Pubs are a huge part of British culture and social life. From the southern tip of England to the far north of Scotland and across Northern Ireland, the UK is home to around 45,000 pubs. And, for visitors, experiencing the good old English Pub is an integral part of the travel experience. Each pub has its own story, character and local following. But before you pull up a stool and order a drink, it helps to know a few English pub rules. From how to order at the bar to the unwritten etiquette that makes a visit to the pub such a quintessentially British experience.
Here are the seven English pub rules you need to remember to ensure an authentic experience.
The English Pub Rules You Need to Know
Round ‘n’ Round
The reciprocal round buying of drinks in an English pub tradition. In fact, it is as sacred a British tradition as the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace or having a roast dinner on a Sunday.
When you’re drinking in a pub with a group or even one other person, it is customary to take turns buying the whole round for everyone. Instead of building up a tab, like in restaurants, you pay as you go for each time drinks are ordered.
If you’re out drinking with Brits you don’t need to pull out your wallet every time you order, but your turn will come to pay for the whole round of drinks. And, if it’s a large group, and you think you can get away without buying a round, think again! Brits quietly pay attention to who has and who has not had their turn. And, so the rounds continue until everyone has paid their way.
Order at the Bar
If you want a drink at a pub, and that’s why you’re here, right?, then march yourself up to the bar and order from the bartender.
It’s a telling sight that the people are tourists when a small group stroll into a British pub and sit down at a table. Then, with increasing impatience, they await a server to come by to take their order. This isn’t the Continent. It’s not the United States. It’s Great Britain. Here you order at the bar.
This actually is a benefit to the drinker. It means that if you want another drink, you need not wait for the busy server to come around. Instead, you can make a beeline for the bar and get your own drink when you want it. It also allows you to practice that other British-drinking tradition: taking turns buying rounds (See rule #1 for a refresher).
Traveler’s tip: If you want a personal introduction to English pub rules, consider taking our London’s Historic Pubs Food Tour. Not only will you bar hop between historic pubs and taverns, but you’ll discover first-hand how to enjoy English pubs like a local.
Talk, Don’t Talk
The bar counter is one of the few places in the country where locals feel comfortable shedding their culturally conditioned aloofness. So, if you’re standing at the bar, waiting to order, feel free to make small talk.
However, there’s a particular way to talk to a British person you’re just meeting for the first time. Outstretching your hand and saying, “Howdy, I’m Bob from Dubuque!” won’t win you many new friends in England. Instead, make a witty comment about the weather or the song playing in the background.
Send a Delegate to the Bar
Once seated at a cozy booth or table, don’t all rush the bar together! Otherwise, the bartender will be overwhelmed, the other patrons will be confused, and you’ll just cause general annoyance. Instead, pick the person to collect everyone’s drink order, usually whoever´s turn it is to buy a round, and then they approach the bar.
As you know, Brits like to form an orderly queue. But, you’ll find the bar counter is one of the few places where there is disorder. And yet, it’s not really disorderly at all. Everyone standing at the bar, from patrons to bartender, all know in their heads who is next.
So, please don’t snap your fingers, clap your hands, whistle, yell out at the bartender or any such thing. Your turn will come and everyone knows when that is, even if you don’t.
Know What You Want
One major English pub rule is to know what you want before you get the bartender’s attention.
If, when you finally get the bartender’s attention, you take too long to decide what you want, the bartender is going to move on to the next person, and come back to you later.
Also, just saying you’d like a “beer” would be like ordering a “pasta” at an Italian restaurant! Or a “sausage” in a German beer hall, or a “glass of wine” at a tapas bar in Rioja!
So, if you’re ordering beer, the first choice is generally the size and type of beer. In UK pubs, people drink pints or half pints – although you would usually just refer to this as “a half”. A standard UK pint is just over half a litre at 568ml. You can also ask for a half pint if you’d prefer something smaller.
In terms of beer types/styles:
- lager is light, crisp and refreshing
- pale ale is typically more hoppy and full of flavour
- bitter is a traditional British ale with a malty, slightly bitter taste
- stout and porter are darker, richer beers with roasted flavours
If you’re not sure what to choose, simply ask the bartender what beers they recommend, they’ll usually be happy to point you towards something you’ll enjoy.
Note: if a pint of Guinness is part of your order, request it first: the two-part pour that involves Guinness is time consuming.
Traveler’s tip: Headed to London and want to find the most historic pubs in town? Now that you know the top English pub rules, check out our guide to the oldest pubs in London to get you started.
Skip the Tip
It might feel weird and awkward, especially if you are American. But, one of the top English pub rules is you’re not obliged to tip. Buying a drink is not seen as something you need to give a tip for, especially not every round!
If you do want to leave a tip there are a couple of ways to do it…
- It’s okay to round-up. For example if your beer is £2.75, just give 3 and say “thank you” or “keep the change”. This change will often be put in a tips jar on the bar which will be shared between the team later.
- Alternatively, it is also customary to offer to buy the bartender a drink. After your order is complete, you can say, “And one for yourself?”. The staff member will then put through a drink on your tab, which they will either have with you, or later when they finish their shift.
Closing Time
Pubs generally close at 11pm and a few close at midnight on weekends. And in order to ensure they close on time, they will give patrons a “Last orders” warning. This is so you have time to order your last drink before they can no longer serve alcohol.
Last orders is called every night, usually about 20 minutes before closing time, and either comes in the form of the bar staff ringing a bell or shouting, “Last orders at the bar!”. This is one English pub rule that can be amusing for first time witnesses, but it really is a cultural norm for locals.
After 11pm, you might also hear the bartender or doorman shouting “finish your drinks off now please”. This is usually at around 11:20 pm and means, drink up, down the hatch; it’s time to go.
English Pub Rules FAQ
What is the drinking-up time in a British pub?
Drinking-up time refers to the grace period after the last call when patrons can finish their drinks.
Are children allowed in English pubs?
Many pubs allow children but have restrictions based on time and age. Always check with the pub.
What is the etiquette for tipping in English pubs?
Tipping is not obligatory, but you can offer to “buy the bartender a drink” as a token of appreciation.
Are pets allowed in English pubs?
Some pubs welcome pets, particularly dogs, but it’s best to confirm beforehand.
Discover the stories, characters, and beers behind London’s most historic pubs on our fascinating Food Tour of London’s Historic Pubs! From traditional taverns to former haunts of legendary authors, you’ll discover that the history of this lively capital lies as much in its pubs as it does in its legendary landmarks.