If you’re planning on taking vacation in the United Kingdom, you should know how to enjoy one of the most quintessentially British experiences: the pub. As The Daily Mail writes, the wine bar and pub scene, from Warwickshire to Cardiff, is changing. An increasing number of Brits are choosing small wine bars or local restaurants as their preferred watering holes.
Because of this shift, many of the best pubs in the country have had to close their doors, making it that much harder to enjoy what has been a key part of the culture. Having said that, if you’re smart and you know what to look for, you can still find small wine bars and pubs that embody the spirit of camaraderie and relaxation that has made them staples of UK culture for ages.
How to Search for and Spot the Best Small Wine Bars and Pubs in the UK
- Use Trusted Online and Offline Drinking Publications
- Harness the Power of Mobile Applications
- Trial by Fire
One of the best ways to track down the country’s best drinking establishments is by diving into the country’s best drinking magazines. The Good Pub Guide, for instance, offers reviews of the best restaurants, pubs, and wine bars across the country. Since the guide is written for Brits, you don’t have to worry about being driven to tourist traps, as is so often the case when getting recommendations from other sources.
Mobile technology has made it easier than ever before to find restaurants and bars, so long as you know which apps to use. The London Pub Crawl Company has built and made available a number of mobile applications with the singular purpose of connecting great pubs with fans of the pub lifestyle. One of the apps lets users build and follow their own pub crawls, while the other is more like a Yelp-style review service for pubs only. Both apps are free and easy ways to track down the best spots in the country.
Even with readily available literature and technology, the single best way to find a great pub is by trial and error. If you spot a pub while wandering around London, give it a try. Check out the selection of beer and liquors, try to get a feel for the clientele and the atmosphere, and watch how your bartender pours your drinks — nothing says “bad pub” like a poorly poured Guinness. This is doubtlessly the most expensive way to find a place you like, but it’s also the best way to find something that really fits.
Are you a UK pub regular? What advice do you have for visitors looking for a good watering hole? Share your thoughts in the comments below. See this link for more references: www.regencyarms.co.uk
