You forgot one important point. Wait for your turn. The bartender may ask you for your order by mistake. If you know there was someone waiting at the bar before you say that I was after that man. Serve him/her first. That politeness is very British and usually followed.
SvenTviking No, you won’t. Everyone is equal in a pub. If you try throwing money around, you are seriously likely to end up with a slap. Don’t even consider it.
I work in a pub in London (the smallest wetherspoon in the country) u don't have to tip the bartender but if you do we are happy because it means we've done a good job lol
Good reply, Judge ENZA. That's what tipping, if you ARE going to do it should be all about. An expression of gratitude for exceptional service. I just don't like the US set-up where 1) you'll be lucky to escape alive if you DON'T tip; and 2) you feel obliged to tip simply because bar and waiting staff in the US are scandalously underpaid.
@@Ynysmydwr exactly in the UK we get a living wage and tips are on top of that as a show of gratitude not to actually make sure we can survive to work another day unlike America tips are her to show us we did a good job
You forgot the most important thing about pubs: If someone accidentally breaks a glass or a plate it's VITAL that you yell "WAHEEEEEY!" at the top of your lungs, it would be considered beyond rude not to!
Americans do know this. See: Groundhog Day, when someone drops a stack of plates and when there’s a crashing sound someone says something like, “just put them anywhere pal”.
As a bartender in London, I have to stress you CAN tip us lol 😂 it's not a requirement, but if you feel like tipping, please do! It's England, not Japan. We will gladly appreciate your offerings
This is very true but I would say some people that tip then expect a quicker/better service because of it. I think some people see a tip more as a bribe than a complement.
I remember our very first trip to London. We were jet lagged like crazy so we walked around Hyde Park to stay awake. We walked by Royal Albert Hall and then walked around Kensington Palace. We were starving and decided to try our first English Pub. We ended up at Elephant and Castle, just west of Kensington Palace Green. We each had a pint and Fish 'N Chips with mushy peas. It was pure bliss. It was pretty slow in there so, fortunately, the bar keep educated us on the process for ordering food. He was so nice and gave us lots of tips on places to eat. I will never forget that first Pub experience!
"Elephant and Castle, just west of Kensington Palace Green" -- that's another thing about London: don't go looking for Tottenham Court Road in Tottenham.
An interesting tip that is often overlooked is if you want to try an ale on tap, you can ask the bar tender for a sample taste of the ales, so you can try before you buy. Ales have so many different tastes that this is very useful when deciding what you like the taste of.
I think you need to explain the sign "Free House" often seen outside UK pubs. It could easily be misunderstood. When I have had visitors from outside the UK because the pub closest to me is a Free House I am always being asked what it means. For those potential visitors who don't know it is a pub that is not tied to or connected to a brewery chain so can sell any brewer's beer or cider they wish. Usually have a larger selection of beers and is often cheaper.
Craig McCullough thanks for this info! Do you have any particular Free House pubs that are really good in London you recommend? Going out there in Oct. Thanks!
Sheronda Lewis there's far too many for me to be able to recommend a particular one and depends on where in London you will be staying and visiting. Just be aware of what the sign means. Almost all Free Houses will 'advertise' as such so if it doesn't say on the pub-sign or fascia it probably isn't.
I personally would always recommend a free house over a managed or brewery pub. The range of drinks is better and usually superior quality. They also tend to take better care of their places.
When I was cramming for my US citizenship test it got me thinking about the equivalent questions for my home country (the UK), question number 9 on the practice test... “what time do the pubs open: 11am, 1pm, 4pm, 10pm”... of course it’s the earliest! Not only is pub culture so I inherent in British culture it’s in the citizenship test, we want you to know it’s socially acceptable to drink before noon! 🇬🇧❤️
No tipping the barman or barmaid? Things have changed since I was a regular pub goer in the late 50s/60s. Then it was not unusual to to say "Will you have one with me?" The bartender would usually say "Thank you, I'll have it later" keep the price of their drink usually wanting to stay sober and make up their wages that way.
Also pubs vary a lot. Those in tourist areas will be more flexible on 'rules' because they get strangers, but the basics are still the same. Local pubs can be stricter and might seem unfriendly, or actually be unfriendly. They favour local people and don't necessarily look after strangers. But they can also be very welcoming, just depends on the pub. If they're being funny with you just leave. Don't try and argue it won't make any difference and could make it worse.
Good advice for the uninitiated Jess ! During last year's vacation in the UK visited 27 pubs in 3 weeks ! Yes I was keeping track . Not a bad experience at any of them . Great food too . When my daughter and I arrived at our London hotel they surprised us by giving each of us a voucher for 2 free drinks each in the great Victorian style pub within the hotel to make up for the construction noise next door - we never heard it . A really nice gesture !
Unless you wish to give offense, do not order two beers by indicating the quantity with an idex and middle finger with the back of the hand towards the barstaff. (It is the equivelent of holding up a middle finger in America with the back of the hand towards the barstaff while ordering a beer).
Oh yes and here in England we drink “Pints 🍺 “ which i found quite strange when i visited the USA 🇺🇸 as their equivalent is smaller...i think it’s because we allow for the head on a ale... Has anyone found this when visiting the USA? Anyway, you’re all welcome here... hope you have a excellent experience in our country 👍🏻
Although beer glasses in the UK can be "oversized" to allow for a head (such glasses have a line on them indicating the level which the actual beer (as opposed to the froth) should reach), the main thing is that the legal pint in the UK (at 568 ml) is 20% bigger than in the US (where it's 473 ml). (I find I'm writing far too much about boozing in the UK! Still, it's a lot cheaper than actually going down the pub...)
American pint glasses are 95ml smaller than the UK or Imperial pint, we don’t normally use outsize glasses in the UK and the head is included in the volume of the pint, it should not be more that 5% of the total volume and the bar staff should top it up if it exceeds this.
I tend to drink bottles, but I prefer the spirit measures in the USA. In my experience it has always been a grab and pour deal, so it is never exactly the same.
If you want to tip you'd only do it once and you'd say "Take one for yourself" but don't expect them to actually have a drink, they'll just take the price of a drink as a tip.
If you accidentally spill a strangers drink a sincere apology is required. Even if not your fault. Don't argue. For total spillage offer to buy a replacement.
I prefer a pint of Scruttock's Old Dirigible with bits of old twig in it. And the staff will kindly leave your change in a pool of stale beer on the bar.
C'mon, tryptychUK: chill out a little! This video is clearly addressed principally to US visitors to the UK -- and Americans call bar staff "bartenders". I know what they mean, YOU know what they mean. The world isn't going to go down in flames [although I suspect I might, after this post] just because Americans choose to speak American outside their homeland. You could just have pointed out: "By the way, bartenders are usually called 'barmen' or 'barmaids' in the UK" -- although not in job advertisements (gender discrimination and all that...) 😀
Ynysmitwr: I'm simply saying if they are going to show Britih pub culture, that should include the terminology. Jobs ask for "bar staff". "Tender" or "Server" are just not words we use over here.
You say don’t tip the bar tender but where I’m from, (South London) it’s courteous to offer them a drink when you finish ordering your round. “Ave one yerself guvner”
I work in a pub called the black dog in chilmark uk, not a big pub but not small either, but tipping the bar tender in the UK is not mandatory but it is much appreciated. The tips here given to a person aren't taken buy that person either, they are put in a pot and then shared out equally between the staff when they say they want it.
We don't tip. BUT if you're a local, then it's often courteous to offer the bartender a drink every once in a while. I would only ever do this if I know the bartender by name however.
I visited Tunisia and was appalled at the air quality in public buildings due to smokers. I had quickly forgotten how smokers used to foul the air and how awful restaurants etc used to be. British pubs are better than ever now.
When ordering food, check if your table has a table number as the bartender will ask for your number. Some pubs especially larger pubs (e.g. Wetherspoons pubs) have this in place. It helps them to find you easily when bringing your food out.
I really enjoy the practical tips in your videos. We always try to learn about and be respectful of the culture when we travel. It's great to get some insight from someone who wasn't raised in London and knows what particular things may be different for us Americans.
One thing that gets on my nerves in pubs are the people standing infront of the taps drinking their beer. I know it's not hard to ask them to move out the way, but common decency would be to move further along the bar and allow people to see what drinks are available.
People who do that are total gits. It's usually to make certain they'll always be first to get served when they need their next drink: after all, they're sure to have been 'waiting' longer than everyone else.
I dont even plan to visit anytime soon but this just felt like its good knowledge to have. Im definitely going to check out some pups when im going to visit.
You can also put money into a kitty which is used to buy rounds. That way people can control the amount they drink better. If there are 9 of you can everyone was to buy a round you would be legless or end up refusing drinks, which means later round buyers would buy less than earlier round buyers. The alternative of having a kitty means you could all put £10 in, for instance, which is about enough for 2 drinks each and then top up the kitty if you all want more.
That's great. Enjoy. London has its plus points as well as its minus points but lots of pubs are closing because of the prices, as more people buy alcohol more cheaply from supermarkets and drink at home. Hwyl i chi. (I'm not Welsh btw. Just practising a bit I learned online)
If they serve a locally brewed craft ale, I recommend you try it, you may never taste the like again and it can be fab. Don't forget it's meant to be room temperature to get the full flavour. Enjoy!
It all depends on what the ale is. I certainly wouldn't want an IPA served up at room temp. You'd want it at around 7 - 10 C. Darker beers can manage up to 14 - 15 C, but still not 'room temp'.
Good point. I was thinking of the craft beers brewed by individuals such as myself, who sell by the firkin to the local pub. As you're no doubt aware (but others might not be) homemade beer, using natural products such as hops from the garden, cannot be made in the summer as it needs a cool temperature, however once a few months have passed and it's ready, it can be served at room temperature, which is what I prefer. It's never been a problem for the pub's storage of craft ale, which admittedly can go off in the heat, as I'm pleased to say there's never been any left after the first day of sale.
If you want to try a local real ale just ask the staff what they sell the most of.lots of pubs have " guest beers" for a week or so, again ask the staff.
Different pubs have different tipping policies, a tip or being offered to have a drink brought for you is always appreciated even if you can’t accept it
...so if you feel you're getting a bit drunk after having 4, it's either because a) out beer varies in strength a lot, so is probably stronger, or b) because you haven't had 4, you've had 5.
Also to echo this great advice: You can tip small in some pubs..The key is if there is a tray-like thing on the bar and they put your change there with your drink... It's a silent "you may leave the change if you wish." Or if you want to treat your bartender, just leave a few pounds on the counter and tell them "Have a pint on me!" I've only seen it in the tray-tip setup more bohemian atmosphere pubs. This is spot-on though that tipping is never expected at pubs.
If I may just add. When ordering food in the pub you may be asked for a table number so look for it before you go to the bar. If there isn't a number on the table some pubs will give you a spoon or bottle etc with the table number on it. This number helps to identify where you're sat.
Sorry- completely oblivious question: I plan to visit pubs primarily to eat- and not at “fancy gastropubs,” for the most part. Since it’s a seat-yourself-order-at-the-bar system, how do you get menus? Are they typically laid out on the tables or at the bar? Do you ask the bartender for one? Or is it just posted on the wall somewhere?
You walk in check to see if there's any menus on tables then head straight up to the bar and ask if their serving food and where you might find the nights menu.
I know part of my plan will be a pub crawl. I think I saw a video you posted with a tourism crawl. Down by the old docks? I'll look again. For me, pubs are always a must do! Thanks for this🍻
My boyfriend and I were at the Sawyer Arms in the Paddington area having a pint or two on a Monday night and were shocked that the pub was closing promptly right at 11pm! "You have 51 seconds to finish your beers" and they meant it. We were shocked because it seemed so early, especially for a major city in a country known for its drinking culture. Also it was jarring how abrupt they were about it. Luckily, there was a kinder, gentler, and most importantly open pub a block down the road.
My tip for Americans? Pull on that beautiful Claret and Sky Blue West Ham shirt and pop down into the very friendly Blue Anchor in Bermondsey South London - even better on a Saturday afternoon during the football season.
Depends where it is. City pubs will mostly be smart after work but it's not unusual to have a mix. There might also be local construction workers, for example. It's not a rule and you can go where you want.
As a postgraduate student in Sheffield I was becoming a regular at a certain city centre pub and they almost didn't let me know in Derby Day "regulars only mate" I opened my mouth and in clear Scouse told them that their teams were all bollocks anyway and I supported the reds!
Great tips Jess! Pub culture does confuse US travellers. But pubs are awesome! I personally like the ones that welcome dogs. Thanks! Love and cheers! 👍💗😘🇬🇧
Get the app for the pub you're going to 9 times out of 10 you are entitled to a free drink. Do not delete the apps as quite frequently you'll be offered free drinks so if you have 5 or 6 of them from different pub chains then you can go out on a free Pub crawl in central London
Re: the dress code - generally no caps or hooded tops (with the hood being worn on the head). Shirts to be worn at all times (even outside), but people (chaps) trying to get away with that is pretty rare in London.
I was in London & Cardiff, Wales last year, and was surprised at the lack of bar seats. I am a pretty independent woman, and have no problem going out by myself to local bars to sit/sip/eat/meet people. Why are UK pubs seatless? BTW, I'm curious, not complaining.
Romartus interesting, but some of our bars over here can be pretty crowded even with bar stools/chairs. It doesn't make sense for a single person to take up a whole table.
10 years ago tall seats at bars were common but phased out now only a few still have them, it is better without though as so often on busy periods they just become a pain either by people blocking access to the bar sat of them or the seat itself blocking access. And if its not busy there is gonna be a table free so really just logic.
Gordon McMillan Brown I understand your point about possibly blocking access, but in our busy bars (pubs) in the US you can still order from behind the person sitting. Just excuse yourself & flag the bartender; sometimes the person sitting will get the bartender for you.
If you find a Wetherspoons, it's so much better if you can find a good table and probably the cheapest drinks you'll find in London. Plus you can order from your phone - the service on a good day takes around 1 min! SPOONS FOREVER
Ryan sharlotte Wetherspoons are fine actually; the food is very good and the drinks are reasonably priced. They’re also less noisy, so you can actually have a conversation instead of shouting over rubbish music, which is why they’re popular with families.
We will be in London the end of May will be our first time there. We want to go to the Ye Olde Cheesire Cheese Pub 1667 rebuilt. To us looks like fun and interesting. Great videos on helping visitors.
@@spencerwilton5831 I think the impact on no smoking= pubs closing, is exaggerated. There are many factors that lead to many pubs closing. Some reasons are higher alcohol taxes, higher beer prices, increase in grocery store and corner shops beer sales leading to more drinking at home today then ever in history before, less alcohol consumed per capita, some cases people more aware of health of over drinking, more immigrants in certain neighbourhoods without pub culture, higher land values of land, the list can go on. Smoking I believe was a small factor in the long term, many people got over it and went back to the pubs, smoked outside.
Should have watched this last year. Walked into a pub,stood at the door waiting to be seated. No one showed up and in confusion when there were seats open and the vibe of the pub was dull we left and bought beer at a store instead
There is a way to tip the bartender: after a few rounds, when you get the order in, say “and one for yourself”, that’s the national pub equivalant to tipping. Don't be insulted if you don't see the money for the drink being placed in a tip-jar. Usually they’ll have a code on their electronic tills for that drink for themselves that’s not actually a drink. Although I hear that’s something that’s dying out and only us old ‘uns do that now.
hi, tried to get access to the free guide, but it says"Page Not found" did a bit of a ramble on your website trying to find it and did not see it come up. Can you review the link and provide a new one for the guide, if it is still being provided.
@@loveandlondon Thanks but it is actually directing to a page which has "Page not found" in large red type the page also has on it "Sorry, the page you are looking for has not been found".- So not sure what up with that on the url link. Maybe it needs to be revised. Anyhow thanks for the video
which place do you recommend most to stay in (we don't have a high budget)? do you think in this case Shoreditch would be the best option ??? if we want to have tours in London in the day time and go for pubs and bars at night and stay in an area near the pubs and bars so we go to our rented apartment at any late time,
Hi Shehab, this video series will help you choose an area and a hotel to stay in that works for your particular situation: czcams.com/video/uijm7ClPkuo/video.html
We will be with a friend in London for the first time in September, I'm not planning to go to a pub since I don't drink alcohol, but I might go with my friend once or twice. Any suggestions for a non-alcohol drinks in pubs?
DimusTech fruit juices, soft drinks - but they are expensive compared to the supermarket. Ask the barman as they may have some non-alcoholic beers or ciders. Because most pubs are "family friendly" they usually have non-alcoholic drinks for underage or those who, for whatever reason, don't drink.
The world is getting smaller the differences aren’t that marked as they were decades ago The main difference is the family thing Ordering and food u will find here in the states depend where u r ..we have “townie” bars here as well that are not fancy and r more inexpensive than a gastropub I like going to authentic ones because the touristy pubs are the same ones offered in the states
I am planning to visit London at the end of November (only for a weekend but still good) and I'd like to visit some cheap,student - friendly pub :D Do you know any of those?Actually I don't know in which borough I would stay.(It would be my second visit here)
Aleksandra Zdeb It depends what you mean by 'student friendly'. The Wetherspoons pub chain (and there are hundreds around) offer low-price drinks and a very good range of them too, often like a mini beer festival. The food is inexpensive too. When I'm in London I like to mix it up a bit, adding in one or two Wetherspoons along with the independent pubs. Do have a great trip.
Hollywood Sunset It is a legal requirement for pubs to ensure prices are available to the customer before payment, also what the measures are for wine and spirits.
@@grahvisTrue but no-one ever checks them and it'd be kind of rude to ask. If it's too expensive it'll only be a few pounds and just don't have another.
I am thinking about moving to (retiring to) England. I hope someone will be willing to e-mail back and fourth on this subject. I am going to travel to London in a few months.
Fascinating to hear it explained like this; I'm not much of a pub-goer, but I still felt like I knew most of this inherently somehow? Interesting how you just soak up culture by just being part of it. Great video!
Different pubs are different. Generally it's friendlier outside London but not always and can be the other way round. London wouldn't normally be unfriendly but they won't be your best mates either, just straightforward service.
There is no etiquette, just don't push in if there's a queue but by the time you reach the bar, mainly if there's lots of people, the bar staff just serve whoever randomly (or they serve the ones they know first)
don’t forget that most pubs will let you try a drink before ordering. Don’t be afraid to ask, be better to have a small taste before than end up with a pint you don’t like.
I was in a Cameron's pub in York, when a couple of American tourists asked for "Two schooners of Strongarm Ale." which totally confused the barman. To him, a schooner was a largish sherry glass. Eventually they pointed to some pint jacobean style glass mugs and told him that they were "schooners". In the UK draught beer is sold by the pint or half-pint. That's what to order; If as part of the order, you prefer a particular style of glass, you can easily add that requirement to your order: Like a Yorkshireman in the south of England avoiding those awful dimple mugs by saying: "A pint of bitter please... in a straight glass, not a bloody jug."
You forgot one important point. Wait for your turn. The bartender may ask you for your order by mistake. If you know there was someone waiting at the bar before you say that I was after that man. Serve him/her first. That politeness is very British and usually followed.
Matt Hedges 🤣😂🤣😂😂If there are loads of people st the bar, eave a £50 note. You will get served quick!
SvenTviking No, you won’t. Everyone is equal in a pub. If you try throwing money around, you are seriously likely to end up with a slap. Don’t even consider it.
Well said, Mr Hedges, sir.
SvenTviking also the quickest way to get a slap. Good luck!!
@@SvenTviking Incorrect use of both emojis and etiquette. Wave around money or your card and you'll get served last.
I work in a pub in London (the smallest wetherspoon in the country) u don't have to tip the bartender but if you do we are happy because it means we've done a good job lol
Good reply, Judge ENZA. That's what tipping, if you ARE going to do it should be all about. An expression of gratitude for exceptional service. I just don't like the US set-up where 1) you'll be lucky to escape alive if you DON'T tip; and 2) you feel obliged to tip simply because bar and waiting staff in the US are scandalously underpaid.
@@Ynysmydwr exactly in the UK we get a living wage and tips are on top of that as a show of gratitude not to actually make sure we can survive to work another day unlike America tips are her to show us we did a good job
Up in the north we tip Bartenders, we just say "take one for yourself". I think this originally meant a drink but now most people just take a pound.
Don't tip bar staff they get paid
You forgot the most important thing about pubs: If someone accidentally breaks a glass or a plate it's VITAL that you yell "WAHEEEEEY!" at the top of your lungs, it would be considered beyond rude not to!
🤣
This is so true
Americans do know this. See: Groundhog Day, when someone drops a stack of plates and when there’s a crashing sound someone says something like, “just put them anywhere pal”.
We’ve seen this at beer festivals....it’s funny as it gets more frequent as the day goes on.
@@alexgroushko3142 sack the comedian
As a bartender in London, I have to stress you CAN tip us lol 😂 it's not a requirement, but if you feel like tipping, please do! It's England, not Japan. We will gladly appreciate your offerings
This is very true but I would say some people that tip then expect a quicker/better service because of it. I think some people see a tip more as a bribe than a complement.
I remember our very first trip to London. We were jet lagged like crazy so we walked around Hyde Park to stay awake. We walked by Royal Albert Hall and then walked around Kensington Palace. We were starving and decided to try our first English Pub. We ended up at Elephant and Castle, just west of Kensington Palace Green. We each had a pint and Fish 'N Chips with mushy peas. It was pure bliss. It was pretty slow in there so, fortunately, the bar keep educated us on the process for ordering food. He was so nice and gave us lots of tips on places to eat. I will never forget that first Pub experience!
Mushy peas gotta be done.
Awesome Chris!! 😎
"Elephant and Castle, just west of Kensington Palace Green" -- that's another thing about London: don't go looking for Tottenham Court Road in Tottenham.
Chris Peters z
Lucky you did'nt bump into any millwall supporters!
An interesting tip that is often overlooked is if you want to try an ale on tap, you can ask the bar tender for a sample taste of the ales, so you can try before you buy. Ales have so many different tastes that this is very useful when deciding what you like the taste of.
I think you need to explain the sign "Free House" often seen outside UK pubs. It could easily be misunderstood. When I have had visitors from outside the UK because the pub closest to me is a Free House I am always being asked what it means. For those potential visitors who don't know it is a pub that is not tied to or connected to a brewery chain so can sell any brewer's beer or cider they wish. Usually have a larger selection of beers and is often cheaper.
Craig McCullough thanks for this info! Do you have any particular Free House pubs that are really good in London you recommend? Going out there in Oct. Thanks!
Sheronda Lewis there's far too many for me to be able to recommend a particular one and depends on where in London you will be staying and visiting. Just be aware of what the sign means. Almost all Free Houses will 'advertise' as such so if it doesn't say on the pub-sign or fascia it probably isn't.
I personally would always recommend a free house over a managed or brewery pub. The range of drinks is better and usually superior quality.
They also tend to take better care of their places.
@@TryptychUK Thank you! I will now make it a point to look for free houses in London!
Sheronda Lewis: You're welcome.
Also most pubs are more than willing to give you a free taster of a drink if you are not sure.
I'm a Londoner and I approve this message
When I was cramming for my US citizenship test it got me thinking about the equivalent questions for my home country (the UK), question number 9 on the practice test... “what time do the pubs open: 11am, 1pm, 4pm, 10pm”... of course it’s the earliest! Not only is pub culture so I inherent in British culture it’s in the citizenship test, we want you to know it’s socially acceptable to drink before noon! 🇬🇧❤️
Lol I took that test a couple weeks ago!
Wetherspoon pubs generally open at 8 a.m. and serve breakfast.
Ynysmitwr
Some Welsh country pubs open their doors at 8 am but that's so people can go home. :-)
‘Spoons... the legend!
In Australia, to pass your citizenship test, you have to be able to take the lid off a stubby of beer by using your eye socket.
No tipping the barman or barmaid? Things have changed since I was a regular pub goer in the late 50s/60s. Then it was not unusual to to say "Will you have one with me?" The bartender would usually say "Thank you, I'll have it later" keep the price of their drink usually wanting to stay sober and make up their wages that way.
Also pubs vary a lot. Those in tourist areas will be more flexible on 'rules' because they get strangers, but the basics are still the same. Local pubs can be stricter and might seem unfriendly, or actually be unfriendly. They favour local people and don't necessarily look after strangers. But they can also be very welcoming, just depends on the pub. If they're being funny with you just leave. Don't try and argue it won't make any difference and could make it worse.
Good advice for the uninitiated Jess ! During last year's vacation in the UK visited 27 pubs in 3 weeks ! Yes I was keeping track . Not a bad experience at any of them . Great food too . When my daughter and I arrived at our London hotel they surprised us by giving each of us a voucher for 2 free drinks each in the great Victorian style pub within the hotel to make up for the construction noise next door - we never heard it . A really nice gesture !
Amazing!
Unless you wish to give offense, do not order two beers by indicating the quantity with an idex and middle finger with the back of the hand towards the barstaff. (It is the equivelent of holding up a middle finger in America with the back of the hand towards the barstaff while ordering a beer).
Oh yes and here in England we drink “Pints 🍺 “ which i found quite strange when i visited the USA 🇺🇸 as their equivalent is smaller...i think it’s because we allow for the head on a ale...
Has anyone found this when visiting the USA?
Anyway, you’re all welcome here... hope you have a excellent experience in our country 👍🏻
Although beer glasses in the UK can be "oversized" to allow for a head (such glasses have a line on them indicating the level which the actual beer (as opposed to the froth) should reach), the main thing is that the legal pint in the UK (at 568 ml) is 20% bigger than in the US (where it's 473 ml).
(I find I'm writing far too much about boozing in the UK! Still, it's a lot cheaper than actually going down the pub...)
Stephen Leader to be fair that’s probably due to export costs. Newcastle Brown is a European export beer in America...
@Stephen Leader I thought that when I went to Florida! The glass just felt a bit smaller in my hand and Guinness was $8...
American pint glasses are 95ml smaller than the UK or Imperial pint, we don’t normally use outsize glasses in the UK and the head is included in the volume of the pint, it should not be more that 5% of the total volume and the bar staff should top it up if it exceeds this.
I tend to drink bottles, but I prefer the spirit measures in the USA. In my experience it has always been a grab and pour deal, so it is never exactly the same.
If you want to tip you'd only do it once and you'd say "Take one for yourself" but don't expect them to actually have a drink, they'll just take the price of a drink as a tip.
All you need to know is don't spill my pint.
If you accidentally spill a strangers drink a sincere apology is required. Even if not your fault. Don't argue. For total spillage offer to buy a replacement.
People die for less!!
My first experience of a pub was at the tender age of 13 - never looked back.
I highly recommend The Kennington Pub ( 60 Camberwell New Rd) Oval area. Made a fresh off the plane American like me feel right at home.
Round there is why London has more murders than New York.
Some of the places recommended for tourists: Camberwell, Elephant and Castle, why on earth would you go there?!???
Take the places less traveled by tourists.
@@Tgogators
And English people......
MY favorite pub in London is The Lamb Lamb Conduit Street .Charles Dickens ate and drank here.I always go there on my trips to London. Big Al.
Nobody calls the servers "Bar Tenders".
They are either Barmen or Barmaids.
Two pints of Langfields Old Trumpet and a fistful of wet change if you please bar steward.
I prefer a pint of Scruttock's Old Dirigible with bits of old twig in it.
And the staff will kindly leave your change in a pool of stale beer on the bar.
C'mon, tryptychUK: chill out a little! This video is clearly addressed principally to US visitors to the UK -- and Americans call bar staff "bartenders". I know what they mean, YOU know what they mean. The world isn't going to go down in flames [although I suspect I might, after this post] just because Americans choose to speak American outside their homeland.
You could just have pointed out: "By the way, bartenders are usually called 'barmen' or 'barmaids' in the UK" -- although not in job advertisements (gender discrimination and all that...) 😀
tryptychUK scruttocks old dirigible! Not heard of that in a long time. Didn't I meet your mother in law?
Ynysmitwr: I'm simply saying if they are going to show Britih pub culture, that should include the terminology.
Jobs ask for "bar staff". "Tender" or "Server" are just not words we use over here.
You say don’t tip the bar tender but where I’m from, (South London) it’s courteous to offer them a drink when you finish ordering your round. “Ave one yerself guvner”
Especially if it is a large round.
Interesting! Never experienced anyone doing that before.
I would say that is rare. The bartender would be drunk in 30 minutes if everyone offered him/her a drink.
Never witnessed or even heard about this. Does this to for the whole south London or only for your area?
That can be done anywhere in UK. The bartender isn't allowed to actually drink, he/she just pools the value of the drink in a jar or similar.
I work in a pub called the black dog in chilmark uk, not a big pub but not small either, but tipping the bar tender in the UK is not mandatory but it is much appreciated. The tips here given to a person aren't taken buy that person either, they are put in a pot and then shared out equally between the staff when they say they want it.
We don't tip.
BUT if you're a local, then it's often courteous to offer the bartender a drink every once in a while.
I would only ever do this if I know the bartender by name however.
That’s about right. I manage a pub in Surrey and it’s rare that someone who isn’t a good regular will buy us a drink.
Surprised that you didn't state that you cannot smoke in pubs. That would have been a highly useful fact to include for overseas visitors.
You'd be surprised at how few countries allow smoking in bars these days (which is great!)
Love and London
I live in Asia where there are many countries which still allow smoking in bars.
I visited Tunisia and was appalled at the air quality in public buildings due to smokers. I had quickly forgotten how smokers used to foul the air and how awful restaurants etc used to be. British pubs are better than ever now.
That's a thing, like isn't it just normal behaviour not to smoke inside a building
you can't smoke anywhere indoors in the UK. The smoking ban has been around 2007
When ordering food, check if your table has a table number as the bartender will ask for your number. Some pubs especially larger pubs (e.g. Wetherspoons pubs) have this in place. It helps them to find you easily when bringing your food out.
Great tip!
@@loveandlondon I'm down in London next week so I'll check out the pubs in Soho that you recommended.
It will be my first time in London and your videos are super helpful! Especially this one as I plan to go to as many pubs as I can! Cheers!
So glad you liked it!
Ah yes.. I remember the good old days when you could actually go up to the bar to order your drinks...
I really enjoy the practical tips in your videos. We always try to learn about and be respectful of the culture when we travel. It's great to get some insight from someone who wasn't raised in London and knows what particular things may be different for us Americans.
Thanks for those kind words Amanda, glad I can help :)
One thing that gets on my nerves in pubs are the people standing infront of the taps drinking their beer. I know it's not hard to ask them to move out the way, but common decency would be to move further along the bar and allow people to see what drinks are available.
People who do that are total gits. It's usually to make certain they'll always be first to get served when they need their next drink: after all, they're sure to have been 'waiting' longer than everyone else.
I dont even plan to visit anytime soon but this just felt like its good knowledge to have. Im definitely going to check out some pups when im going to visit.
so the etiquette in London pubs is exactly the same as every pub I've ever been in!
You can also put money into a kitty which is used to buy rounds. That way people can control the amount they drink better. If there are 9 of you can everyone was to buy a round you would be legless or end up refusing drinks, which means later round buyers would buy less than earlier round buyers. The alternative of having a kitty means you could all put £10 in, for instance, which is about enough for 2 drinks each and then top up the kitty if you all want more.
>> you could all put £10 in, for instance, which is about enough for 2 drinks each
Ynysmitwr. Sut y dach chi? Yes, London is expensive.
Wi'n iawn, diolch! :) I paid £2.50 for a very nice pint earlier this evening, btw!
That's great. Enjoy. London has its plus points as well as its minus points but lots of pubs are closing because of the prices, as more people buy alcohol more cheaply from supermarkets and drink at home. Hwyl i chi. (I'm not Welsh btw. Just practising a bit I learned online)
Helen, go for Say Something in Welsh www.saysomethingin.com/welsh/level1/intro -- it's ace!
If they serve a locally brewed craft ale, I recommend you try it, you may never taste the like again and it can be fab. Don't forget it's meant to be room temperature to get the full flavour. Enjoy!
It all depends on what the ale is. I certainly wouldn't want an IPA served up at room temp. You'd want it at around 7 - 10 C. Darker beers can manage up to 14 - 15 C, but still not 'room temp'.
Good point. I was thinking of the craft beers brewed by individuals such as myself, who sell by the firkin to the local pub. As you're no doubt aware (but others might not be) homemade beer, using natural products such as hops from the garden, cannot be made in the summer as it needs a cool temperature, however once a few months have passed and it's ready, it can be served at room temperature, which is what I prefer. It's never been a problem for the pub's storage of craft ale, which admittedly can go off in the heat, as I'm pleased to say there's never been any left after the first day of sale.
I would calll it cellar cool its not room temp.
Cellar temperature, not room temperature, vast difference.
If you want to try a local real ale just ask the staff what they sell the most of.lots of pubs have " guest beers" for a week or so, again ask the staff.
Different pubs have different tipping policies, a tip or being offered to have a drink brought for you is always appreciated even if you can’t accept it
Hej. Might be worth mentioning that a ‘pint’ in London, as in all the UK, is 20 fluid ounces not the 16 ounce Yankee pint.
...so if you feel you're getting a bit drunk after having 4, it's either because a) out beer varies in strength a lot, so is probably stronger, or b) because you haven't had 4, you've had 5.
Also to echo this great advice: You can tip small in some pubs..The key is if there is a tray-like thing on the bar and they put your change there with your drink... It's a silent "you may leave the change if you wish." Or if you want to treat your bartender, just leave a few pounds on the counter and tell them "Have a pint on me!" I've only seen it in the tray-tip setup more bohemian atmosphere pubs.
This is spot-on though that tipping is never expected at pubs.
If I may just add. When ordering food in the pub you may be asked for a table number so look for it before you go to the bar. If there isn't a number on the table some pubs will give you a spoon or bottle etc with the table number on it. This number helps to identify where you're sat.
You may experience decorum, you may not. It may be historic, but it'll probably most be legendary.
definitely will be visiting pubs while in UK in June this year :) Husband is originally from UK so think we should do alright
Cheers :D
Sorry- completely oblivious question: I plan to visit pubs primarily to eat- and not at “fancy gastropubs,” for the most part. Since it’s a seat-yourself-order-at-the-bar system, how do you get menus? Are they typically laid out on the tables or at the bar? Do you ask the bartender for one? Or is it just posted on the wall somewhere?
All of the above! Should be easy to find them :)
Thank you!
You walk in check to see if there's any menus on tables then head straight up to the bar and ask if their serving food and where you might find the nights menu.
Tbh could be any or all of the above but won’t be any problem to ask at bar if in doubt
Lamb and Flag near Covent Garden served the BEST Sunday Roast I've had... the Kids loved it too!!! Cheers
Visited the Mayfair back in '16 for Sunday Roast and it was such a great experience!
I know part of my plan will be a pub crawl. I think I saw a video you posted with a tourism crawl. Down by the old docks? I'll look again. For me, pubs are always a must do! Thanks for this🍻
Hm, not sure which crawl you mean? Glad you liked the video :)
My boyfriend and I were at the Sawyer Arms in the Paddington area having a pint or two on a Monday night and were shocked that the pub was closing promptly right at 11pm! "You have 51 seconds to finish your beers" and they meant it. We were shocked because it seemed so early, especially for a major city in a country known for its drinking culture. Also it was jarring how abrupt they were about it. Luckily, there was a kinder, gentler, and most importantly open pub a block down the road.
Yeah pubs close at 11 and bars can stay open till 2am-ish I believe! And then clubs go REALLY late...
Yes I'll be visiting in February for two weeks and I can't wait.
My tip for Americans? Pull on that beautiful Claret and Sky Blue West Ham shirt and pop down into the very friendly Blue Anchor in Bermondsey South London - even better on a Saturday afternoon during the football season.
Will be in London for the first time September 17th to 23rd! I am sooooooooo excited!
Bring a rain coat!!!
Hope you had a wonderful time!
In the evening most are well dressed as they've just come from work
Depends where it is. City pubs will mostly be smart after work but it's not unusual to have a mix. There might also be local construction workers, for example. It's not a rule and you can go where you want.
You might want to avoid any pubs close to a football ground on match days.
As a postgraduate student in Sheffield I was becoming a regular at a certain city centre pub and they almost didn't let me know in Derby Day "regulars only mate"
I opened my mouth and in clear Scouse told them that their teams were all bollocks anyway and I supported the reds!
PS he laughed at this and I got in!
@@PATRICKSMITH1Unlikely but ok if you say so
Great tips Jess! Pub culture does confuse US travellers. But pubs are awesome! I personally like the ones that welcome dogs. Thanks! Love and cheers! 👍💗😘🇬🇧
Oh hey there Teknekon! Nice to see you again 😘😘 and yes the dogs 😍😍😍
teknekon I agree. Can't wait to go back.
Get the app for the pub you're going to 9 times out of 10 you are entitled to a free drink. Do not delete the apps as quite frequently you'll be offered free drinks so if you have 5 or 6 of them from different pub chains then you can go out on a free Pub crawl in central London
Wow great tip - thanks for sharing!
Good advice all through this video. Cannot disagree, as a middle aged Englishman.
Re: the dress code - generally no caps or hooded tops (with the hood being worn on the head). Shirts to be worn at all times (even outside), but people (chaps) trying to get away with that is pretty rare in London.
Is a lager and lime (sweetened lime juice) a popular drink? Is Watney's brand beer popular?
Lager and Lime is popular yes and Watney's isn't the most popular but some pubs do serve it.
My grandma used to order larger and lime
I would also suggest taking a loan because of the cost of a round. Avoid the square mile
I was in London & Cardiff, Wales last year, and was surprised at the lack of bar seats. I am a pretty independent woman, and have no problem going out by myself to local bars to sit/sip/eat/meet people. Why are UK pubs seatless? BTW, I'm curious, not complaining.
Pubs can get more people in if they're less chairs.
Romartus interesting, but some of our bars over here can be pretty crowded even with bar stools/chairs. It doesn't make sense for a single person to take up a whole table.
10 years ago tall seats at bars were common but phased out now only a few still have them, it is better without though as so often on busy periods they just become a pain either by people blocking access to the bar sat of them or the seat itself blocking access. And if its not busy there is gonna be a table free so really just logic.
Gordon McMillan Brown I understand your point about possibly blocking access, but in our busy bars (pubs) in the US you can still order from behind the person sitting. Just excuse yourself & flag the bartender; sometimes the person sitting will get the bartender for you.
Not all of them are like that :) But I guess it's just like a normal bar, more standing room than sitting.
I’m going to London tomorrow!!
Yay!
Royal punt is larger than a pint in up royal pint is 20 oz Us its16 ozone after 4 beer pint youhave another 16? Oz has walk out smashed
you dont have to tip the barman but it is very appreciated
If you find a Wetherspoons, it's so much better if you can find a good table and probably the cheapest drinks you'll find in London. Plus you can order from your phone - the service on a good day takes around 1 min! SPOONS FOREVER
Always full of drunks and they don't allow vaping either.
I avoid Wetherspoons like the plague.
better than waiting in line for ages
tryptychUK Always full of drunks - STFU
And the whole gammony brexit thing
Ryan sharlotte Wetherspoons are fine actually; the food is very good and the drinks are reasonably priced. They’re also less noisy, so you can actually have a conversation instead of shouting over rubbish music, which is why they’re popular with families.
We will be in London the end of May will be our first time there. We want to go to the Ye Olde Cheesire Cheese Pub 1667 rebuilt. To us looks like fun and interesting. Great videos on helping visitors.
Nice video. I love English pubs; especially the old looking ones.
Also, don't forget your table number at the till if you're ordering food.
Jess, Have you ever done a video on you're favorite pubs? If not, I'd like to see one
My favourites are in The Local Guide to London: loveandlondon.com/the-local-guide-to-london
London pubs are lot healthier now since they banned smoking inside them. It was like heading into a fog until the late 1990s.
But sadly no atmosphere any more.
The pub was the last bastion of the smoker.
Yes its a pity.
@@spencerwilton5831 I think the impact on no smoking= pubs closing, is exaggerated. There are many factors that lead to many pubs closing. Some reasons are higher alcohol taxes, higher beer prices, increase in grocery store and corner shops beer sales leading to more drinking at home today then ever in history before, less alcohol consumed per capita, some cases people more aware of health of over drinking, more immigrants in certain neighbourhoods without pub culture, higher land values of land, the list can go on. Smoking I believe was a small factor in the long term, many people got over it and went back to the pubs, smoked outside.
Should have watched this last year. Walked into a pub,stood at the door waiting to be seated. No one showed up and in confusion when there were seats open and the vibe of the pub was dull we left and bought beer at a store instead
Haha aw it's ok!!
I will be in London from Sept 14-19th. First stop will be The Churchill Arms.
There is a way to tip the bartender: after a few rounds, when you get the order in, say “and one for yourself”, that’s the national pub equivalant to tipping. Don't be insulted if you don't see the money for the drink being placed in a tip-jar. Usually they’ll have a code on their electronic tills for that drink for themselves that’s not actually a drink.
Although I hear that’s something that’s dying out and only us old ‘uns do that now.
Hehe yeah I've never heard that before but some other people have commented that on this video too :)
Just found your channel. Great work! We spent a very enjoyable afternoon last week exploring the pubs of Fleet Street.
Thanks for watching!
hi, tried to get access to the free guide, but it says"Page Not found" did a bit of a ramble on your website trying to find it and did not see it come up. Can you review the link and provide a new one for the guide, if it is still being provided.
here you go! loveandlondon.com/london-101-guide-main
@@loveandlondon Thanks but it is actually directing to a page which has "Page not found" in large red type the page also has on it "Sorry, the page you are looking for has not been found".- So not sure what up with that on the url link. Maybe it needs to be revised. Anyhow thanks for the video
which place do you recommend most to stay in (we don't have a high budget)? do you think in this case Shoreditch would be the best option ??? if we want to have tours in London in the day time and go for pubs and bars at night and stay in an area near the pubs and bars so we go to our rented apartment at any late time,
Hi Shehab, this video series will help you choose an area and a hotel to stay in that works for your particular situation: czcams.com/video/uijm7ClPkuo/video.html
Is it common in London to give the bartender a credit card and run an open tab like we often do in the U.S.?
In London, not really no. You usually pay for each round unless you're seated and you have table service. Hope that helps!
It happens but not every pub will do it, and a lot of customers don't like it anyway.
I watched this and although I’m British I thought it was a really good video for tourists. Cheers!
Thanks!
Love the Harrow in Whitefriars St. We always go there when we're in London from the US. Great chips!
We will be with a friend in London for the first time in September, I'm not planning to go to a pub since I don't drink alcohol, but I might go with my friend once or twice.
Any suggestions for a non-alcohol drinks in pubs?
DimusTech fruit juices, soft drinks - but they are expensive compared to the supermarket. Ask the barman as they may have some non-alcoholic beers or ciders. Because most pubs are "family friendly" they usually have non-alcoholic drinks for underage or those who, for whatever reason, don't drink.
All pubs will have soda, juice, water, etc. You'll be fine!
tomato juice, coffee (maybe at certain times of day)
Yeh - any american beer... :)
Wetherspoons serve really good coffee with a free refill policy.
I loved the visuals on this video! The little clips of pubs were great! Would love to see more of this 👏🏼
Thank you so much Belen! I will be doing more. I am so happy with how the video came out :)
Forgot to mention that the wetherspoons app is a vital download
I forgot to ask, do the pubs typically offer beer flights or taste testing if you're not familiar with the brands?
michaels640 Thank you. I know it's common in the States. I love trying locally brewed products when I travel. I appreciate your response. 🍻
Not as common as in the US but if you go to a micro brewery or something similar, they may offer that.
Typically in pubs with lots of hand pulled drinks, especially ‘free houses’ - they will let you try a little bit if you ask or look unsure.
The world is getting smaller the differences aren’t that marked as they were decades ago
The main difference is the family thing
Ordering and food u will find here in the states depend where u r ..we have “townie” bars here as well that are not fancy and r more inexpensive than a gastropub
I like going to authentic ones because the touristy pubs are the same ones offered in the states
Have you heard of a pub called Cahoots London? Been there? Any review?
I am planning to visit London at the end of November (only for a weekend but still good) and I'd like to visit some cheap,student - friendly pub :D Do you know any of those?Actually I don't know in which borough I would stay.(It would be my second visit here)
Aleksandra Zdeb It depends what you mean by 'student friendly'. The Wetherspoons pub chain (and there are hundreds around) offer low-price drinks and a very good range of them too, often like a mini beer festival. The food is inexpensive too. When I'm in London I like to mix it up a bit, adding in one or two Wetherspoons along with the independent pubs. Do have a great trip.
It's best to find out where you'll be staying and go from there. Typically Wetherspoons pubs are relatively cheap.
So what would happen if I was at a bar in America and asked for a pint of larger
you dont tip barman but is still nice to offer them a drink when getting your last round in :)
What about prices? Are they posted; do they vary much; what’s the typical cost of a pint on tap?
Some pubs have menus with prices, some don't. You can ask though :) You can expect to pay between £3.50 - £6 for a pint...
Hollywood Sunset
It is a legal requirement for pubs to ensure prices are available to the customer before payment, also what the measures are for wine and spirits.
@@grahvisTrue but no-one ever checks them and it'd be kind of rude to ask. If it's too expensive it'll only be a few pounds and just don't have another.
Do pubs offer any non-alcoholic beverages? For those of us who don't or can't drink alcohol.
Yup!
Thanks. Hate being a party pooper around a bunch of folks who want to get snockered but I know I have a very low tolerance for alcohol.
there are some quality non-alcoholic wines, beers and other beverages in British pubs these days
I am thinking about moving to (retiring to) England. I hope someone will be willing to e-mail back and fourth on this subject. I am going to travel to London in a few months.
Bravo, just subscribed! Barring anymore Covid BS, my wife and I will be in London the first week of March, 2022.
Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks so much for watching.
I would be great to know a couple of the best pubs to visit for first timers. Ones that are very traditional and others that are trendy.
Hey there, I have some suggestions in The Local Guide to London: loveandlondon.com/the-local-guide-to-london
Awesome. Thank you.
I’ve been in London for a few years now- my favourite pub of all time of the Punch and Judy in Covent Garden! If you ever go, you’ll see why x
Amazing.... one of the best videos I've seen so far.... thanks for sharing! :)
Thanks for watching Alberto!
I found the opposite to be true about allowing kids in the pubs. I found that most pubs only allowed kids during lunch and dinner hours
If you go to pubs with a certain type of clientele then it's less kid friendly!
Why order by the pint? I thought they used the metric system?
Idk that's just how it is!
We use a mix of both. Beer is always pints
Fascinating to hear it explained like this; I'm not much of a pub-goer, but I still felt like I knew most of this inherently somehow? Interesting how you just soak up culture by just being part of it. Great video!
Thank you!
Ill be in london in 2 weeks so thank you for this video lookin forward to hittin up a pub cant wait🙌
Enjoy!
Odd question but do they only serve beers and ciders at pubs? Like no cocktails..at all? lol
Not odd at all! They do serve cocktails too!
Go to the great city of Liverpool beer is half the price of that in London ?
Yeah, but if it's anything like Greenall Whitley used to be you'd be better off drinking the washing up water...
Why is this specifically London? It's the same across the Uk and most places are a lot better and friendlier than London.
Hi Chris, my CZcams channel is for people who are visiting London. Yes, it can apply for most of the UK.
Different pubs are different. Generally it's friendlier outside London but not always and can be the other way round. London wouldn't normally be unfriendly but they won't be your best mates either, just straightforward service.
There is no etiquette, just don't push in if there's a queue but by the time you reach the bar, mainly if there's lots of people, the bar staff just serve whoever randomly (or they serve the ones they know first)
There's quite a lot of etiquette actually. We mostly do it without thinking as everyone understands.
don’t forget that most pubs will let you try a drink before ordering. Don’t be afraid to ask, be better to have a small taste before than end up with a pint you don’t like.
Good tip!
do yourself a favour dont ask for "bardled" beer, "vardker" or "Scartch"
*Bahtled vahdka Scahtch.
General American would pronounce the R in those words.
I was in a Cameron's pub in York, when a couple of American tourists asked for "Two schooners of Strongarm Ale." which totally confused the barman. To him, a schooner was a largish sherry glass. Eventually they pointed to some pint jacobean style glass mugs and told him that they were "schooners".
In the UK draught beer is sold by the pint or half-pint. That's what to order; If as part of the order, you prefer a particular style of glass, you can easily add that requirement to your order: Like a Yorkshireman in the south of England avoiding those awful dimple mugs by saying: "A pint of bitter please... in a straight glass, not a bloody jug."