Those of us who have spent time in the UK (we lived there for many decades) one of the must do’s and a genuine pleasure is to stop into a pub, sit down, have a pint and a chin-wag. Understanding what a pint is (a delicious beer or ale that Britain is known for. The British pub (short for “public house”) is far more than just a place to grab a drink; it is the secular heart of British social life. In a world that is increasingly digital and isolated, the pub remains a “third space” where the atmosphere is thick with history, hospitality, and a very specific kind of comfort. There are thousands of them around the UK, and each is unique, bedded into the crowds who loyally attend. The best pubs feel like an extension of a cozy home.
Many historic pubs have small, partitioned areas called “snugs.” Originally designed for people who wanted to drink discreetly, they are now the most coveted spots for a private, quiet conversation. One of the most beloved elements of a proper pub is Quirky Names: Part of the fun is the naming tradition. Whether it’s The Red Lion, The Yeoman’s Warder, or The Leg of Mutton, every name usually tells a story about the local history or a former king.
Sadly, according to CityAm, pubs are closing at an alarming level. One pub a day closed its doors in 2025 as businesses were forced to battle mounting cost pressures and an increasingly heavy tax burden. What’s in it for you? If you don’t act fast, the ever changing, never changing Pub scene will go poof! Don’t make that mistake. The nice thing about pubs is that, for now anyway, they’re still around. Another plus is that you usually can walk (or hobble) your way home. Don’t want to drive back? Taxis are plentiful. Finally, fab hotels and hostels are right next door, all with your style and your budgets. How about the Novotel London Bridge?
Centrally located in London, Novotel London Bridge has a rooftop leisure suite with a gym. Guests are 5 minutes’ walk from Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern. London Bridge Station is 700 metres away, for easy Tube access to the West End. The London Eye and St. Paul’s Cathedral are a 5-minute taxi ride or a short Tube journey away. It’s everything that you’d wish for in London. To book, click here
London is just one place. England is filled with wonder. Get Your Guide can get you there. Click here to book
World Nomads have excellent health-care travel packages around. To sign up, click here
You may want to see the sights. Discover cars have your ride. But don’t drink and drive! Click here