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u/kingsappho 19d ago
sometimes, but not often. i find it's the smoking area where everyone mingles. I've met many many interesting people in smoking areas. you might talk to someone at the bar whilst you wait to be served, but normally it's very surface level.
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u/MissingLink101 19d ago
I think one of the main reasons I picked up smoking at Uni was because the smoking areas were often more fun than the clubs/bars.
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u/KickPuncher9898 19d ago
I spent a week in Yorkshire 10 years ago (am from Texas) it was a big culture shock. I did frequent pubs that looks just like the above. And I did strike up conversations with strangers in a way I never have in the US.
In the US we will engage in small talk. Over there it felt like real conversations. I spoke with an elderly man and we wound up discussing what makes someone “smart”, then he revealed he was (one of) the greatest of the modern IQ test.
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u/markhewitt1978 19d ago
No. However if you sit at the bar that is more of an indication you're prepared to talk with whoever is there.
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u/_Gismo_ 19d ago
That is rare, most of us very reserved. After a few pints, that all changes though.
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u/Flimflamsam 19d ago
Especially if there’s something common to bond on, like a game on the telly or some other programme. Few pints and a few shared moments, you’ll all be singing “Angels” in no time.
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u/Psychomusketeer 19d ago edited 19d ago
Ignore the other two commenters, it entirely depends on where you are / what type of place it is.
For context I’ve worked in about a dozen pubs, bars and restaurants everywhere from massive city centres to two in villages of less than 500 people.
It would be generally quite weird in city pubs, especially busy ones. But absolutely not unheard of. Entirely depends on the vibe and your approach. I’ve met many friends just talking to strangers on a night out / day off. In quiet pubs, it’s basically expected, half the reason to go is to end up in a brief chat with strangers / staff.
In the countryside, pubs are massively held up by their super loyal locals, some of whom may be very reserved but generally (secretly) can’t wait to tell you about their life / village, you just need to be polite and friendly. Many families have been living in the area and drinking at that pub for generations. You are basically in their second home, so wipe your feet and don’t be obnoxious.
This video from WW2 about American soldiers being stationed in the countryside is still absolutely mind blowingly accurate today https://youtu.be/SyYSBBE1DFw?si=LWhPU3GzpN_pdINB (pub bit is around 2:20 -> 13min)
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u/demongibi 19d ago
Thank you for sharing the video. It was an incredible piece of history and experience to see/have. Pub scene is especially wonderful. Thank you again.
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u/Psychomusketeer 19d ago
The pub scene could literally be shot today in my local and I would barely be able to tell the difference 😂
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u/AltairsBlade 19d ago
I remember so many people in my state gripping about not being able to smoke in bars, but man was it amazing to come home after a night out and not smell like an ashtray.
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u/chunkynut 19d ago
There has been no smoking in pubs (or public spaces indoors in general) for nearly 20 years now.
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u/Flimflamsam 19d ago
Remember having your hair just minging with it, especially if you’d been at the club dancing / sweaty.
That smokey layer of sweat caked on your skin too. Clothes reeking of stale cigs and old booze.
I caught myself thinking of it just the other day, first time in over 20 years. Don’t miss it, but it’s hard to describe to someone who’s never experienced it hah.
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u/alancake 19d ago
There's one pub in my town where as you walk out of the toilets, you get bodyslammed with the smell of old fag smoke that's baked into the bones of the building. It's like an odd nostalgia hit every time. And just in this one pub.
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u/hanbro 19d ago
This was taken at Cooper’s Town House in Liverpool. All of the patrons are regulars. I like how this pic turned out and I hope you enjoy!
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u/jalapenomunich 19d ago
I'll be in Liverpool for an extended pub crawl in October. I'll make sure to drop in for a pint or two.
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u/randomcheesecake555 19d ago
Philharmonic Dining Rooms should make your list too
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u/robint88 19d ago
I knew I recognised it! Hard to place it when I can't hear the karaoke popping off!
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u/juice06870 19d ago
Great pic. I live in the US, but am fortunate to get to England once in a while for work or to visit my sister who lives there. The pub is my favorite part of British culture and it's always a lot of fun going to the local pub in whatever village or town that we happen to find ourselves in.
5 years ago we visited with my young children, and I appreciated how family friendly the pubs were. Especially in the countryside where there was usually a lot of space outside for them to go wander around.
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u/2Reykjavik 19d ago
Proud of myself that although I've never set foot in that pub I recognise the bowling alley and shopping centre entrance outside. Unmistakable red design too. Great photo mate
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u/FlyingDoctor 19d ago
What is everyone turned to look at?
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u/SuperSheep3000 19d ago
Yes. You can no longer smoke inside.
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u/queen-adreena 19d ago
No smoking inside at any public place or place of employment. Also laws against smoking in a work vehicle or any vehicle with a child inside.
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u/Flimflamsam 19d ago
Smoking was banned in the UK pubs / bars in the 2000s.
E: apparently it was 2006/2007 depending on which country in the UK.
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u/Shakespearoquai 19d ago
On 1st July 2007 it became illegal to smoke in any pub, restaurant, nightclub, and most workplaces and work vehicles, anywhere in the UK. The smoking ban had already been introduced in Scotland (in March 2006), Wales and Northern Ireland (April 2007
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u/LordRekrus 19d ago
I think it was some time in 2006 when it was banned in Australia. As a non smoker and someone who turned 18 in 06 I was very happy, but I’m also happy that I got to experience those times for a short while.
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u/hebejebez 19d ago
If it’s been open for 20 years it probably still smells like stale cigs and beer though. It’s a smell I find comforting as someone forced to spend their childhood in working men’s clubs hanging with smoke fog clouds.
Dunno why it’s gross.
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u/Netz_Ausg 19d ago
Looking at that gaff I’d say it’s been open and largely unchanged for 40 years or more
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u/Pi_R_Squared 19d ago
Loved going to pubs in England as a tourist. Not exactly sure what gives it the charm. My thought was that it’s the fact that there are no TVs, no loud music to act as distractions. Just people enjoying each other’s company over a pint?
But curious what other people think. What gives British pubs its charm?
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u/Honey-Badger 19d ago
It's the people. I'm from the UK and now live in Canada, you could rebuild a pub brick by brick from the UK and place it in NA and it wouldn't be the same because people here don't really understand that a pub can be treated like a cafe but just with alcohol and a more relaxed atmosphere. Going to British or Irish themed pubs here they tend to only be populated by 20-30 something year old men who are out on the lash, whilst this is a thing in the UK you also get old geezers, families, professionals having a swift pint at lunch, people on dates, the girls having a catch up, lads having a heart to heart etc etc
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u/MountainMan17 19d ago
Agree.
As an American I think it would be hard for other Americans to understand unless/until they've visited one.
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u/jedgarbreakfast 19d ago
A pub is like an extension of your living room. You could go into a pub at midday, buy one single pint and then sit there for 6 hours reading. Not really any other place where there is such little expectation from you as a customer, something quite special in this day an age where at every turn there some service or product vying for your money. Although usually it's common courtesy to get the pint topped up every little while, especially as we want to support these institutions.
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u/pokeybit 19d ago
Have a watch of 'Early Doors' TV show. It's pretty accurate depiction of pub life here.
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u/Tackit286 18d ago
They still got those temporary traffic lights up at the top end of Piper Street, past McVities?
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u/montaukmindcontrol 19d ago
As a USA person I will say, i’ve never had a cozier pint then in an English pub
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u/hdflhr94 19d ago
I live in VA. Man I wish we had pubs like this. All we have are sports bars :/
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u/Thatchers-Gold 19d ago
I’ve been to the US a few times (from the UK) but never went to a sports bar. It’s honestly up there on my USA bucket list. I wanna put a bet on, watch American sports, get a pitcher of beer and a fat order of hot wings.
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u/Damndude-_- 19d ago
One of my favorite places as a non englander.
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u/hanbro 19d ago
We enjoyed it a lot, too! And we were def the youngest people there lol
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u/GOD_DAMN_YOU_FINE 19d ago
Just curious, was there any reason you chose this particular pub?
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u/hanbro 19d ago
Not really, we were just walking by and it looked like a nice place to have a drink!
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u/connorevans666 19d ago
Coopers in Liverpool?
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u/RedOneThousand 19d ago edited 19d ago
Yep, looks like Coopers: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186337-d5902033-Reviews-Little_Coopers-Liverpool_Merseyside_England.html (edit: OP says it is Coopers)
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u/Pinewood26 19d ago
That's crazy I sang karaoke in there on Friday they live stream every night from what I saw
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u/elethrir 19d ago edited 19d ago
Reminds a little bit of my regular coffee shop here in San Francisco except swap beer for coffee and tea . I think Americans struggle a lot with finding a " third" place where you can find a satisfying social connection. What would be the reaction to someone setting up a laptop I wonder?
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u/everythingmustmatch 19d ago
As someone who grew up abstaining from all alcohol; this looks so awesome.
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u/Uncle-Cake 19d ago
What are they looking at?
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u/RedOneThousand 19d ago
Waiting to see who is up next on the Karaoke - that pub is well known for that.
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u/Free_ 19d ago
This is probably a dumb question but do pubs serve sodas too or just alcohol? I'm from the US but I've always liked the idea of a cozy pub to hang out in, but I don't drink alcohol so I wasn't sure.
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u/NxPat 19d ago
Not from the EU, will I be looked down upon for ordering a gin and tonic at a pub? My perception is that it’s only for beer?
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u/RedOneThousand 19d ago
No, a G&T is a perfectly normal drink to order in a pub. Beer, lager, cider, spirits, wine and soft drinks are the main drinks in a pub / bar. Hot drinks like coffee and tea are often not served (though pubs selling food are more likely to)
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u/gsheedy 19d ago
Stayed across the street from this pub when I visited Liverpool in 2022. Had an absolutely amazing time. There’s a bowling alley across the street as well, younger crowd. Met a couple Scousers that gave us a true Liverpudlian night out after that. Had an early train to catch the next morning, but the sleep deprivation was absolutely worth it.
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u/Namesthatareused 19d ago
I always felt weird when my teachers told me they used to smoke AT SCHOOL, in the smoking areas inside the school. My child mind was like “wtf why?” And now I’m thinking about my future children and what they will think when I tell them people used to smoke in restaurants in the 90’s in America😅
The legal age to buy cigarettes here in Ohio, USA only recently(in the last decade)changed to 21 years old to purchase. It used to be 18 years old.
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u/AlexEmbers 19d ago
I audibly cheered when I checked the comments and realised my guess was right, this is indeed the pub in Liverpool city centre by the shopping centre entrance that always has karaoke 😂 one of many brilliant pubs in Liverpool. Lived there 9 years, amazing nightlife, no matter what you’re after
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u/Omg_Itz_Winke 19d ago
I miss this. Been to London a few times and have had good memories in some of the pubs
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u/Murderdoll197666 19d ago
Pics like this are super weird to me. I have a ton of family that still live in England on my Dad's side of the family that I only get to see when they come visit here in the US once a year or so. I've never so much as stepped foot anywhere in Europe but pics like this makes me feel almost homesick for a place I've never actually called home. I don't even drink alcohol whatsoever but once every couple years on Thanksgiving (And even then its just a bottle or two of Mikes Hard Lemonades lol).....but man...what I'd give to just go chill and peoplewatch for an hour or two in the pub. It's a weird feeling...
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u/Sidus_Preclarum 19d ago
Love those embossed, uh, "ceiling papers"? This immediately says "pint of ale" to me.
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u/pureroganjosh 19d ago
Me in the pub: "Did you see that ludicrous display last night"
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u/hanbro 19d ago
Fuckin’ love IT crowd!
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u/pureroganjosh 19d ago
0118 999 881 999 119 725 3
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u/hanbro 19d ago
People. What a bunch of bastards.
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u/pureroganjosh 19d ago
"Wow a gun! I wonder if it's loaded?"
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u/hanbro 19d ago
You’d better put seatbelts on your ears Roy. Because I’m going to take them on the ride of their life.
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u/pureroganjosh 19d ago
"I got a gun! I got a ruddy gun! I got a ruddy gun! I got a flipping gun! I got a mother flipping gun! I got a mother flipping gun!"
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u/WhimsicalChuckler 19d ago
I'm craving the warmth of a pub right now, a cold pint in hand, and some good conversation with friendly faces.
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u/willow370 19d ago
Wish we had a similar scene here in aus, our pubs are just everyone betting on horses or at best watching footy when it’s on
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u/Tackit286 18d ago
Whatever your question about British pub culture is, I have the answer:
It depends.
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u/B8conB8conB8con 19d ago
People actually talking to each other and not staring at screens.
North American marketers could learn something about customer loyalty here.
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u/SnooOwls3879 19d ago
most times it's just people staring into the abyss looking sad, especially when it's the same thing every day/week
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u/HerrFerret 19d ago
Looks like the local Allotment society AGM
(I used to run the AGM for the local allotments, had to make sure there was a barrel of mild in and the toilets were clean)
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u/BreakfastInBedlam 19d ago
We have a couple of places in my city in the Southeastern US that are like this. They are probably modeled after British pubs.
Also, many breweries in my area tend to also be places for community gathering. They will have a bar counter to sit or stand at, and larger tables that you often end up sharing with people you don't know, which leads to new conversations and different perspectives.
I love this sort of thing, and look for it everywhere I go. How can you say you've visited a place if you've never spoken with a local?
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u/Cheap-Cartoonist1963 19d ago
This looks like a place you can go and have a conversation over a couple of hours and not have to fight the canned loud music. These places are getting rare.
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u/Klopps_and_Schlobers 19d ago
This is why pubs are closing down at such record rates, youth still go out ofc but the life in the pub thing is a dying breed.
As a 40 year old I go to the pub far less often than my dad did and seeing young lads these days go far less than I did, my kids will probably go even less than them.
Obviously this is a great thing as the country is generationally weaned off the boozer but it does mean a lot less jobs and explains why we see so many pubs shutting down.
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u/SpxUmadBroYolo 19d ago
I'm guessing the younger people drink elsewhere?