Whilst it is still possible to find a good example of a traditional UK public house, many have been re-styled into more modern versions of the same theme. Interiors have been brightened and are kept much cleaner. Gone are the original draw pumps that would be used to pull beer stored in a keg up from the cellar using nothing but muscle to be replaced with gas systems that serve the beer under pressure by flipping a switch. Many of these re-styled public houses have been purchased by one of the large breweries from the original freeholder and now have a manager installed. This new style of pub administration has been criticised for giving up the community feel of the original establishment in exchange for increased profits.
A more common occurrence is that of the original public house being completely remodelled to resemble something more like an American bar. More often than not a public house that undergoes such a drastic change will concentrate upon serving food, with alcohol as a side product. Indeed some public houses, such as this, no longer allow a person to actually drink alcohol whilst standing at the bar and the customer must be seated at a numbered table.
Theme pubs are also very in-style, the theme can take a wide variety of forms. Sports pubs are very popular, usually providing live coverage of sporting events on large screen TV along with decor to match. The concept of a family pub is also seen frequently, this type of venue will often include an extensive outside play area for children and even an indoor area complete with toys and games to keep the younger patrons amused whilst their parents enjoy their favourite tipple in the main bar area.
Many public houses that undergo any amount of re-modelling choose to add a restaurant area, typically housed in a conservatory. Traditional pub food is forgone and replaced by exotic dishes, often with a chef in residence. Typically this kind of establishment will boast an extensive wine list.
A further twist on the theme pub are the places that become more akin to a night club than a pub, live music will sometimes be presented nightly and the customers will tend to be much younger than a traditional pub would entertain.
Modern public houses whilst often bearing criticism for ruining what used to be the centre point of a local community can certainly be more vibrant and interesting than their original often drab, old and tired donor venue.
A more common occurrence is that of the original public house being completely remodelled to resemble something more like an American bar. More often than not a public house that undergoes such a drastic change will concentrate upon serving food, with alcohol as a side product. Indeed some public houses, such as this, no longer allow a person to actually drink alcohol whilst standing at the bar and the customer must be seated at a numbered table.
Theme pubs are also very in-style, the theme can take a wide variety of forms. Sports pubs are very popular, usually providing live coverage of sporting events on large screen TV along with decor to match. The concept of a family pub is also seen frequently, this type of venue will often include an extensive outside play area for children and even an indoor area complete with toys and games to keep the younger patrons amused whilst their parents enjoy their favourite tipple in the main bar area.
Many public houses that undergo any amount of re-modelling choose to add a restaurant area, typically housed in a conservatory. Traditional pub food is forgone and replaced by exotic dishes, often with a chef in residence. Typically this kind of establishment will boast an extensive wine list.
A further twist on the theme pub are the places that become more akin to a night club than a pub, live music will sometimes be presented nightly and the customers will tend to be much younger than a traditional pub would entertain.
Modern public houses whilst often bearing criticism for ruining what used to be the centre point of a local community can certainly be more vibrant and interesting than their original often drab, old and tired donor venue.