{"id":11529,"date":"2023-03-28T12:05:53","date_gmt":"2023-03-28T16:05:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cf-staging.takewalks.com\/blog2\/?p=11529"},"modified":"2026-08-19T19:25:12","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T17:25:12","slug":"english-pub-rules","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/english-pub-rules\/","title":{"rendered":"7 English Pub Rules: Tips for Every Visitor"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Pubs are a huge part of British culture and social life. <strong>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<\/strong>. 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 <strong>English pub rules<\/strong>. From how to order at the bar to the unwritten etiquette that makes a visit to the pub such a quintessentially British experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here are the seven English pub rules<\/strong> <strong>you need to remember to ensure an authentic experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-6f07970f\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"799\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-6f07970f\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Devour_London_Pubs-and-History_WEB-RES-0004-Temp.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"Pouring ale from a beer tap\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Devour_London_Pubs-and-History_WEB-RES-0004-Temp.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Devour_London_Pubs-and-History_WEB-RES-0004-Temp-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Devour_London_Pubs-and-History_WEB-RES-0004-Temp-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Devour_London_Pubs-and-History_WEB-RES-0004-Temp-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\n<figcaption class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-1a73e3b0 gb-headline-text\">British pub etiquette can seem daunting, but we&#8217;ve got you covered!<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #443d47;color:#443d47\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #443d47;color:#443d47\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/english-pub-rules\/#The_English_Pub_Rules_You_Need_to_Know\" title=\"The English Pub Rules You Need to Know \">The English Pub Rules You Need to Know <\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/english-pub-rules\/#Round_%E2%80%98n_Round\" title=\"Round \u2018n\u2019 Round\">Round \u2018n\u2019 Round<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/english-pub-rules\/#Order_at_the_Bar\" title=\"Order at the Bar\">Order at the Bar<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/english-pub-rules\/#Talk_Dont_Talk\" title=\"Talk, Don\u2019t Talk\">Talk, Don\u2019t Talk<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/english-pub-rules\/#Send_a_Delegate_to_the_Bar\" title=\"Send a Delegate to the Bar\">Send a Delegate to the Bar<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/english-pub-rules\/#Know_What_You_Want\" title=\"Know What You Want\">Know What You Want<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/english-pub-rules\/#Skip_the_Tip\" title=\"Skip the Tip\">Skip the Tip<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/english-pub-rules\/#Closing_Time\" title=\"Closing Time\">Closing Time<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/english-pub-rules\/#English_Pub_Rules_FAQ\" title=\"English Pub Rules FAQ\">English Pub Rules FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/english-pub-rules\/#What_is_the_drinking-up_time_in_a_British_pub\" title=\"What is the drinking-up time in a British pub?&nbsp;\">What is the drinking-up time in a British pub?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/english-pub-rules\/#Are_children_allowed_in_English_pubs\" title=\"Are children allowed in English pubs?&nbsp;\">Are children allowed in English pubs?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/english-pub-rules\/#What_is_the_etiquette_for_tipping_in_English_pubs\" title=\"What is the etiquette for tipping in English pubs?\">What is the etiquette for tipping in English pubs?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/english-pub-rules\/#Are_pets_allowed_in_English_pubs\" title=\"Are pets allowed in English pubs?\">Are pets allowed in English pubs?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_English_Pub_Rules_You_Need_to_Know\"><\/span>The English Pub Rules You Need to Know <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9403170d gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Round_%E2%80%98n_Round\"><\/span><strong>Round \u2018n\u2019 Round<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When you\u2019re drinking in a pub with a group or even one other person, it is customary to take turns buying the whole round for everyone.<\/strong> Instead of building up a tab, like in restaurants, you pay as you go for each time drinks are ordered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re out drinking with Brits you don\u2019t 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&#8217;s a large group,\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"799\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Devour_London_Pubs-and-History_WEB-RES-0009-Temp.jpg\" alt=\"A round of 8 pints of beer on a tray, to illustrate one of the unwritten English pub rules, buy in rounds \" class=\"wp-image-11535\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Devour_London_Pubs-and-History_WEB-RES-0009-Temp.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Devour_London_Pubs-and-History_WEB-RES-0009-Temp-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Devour_London_Pubs-and-History_WEB-RES-0009-Temp-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Devour_London_Pubs-and-History_WEB-RES-0009-Temp-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Buying drinks in rounds is a a very British thing!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-5354984e gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Order_at_the_Bar\"><\/span><strong>Order at the Bar<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want a drink at a pub, and that\u2019s why you\u2019re here, right?, then<strong> march yourself up to the bar and order from the bartender<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s 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\u2019t the Continent. It\u2019s not the United States. It\u2019s Great Britain. <strong>Here you order at the bar.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<strong> It also allows you to practice that other British-drinking tradition: taking turns buying rounds (See rule #1 for a refresher).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traveler&#8217;s tip<\/strong>: If you want a personal introduction to English pub rules, consider taking <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/london\/tours\/historic-pubs-food-tour\/\">our London\u2019s Historic Pubs Food Tour<\/a><\/strong>. Not only will you bar hop between historic pubs and taverns, but you&#8217;ll discover first-hand how to enjoy English pubs like a local.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Devour_London_Pub_Tour_0058.webp\" alt=\"Several friends sit at a wooden table in a cozy London pub, smiling and toasting with glasses of beer and cider.\" class=\"wp-image-22872\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Devour_London_Pub_Tour_0058.webp 900w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Devour_London_Pub_Tour_0058-600x400.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Devour_London_Pub_Tour_0058-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Why not take a tour of London\u00b4s oldest taverns, and discover history while you have a cheeky drink!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-bf3be671 gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Talk_Dont_Talk\"><\/span><strong>Talk, Don\u2019t Talk<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The bar counter is one of the few places in the country where locals feel comfortable shedding their culturally conditioned aloofness. <strong>So, if you\u2019re standing at the bar, waiting to order, feel free to make small talk<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there\u2019s a particular way to talk to a British person you\u2019re just meeting for the first time. Outstretching your hand and saying, \u201cHowdy, I\u2019m Bob from Dubuque!\u201d won\u2019t win you many new friends in England. Instead, <strong>make a witty comment about the weather or the song playing in the background.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Two-people-toasting-with-whiskey.jpg\" alt=\"Two women toasting with a whiskey cocktail in a distillery\" class=\"wp-image-20268\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Two-people-toasting-with-whiskey.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Two-people-toasting-with-whiskey-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Two-people-toasting-with-whiskey-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Two-people-toasting-with-whiskey-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Having a drink is a good way to meet people and enjoy some small talk at the bar!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-a212f003 gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Send_a_Delegate_to_the_Bar\"><\/span><strong>Send a Delegate to the Bar<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once seated at a cozy booth or table, don\u2019t all rush the bar together! Otherwise, the bartender will be overwhelmed, the other patrons will be confused, and you\u2019ll just cause general annoyance.\u00a0<strong>Instead, pick the person to collect everyone\u2019s drink order, usually whoever\u00b4s  turn it is to buy a round, and then they approach the bar.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you know, Brits like to form an orderly queue. But, you\u2019ll find the bar counter is one of the few places where there is disorder. And yet, it\u2019s not really disorderly at all. Everyone standing at the bar, from patrons to bartender, all know in their heads who is next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, please <strong>don\u2019t snap your fingers, clap your hands, whistle, yell out at the bartender or any such thing<\/strong>. Your turn will come and everyone knows when that is, even if you don\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-30e2a6d5\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"799\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-30e2a6d5\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Devour_London_Pubs-and-History_WEB-RES-0008-Temp-web.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"Devour_London_Pubs-and-History_WEB-RES-0008-Temp-web\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Devour_London_Pubs-and-History_WEB-RES-0008-Temp-web.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Devour_London_Pubs-and-History_WEB-RES-0008-Temp-web-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Devour_London_Pubs-and-History_WEB-RES-0008-Temp-web-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Devour_London_Pubs-and-History_WEB-RES-0008-Temp-web-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-6074c04d gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Know_What_You_Want\"><\/span><strong>Know What You Want<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>One major English pub rule is to know what you want before you get the bartender&#8217;s attention<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If, when you finally get the bartender\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, just saying you\u2019d like a \u201cbeer\u201d would be like ordering a \u201cpasta\u201d at an Italian restaurant! Or a \u201csausage\u201d in a German beer hall, or a \u201cglass of wine\u201d at a tapas bar in Rioja! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>So, if you&#8217;re ordering beer, the first choice is generally the size and type of beer<\/strong>. In UK pubs, people drink pints or half pints &#8211; although you would usually just refer to this as &#8220;a half&#8221;.  <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pint\">A standard UK pint is just over half a litre at <strong>568ml<\/strong>. <\/a>You can also ask for a <strong>half pint<\/strong> if you&#8217;d prefer something smaller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In terms of beer types\/styles: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>lager<\/strong> is light, crisp and refreshing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>pale ale<\/strong> is typically more hoppy and full of flavour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>bitter<\/strong> is a traditional British ale with a malty, slightly bitter taste<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>stout<\/strong> and <strong>porter<\/strong> are darker, richer beers with roasted flavours<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re not sure what to choose, simply ask the bartender what beers they recommend, they&#8217;ll usually be happy to point you towards something you&#8217;ll enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note: if a pint of Guinness is part of your order, request it first: the two-part pour that involves Guinness is time consuming.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traveler&#8217;s tip<\/strong>: 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/oldest-pubs-in-london\">guide to the oldest pubs in London<\/a> to get you started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Pouring-a-Guinness-pint-beer.jpg\" alt=\"Waiter pouring a pint of beer Guinness, one of the unwritten english pub rules is to always order a guinness first due to the two-part pour process\" class=\"wp-image-20281\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Pouring-a-Guinness-pint-beer.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Pouring-a-Guinness-pint-beer-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Pouring-a-Guinness-pint-beer-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Pouring-a-Guinness-pint-beer-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pouring a Guinness is an art with a two-part process.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9d4daff8 gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Skip_the_Tip\"><\/span><strong>Skip the Tip<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It might feel weird and awkward, especially if you are American. But, <strong>one of the top English pub rules is you\u2019re not obliged to tip.<\/strong> Buying a drink is not seen as something you need to give a tip for, especially not every round!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you do want to leave a tip there are a couple of ways to do it&#8230; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>It\u2019s okay to round-up<\/strong>. For example if your beer is \u00a32.75, just give 3<strong> <\/strong>and say \u201cthank you\u201d or &#8220;keep the change&#8221;. This change will often be put in a tips jar on the bar which will be shared between the team later. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alternatively,  it is also customary to offer to <strong>buy the bartender a drink<\/strong>. After your order is complete, you can say, \u201cAnd one for yourself?\u201d. 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Devour_London_Pub-Tour_0072res-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A bustling London pub features round tables, red cushioned chairs, and a vibrant stained glass window under warm, inviting lighting.\" class=\"wp-image-13398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Devour_London_Pub-Tour_0072res-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Devour_London_Pub-Tour_0072res-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Devour_London_Pub-Tour_0072res-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Devour_London_Pub-Tour_0072res-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">For generations, the pub has served as the pulse of community life in London, and beyond.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-032e5e9c gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Closing_Time\"><\/span><strong><strong>Closing Time<\/strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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 &#8220;Last orders&#8221; warning. This is so you have time to order your last drink before they can no longer serve alcohol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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, <strong>\u201cLast orders at the bar!\u201d. <\/strong>This is one English pub rule that can be amusing for first time witnesses, but it really is a cultural norm for locals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After 11pm, you might also hear the bartender or doorman shouting \u201cfinish your drinks off now please\u201d. This is usually at around 11:20 pm and means, drink up, down the hatch; it\u2019s time to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"English_Pub_Rules_FAQ\"><\/span>English Pub Rules FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_drinking-up_time_in_a_British_pub\"><\/span>What is the drinking-up time in a British pub?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Drinking-up time refers to the grace period after the last call when patrons can finish their drinks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_children_allowed_in_English_pubs\"><\/span>Are children allowed in English pubs?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many pubs allow children but have restrictions based on time and age. Always check with the pub.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_etiquette_for_tipping_in_English_pubs\"><\/span>What is the etiquette for tipping in English pubs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tipping is not obligatory, but you can offer to &#8220;buy the bartender a drink&#8221; as a token of appreciation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_pets_allowed_in_English_pubs\"><\/span>Are pets allowed in English pubs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some pubs welcome pets, particularly dogs, but it\u2019s best to confirm beforehand.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Devour_London_Pub_Tour_0023.webp\" alt=\"A smiling bartender in a blue vest serves beer from behind the bar at a warmly lit London pub, shelves behind him.\" class=\"wp-image-22873\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Devour_London_Pub_Tour_0023.webp 900w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Devour_London_Pub_Tour_0023-600x400.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Devour_London_Pub_Tour_0023-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cheers!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Discover the stories, characters, and beers behind London\u2019s most historic pubs on our fascinating&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksdevour.com\/london\/tours\/historic-pubs-food-tour\/\">Food Tour of London\u2019s Historic Pubs<\/a>! From traditional taverns to former haunts of legendary authors, you\u2019ll discover that the history of this lively capital lies as much in its pubs as it does in its legendary landmarks.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you walk into a British pub, check your cultural practices from back home at the door. Instead, follow these 7 English pub rules.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":11536,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[625,628],"tags":[697,696,698],"ppma_author":[667],"class_list":["post-11529","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-london-city-guide","category-london-food-and-wine","tag-beer","tag-food-and-drink","tag-local-customs","no-featured-image-padding"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>7 English Pub Rules: Tips for Every Visitor<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover the essential English pub rules! 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