Britain has long had its private clubs for wealthy gentlemen. But for working-class folks, the pub evolved centuries ago as the favored drinking spot. And today these establishments still remain a central part of British life and culture.

A few hours or an evening spent at a pub can give you the chance not only to meet the locals but to get some insight into the British character. But pubs have their own rules and etiquette, so you’ll need some insight into pub culture first.



A favored activity

Pub-going is one of Britain’s most popular pastimes. More than 75 percent of adults patronizes pubs. About a third of these are regulars, dropping in at least once a week.

To accommodate these patrons, the country has some 61,000 pubs — which is short for public house. The owner, or host, is called the publican.

Most pubs are cheerful and pleasant places, providing their patrons a comfortable chair and perhaps a fireplace.

Until about two or three decades ago, the pub was generally a male bastion. Today, most welcome women. Some establishments also cater to whole families.



A wide selection of beer

Ordering “a beer” in a pub is like asking for “a wine” in France. A pub offers a wide and varied selection of brews, perhaps as many as 20 different types of ales, lagers, stouts and bitters. Most are draught (on tap), some in bottles and a few in cans. Most pubs also serve wine and hard liquor.

To order a glass of draft beer, you ask for “a pint.” At more than half a liter, though, a pint is a large drink. You can also order a half pint. Just ask for “a half.”

Contrary to the widespread rumor in America, the British do not serve their beer warm. Rather, a beverage’s temperature depends on its type. American-style beers — lagers — are served cold, while bitters and stouts will be only cool.



Pub fare

In addition to beverages, pubs also offer food, and not just “crisps” (potato chips, which too come in a wide and varied selection). In most pubs you can get a full meal, including such traditional favorites as the ploughman (cheese sandwich), steak and kidney pie and, of course, fish and chips.

Some food items are listed as “Bar Snacks.” Despite the word snack, the portion you’ll receive will be a one-item meal such as a sandwich, a pizza or a hamburger.



Pub do’s and don’ts

Many a traveler has found the whole pub experience rather bewildering. This is because this venerable British institution has its own set of unwritten etiquette rules, which you need to observe to keep on the best side of the natives.

In addition, each pub may have its own subtle customs and etiquette, to which you should also be sensitive.

Here’s some rules that will help keep you on the right foot.

• Pubs do not offer table service — you have to go to the bar to order. You pay when served, and payment is expected in cash — pubs generally do not take credit cards although some do accept them for meals. You then carry your own drinks back to your table.

• Your whole table shouldn’t crowd up to the bar. Just send one person.

• To signal the barman, don’t call out, snap your fingers or tap on the bar. Make eye contact with him. Then give your eyebrows a quick lift while jerking your chin upwards. He’ll then know you’re waiting to be served and will get to you in turn.

• When ordering, be sure to use please. Very important.

• Don’t tip the bar staff — the custom is to buy them a drink. The pub is an egalitarian institution. A tip would indicate a service role for the bar staff. A drink treats them as equals. But buying a drink is not automatically expected. Instead, it’s a friendly gesture. If you want to buy the barman a drink, when ordering just ask “and will you have one yourself?” or “and one for yourself?”

• The British are typically reserved with strangers. A pub bar counter, however, is the only place where friendly conversation with a stranger is appropriate. This makes going to the bar for service an effective way to meet the locals, but lean towards being a little reserved yourself.

• It’s heresy not to buy a round of drinks. Offer your companions another drink not when their glasses are empty but when about three-fourths finished.

• Among regulars, round buying is not always equally shared. During an evening, one person may wind up buying more rounds than the others. Instead of strictly taking turns during a single drinking session, the British usually go for a rough parity over several evenings. To be overly concerned about who should be buying the next round is considered bad manners.

• If you accept someone’s offer to buy you a drink, you should talk with that person for at least as long as it takes to consume the beverage.

• A heart-to-heart talk is not the way male pub goers bond. British men prefer a debate. If a discussion gets a little heated, cool it off by buying a round.

• When women are introduced to each other, one offers a compliment, which is met with a self-depreciating denial and a compliment in return.

• Don’t ring the bell that typically hangs on the wall at the end of the bar. It’s used by the publican or bar staff to signal the last call, usually about 10 minutes before closing.

For more information about the culture and customs of the English people, click here.