London’s public houses: the heart of the British soul
Always a central feature in any traditional British village and the perfect place for locals to meet up and socialise is the pub. These establishments have been around for donkey's years, serving alcoholic drinks to the British public for centuries.
With the increasing presence of gay people and gay media in the twentieth century, many landlords and landladies decided to arrange their pubs to cater exclusively to the gay community. Central London is absolutely littered with gay pubs where you can relax in traditionally British surroundings and eat home cooked, British grub.
Ask any true Briton what truly represents the British nation, and the long list of public houses that dominate the country will not be far from the top.
The main difference between gay bars and pubs in London is the type of gay crowd they attract. Whilst gay bars emit a trendier, youthful vibe and therefore draw in younger gay people, the traditional gay pubs attract the more mature man. Often cheaper than the racy bars and less camp, gay pubs offer a more tranquil setting to enjoy a pint of fine British ale.
And no pub would be complete without its staple British food menu. Most pubs are bound to include bangers and mash, steak and ale pie, and fish and chips on the menu. At affordable prices, public houses are the best place to stop if you're strapped for cash and want to make your money stretch a little further.
The beer industry in the UK is a lucrative one, with national statistics confirming that the brewing and pub industry contributes an approximate £28 billion to the UK economy.
Fairly recent moves in the law to allow pubs to apply for 24 hour licensing has stirred up mixed feelings amongst communities. The thinking behind the all day licensing law was, according to Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell “to make it possible for the vast majority of people who drink but who never get into trouble to have more freedom as to when they drink”. Landlords believed that by imposing a licensing law that terminated at 11pm, punters were drinking as much as they possibly could before that time and consequently leaving the pub a little worse for wear.
However, it is difficult for pubs and clubs to gain the 24 hour licensing, with surrounding neighbours of the pubs complaining that such moves will increase loud disturbances at unsociable hours.
