English pubs vs. American bars?

Question

Hi, I live in U.S. and I wanted to ask about the pubs that I saw when I was on holiday there . I think people in England dont look down on pubs like they do here in u.s.. we call them bars . I enjoyed the lively social interaction you could find at an english pub. and you didnt find all trash there , like you mostly find in bars in u.s., the people were much friendlier as well, you could talk about deep subjects , history, politics etc. and find intelligent conversation. as well as just random conversation with strangers. Here in u.s. if you go to a bar, you better bring your own friends because the people are less friendly and accomodating to strangers and open as well as the english in their pubs. what is your thoughts about this?

Answer 1

There are different attitudes about alcohol in the US/UK.

In the US it is looked down on more than in the UK. Maybe if you are in a bar in the US people think (even though they are there themselves) that the others are somehow not in mainstream society and so not people they want to mix with.

Only a guess though.

Answer 2

I totally agree with you, but not all bars in the U.S. are like that. If you choose to go to a seedy bar that is known to be "clicky ", that is what you will get. Although there are pubs here as well. I live in Chicago, and I know of quite a few pubs where the people are very friendly, as well as the staff. I think the difference is people go to "bars" to get drunk and hope to hook up. People go to "pubs" to hang out, have a few drinks and talk. Lets face it...you cant talk in a bar or club because the music is to loud to hear anything.Pubs are more of chill out place.

Answer 3

Yeah seems an accurate portrayal of British pubs to me.

I think the perceptions are all different. In America someone goes to a bar to escape. Alcohol, strangers it all adds to the effect.

In Britain a pub is a social meeting place. Most people go to the pub to have a drink, meet friends and watch sports. If someone is looking depressed, people will naturally try to cheer them up.

It could also have something to do with the legal drinking age, In the UK the age is 18 (meaning you frequently get 16 year olds who look older drinking) this adds to the feeling of general entertainment.

Answer 4

Interesting point. I have never been to England and I am so jealous that you have! ;)

I can comment on the American bars and they are meat markets! Girls and guys alike just looking for their next conquest. I live in Detroit and we are so lucky to have the Gaelic League/Irish-American Club. You do have to be a member. I love this place, they have live entertainment on the weekends and everyone is so friendly. It sounds similar to what you experienced at the pubs in England. I like to visit a place where the atmosphere is warm and friendly and the conversation that is overheard is about the interesting topics, rather then some schmuck trying desperately to pick up a women.

Answer 5

I can't speak for American bars, but I think you have summed up some of the good points of some pubs. But there's a real range - a pub could be anything from a stand-up drinking place pretty much like the bars you describe, to a restaurant in all but name, to anything in between. Many are chains run by huge businesses, but equally there are distinctive (even eccentric) pubs with a character defined by the owners and clientele. But, yes, the concept of a pub promises sociability, welcome and reasonably civilised behaviour. I'm thirsty now!

Answer 6

I have no thoughts on it really, as I have never been into an american bar. But I do like British pubs.

Answer 7

I grew up in "pub culture" and so agree but I'd also love to go to an American bar for the experience.

Answer 8

I lived in London for a while and worked in an Irish pub in northeast London, I too found the pub environment a pleasant surprise compared to bars in the US. It was so much more social, a gathering place for young and old alike. During the day, I had older patrons (60+years of age), men and women coming in for their pints of bitter. One man who was quite "bitter" himself became one of my favorite customers, he had served in WWII, had been a photographer, he would tell me stories of his travels, experiences, etc. In the afternoon, the crowd got younger, people getting off work, stopping off for a pint before the headed home, still all very sociable, very likable. In the evening, the pub became more "bar" like, we had DJ's, bands, etc. I loved it, I could go into the pub, by myself, knowing I would find plenty of people to talk to. Rugby players, skinheads, blue collar workers, white collar workers, retired, you name it, they all came in. I hate going to bars here now.

Answer 9

American words that mean different things in Australia. Fanny - refers to female intimate body parts. It is considered obscene in normal conversation. Root - refers to male / female intimate relations. It is rude to use it in normal conversation. A.ss - is a Donkey Beaver - a dam building mammal. Billion - a million times a million. (1000 million in America) Boob - a womans breast Entree - starters in a meal (the main course in America) Liberal - a conservative political party Durex - a brand of sticky tape (in America and other countries it's a contraceptive device). C.oon - A brand of Cheese (in America it is a very politically incorrect term). Homely - cosy and comfortable (in America it means ugly) Pissed - can mean either very drunk or very angry (in America it only means very angry). American words that Australians use a different word for: Elevator - Lift Fall - Autumn Root - Barrack Janitor - Caretaker Forest Fire - Bush Fire Downtown - CBD (Central Business District) Drug Store - Chemist. Chicken Coop - Chook Shed Congress - Conference Drapes - Curtains Hurricane - Cyclone Pop - Dad Mom - Mum School Prom - Deb Ball (or Debutante Ball) Duvet - Doona Door Jam - Door Frame Thumb Tacks - Drawing Pins Pacifier - Dummy Movie - Film Pail - Bucket Zip Code - Post Code Shipping - Freight Buddies - Mates Bangs - Fringe (as in hair) Vacation - Holiday First Floor - Ground Floor Second Floor - First Floor Gags - Jokes Gas - Petrol News Stand - News Agency Cable TV - Pay TV Wall Plug - Power Point Realtor - Real Estate Agent Big Rig/Trailer Truck - Prime Mover / Road Train Eraser - Rubber Fired - Sacked Sunbathe - Sunbake Poll - Survey Check - Cheque Flashlight - Torch Complain - Whinge Thong - G-string Flip Flops - Thongs Diaper - Nappy Trainers - Sand Shoes / Joggers/ Sneakers Neck Tie - Tie Liquor - Alcohol Cookies - Biscuits Diner - Cafe / Roadhouse Fries - Chips Peppers - Capsicum Cooler - Esky Cotton Candy - Fairy Floss Skillet - Fry Pan Popsicle - Icy Pole Jelly - Jam Candy - Lollies / Sweets Shrimp / Prawns Coffee Break - Smoko (slang for Smokers break) Ketchup - Sauce / Tomato Sauce Take Out - Take Away Asphalt - Bitumen Trailer - Caravan Winnebago/RV - Camper Van SUV - 4WD (four wheel drive) Two Weeks - Fortnight Anchor - Television Presenter Apartment - Flat Restroom - Toilet Trunk - Boot (as in Car) Shocked - Gobsmacked Liberals - Socialists Lumber - Timber Afternoon - Arvo Semi-Detached (home) - Duplex Cling Film - Glad Wrap Pavement / Footpath Pick-up Truck - Ute Turnpike - Tollway/Motorway Master Bathroom (in a home) - En Suite Napkin - Serviette

Answer 10

i prefer English pubs, but rest assured that even some of those are as rough as a badgers a.rse.