https://canadian-in-uk.blogspot.com/2015/11/pub-culture.html