"Don't just go into a pub and ask for a glass of beer. It's like going into a candy store and asking for something sweet" - The London Pub Survival Guide

News

My own "local" - the Princess of Wales, Chalcot Street, London NW1, has received the Reviewers London Pub of the Year from Fancyapint.com

Under proposed new legislation, we may be predominantly getting our beer in a two thirds of a pint measure ("twother") soon. Hope it's not just an excuse to put the prices up!

Beer

Pubs are not just about beer - there is something for everybody. But it is a major part of pub life.

"Don't just go into a pub and ask for a glass of beer. It's like going into a candy store and asking for something sweet" - The London Pub Survival Guide

The Author

Phil's photo

My friends, and probably enemies too, will insist that I am very well qualified to write this sort of book by dint of experience. I have to say that a slightly excessive liking for beer and wine seems to have been of some influence.

I am not a Social Researcher, but an enthusiastic pub-goer of many years standing (sometimes sitting, and very occasionally prone).

What I have done is visit pubs all over the place. This was possible because I had various company responsibilities that took me to many places throughout the UK (and abroad as well).

I've also seen it from the other side of the bar when, in my youth, I worked as a barman in Cornwall, right on the South West tip of England.

The London Pub Survival Guide

by Phil Parkin

The London Pub Survival Guide - How to get served! How to enjoy! - this ebook is a fun read! – all about what to do in pubs, how to do it and what goes on. Packed with facts, tips and funny stories, it will inform and amuse even if you are an experienced pub-goer.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT? - There is one MAJOR tip in this book on "How to get served" that is worth the price of the book alone - and there are dozens more for all situations.

But even if you are an experienced pub-goer, you will get a lot out of this light-hearted guide.

It contains LOADS of tips and information - and many amusing stories as well.

What do I want for it?

Well, there is a tradition between friends who drink together that if a small service is provided from one to the other that when the receiver says "How much do I owe you", the giver says "Oh, just buy me a pint".

But as you are not in a position to buy me a pint right now, I'll ask for $4.70 and buy my own.

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Thanks if you do. Just click on the Shop button to go to our shop where you can purchase and immediately download your Pub Survival Guide.

Whilst a few pubs are mentioned in passing, primarily this is information as to what to do and what to expect in and from pubs in general.

I concentrate mainly on the type of pubs and bars found in London's tourist, business and shopping areas, but the principles apply throughout the UK and I do explain about other types of pubs as well.

What are they? - When are they open? - Who can go in?

What constitutes a pub; all about when they are open; people in pubs; young people; pets

How to get served

Even when it's busy - the rules on what to do and how to do it; how to order - food and drink; what to do if you are in a group - this section includes the single most important tip to make sure you get served!

How to pay

Tipping; taxes and receipts

Pubs galore

All about different types of pubs and information (and a little history) to help you make your selection - Coaching Inns; Student Pubs; Gin Palaces; "Bistro" and "Gastro" Pubs; Family Pubs; Bars;

Pubs for business and leisure

What is a local? - find out about the local and its regular customers; the role of the landlord; how to become part of the local scene

A Bird's Eye View

The woman's perspective on entering pubs - what to do and what not to do; the single female; ladies en masse

Drink and be merry

All about booze - measures and prices - English beer; shandy and "top"; cider; wine; spirits; cocktails and other drinks

Food glorious food

What sort of food you can expect in pubs around London

Games

Some information on some of the more traditional games

Talk, talk, talk

Conversations in pubs; the things Brits talk about and a few hints

Pubs and beer

A recent history - all about the drinks retail and brewing business; CAMRA (The CAmpaign for Real Ale)

All this AND a great read for less than the price of a pint of good English ale!

The Pub Survival Guide