Page 314 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - London

312  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

London Pubs and Bars microbreweries mostly nestled
in the railway arches under
Affectionately known as a “pub”, “boozer” or “the local”, a the tramline.
public house was originally just that – a house in which
the public could eat, drink and even stay the night. Large Other Pub Drinks
inns with courtyards, such as the George Inn, were originally Cider is another traditional
stopping points for horse-drawn coach services. Their names English alcoholic drink found
have hung on signs outside since 1393, when King Richard II in every pub. Made from apples,
decreed that they should replace the usual bush outside the it comes in a range of strengths
door. As most people were illiterate, names that could easily and degrees of dryness, and
be illustrated were chosen, such as the Rose & Crown, coats offers a sweet alternative to
of arms (Freemasons’ Arms), historical figures (Princess beer. Blended Scotch whisky
and malt whiskies are also
Louise) or heraldic animals (Red Lion). Some pubs stand on staples, as is gin, usually drunk
historic public house sites, for example the Ship, the Lamb with tonic water. During the
and Flag, and the City Barge. However, many of the finest winter, mulled wine (warm and
ones date from the emergence of “gin palaces” in the late spicy) or hot toddies (brandy or
1800s, where Londoners took refuge from the misery of whisky with hot water and
their poverty amid lavish interiors with elaborate decoration. sugar) may be served and in
summer many Brits enjoy a
Since the 1990s cocktail-bar boom and the rise of the pitcher of Pimms (a gin-based
gastropub, the traditional pub has been given an image fruit cup, or punch, usually
makeover, restoring the British institution’s popularity with served with a garnish of
a fashionable crowd. summer fruits) during the
warmer months. Non-alcoholic
drinks are also always available.
Rules and Conventions British Beer
Visitors to London have long The most traditional beers are
been bemused by early pub available in various strengths Historic Pubs
closing times, which made a and styles, and are flat (not fizzy) Many pubs have a fascinating
night out a bit tricky – an and served only lightly cooled. history and decor, whether
after-theatre nightcap, for The spectrum of bottled beers it is a beamed medieval snug or
example, was usually out goes from “light” ale, through an extraordinary Arts and Crafts
of the question outside of “pale”, “brown”, “bitter” and the interior, as at the Black Friar, a
your hotel. In theory, reforms strong “old”. A sweeter, lower- must-see temple to imbibing,
to the licensing laws, which alcohol alternative is shandy, a featuring bronze bas reliefs and
came into effect in 2005, classic mixture of draught beer an intimate, marble-and-mosaic
mean pubs can now stay or lager and lemonade. Many chamber at the back. While
open up to 24 hours, as long traditional methods of brewing many of the gin palaces of
as they obtain permission and serving beer have been the 19th century have been
from their local authority, preserved over the years, and revamped or abandoned, there
and many extend their hours there is a great variety of “real are some notable survivors.
beyond the standard ales” in London pubs. At the Prince Alfred in Maida
11am–11pm. The main London brewers are Vale, the bar is divided by
You must be aged at least Young’s (try their strong “Winter “snobscreens”, a feature that
18 to buy or drink alcohol, Warmer” beer), Meantime and enabled the upper set to enjoy
and at least 14 to enter a Fuller’s. Competing with these a drink without mixing with
pub without an adult. Children city stalwarts is an increasing their servants. The semicircular
can be taken into pubs that number of microbreweries, Viaduct Tavern, opposite the
serve food, or may use outside championing “craft beers”. Old Bailey, ablaze with mirrors,
areas. Order drinks at the bar Beavertown, Kernel, Camden chandeliers and etched glass,
and pay when you are served; Town Brewery and Brixton is a suitably stately setting for
tips are not customary unless Brewery are just some of the distinguished barristers and
you are served food and drink many brewing up around the judges, while the Princess
at a table. “Last orders” are capital. The Scottish craft beer Louise retains its magnificent
usually called 10 minutes company Brewdog has a central mahogany bar,
before closing, then “time” is number of pubs around the city, complete with original clock,
called, and a further 20 serving up a good variety of moulded ceiling and vivid wall
minutes is then allowed beers, as does the Craft Beer tiles. Less grand but just as
for finishing drinks. Smoking is Co. On Saturdays, beer lovingly decorated is the tiny,
banned in all pubs and clubs, connoisseurs should head to tiled Dog & Duck in Soho –
though some have outdoor the “Bermondsey Beer Mile”, but you may have to battle for
smoking areas. home to half a dozen or so a seat or (in warm weather)

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