What makes a great Pub? Flea OLE!

Why we need to preserve this uniquely british institution

Obviously we can't answer for all pubs, but we can suggest what makes a good pub and what sets them apart from simply bars, hotel lounges and those continental cafes.

First of all, it has nothing to do with carpets or the fittings, or indeed the state of the toilets (!) We know there are some excellent "back street boozers" where there is no food, music or TV and simply lino on the floor. We feel that what sets a Pub apart from the rest is it's purpose and spirit. The Pub is the secular heart of the community, where those of any class or generation can meet and socialise on something approaching the same level.

In any good pub there is a community of strangers and friends and hopefully the welcome is the same for both. The refreshment is also important because it means that all inside have come with the same purpose in mind: to engage in social activity, relax and to some extent, let go of inhibitions...

So why should we care?

Because in today's insular age where most of us leave our homes in the morning, and generally have minimal interaction with others before returning home again, the pub is the one place where we can meet new people who really don't want anything from us other than our company!

This article was created on Sunday, 27th December 2009.

This is the 40th issue of Flea Magazine in Watford. The on-line version of the articles below includes additional content that we couldn't fit into the printed version. Articles with On-Line Extra content are marked as Flea OLE!

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Inside Watford Flea 210

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