Bars where I don't have to wait 20 minutes for a drink & have to deal with attitude.. lol

Any FTers travelling to London and looking for a pub that comes close to George Orwell's description in the OP wouldn't go far wrong with this place.It's just a stagger from Trafalgar Square.

www.harpcoventgarden.com

As a very lightweight social drinker, that usually is over the top for me. I ordered a single shot of Scotch (neat) once and got what I viewed as a tumbler. Way too much for me to stomach. But I appreciated his efforts to give me such a long pour. He was tipped well and my business partner got a buzz on courtesy of that huge pour.

Sadly it's so good and well known these days that it can be tough to get a seat. Last night there were people halfway up the road on both sides drinking! Some excellent independent ciders on tap.

That's part of the charm. On a warm summers evening it is a fine place for a couple of post work ales.

+1 to all of these too

- Good selection of spirits and beer.
- The feeling of the pub being a small community in its own right. A pub is soul less without regulars.
- Further to that, there should be a good cross-section of regulars. From CEO's to tradesmen.
- Friendly staff
- Regulars should not have to leave at closing.

Thankfully, all these qualities are found in my local. Although of late, "staffies" seems to be occuring back at my place, which isn't such a concern as the staff are all female students in their early 20's.

Great list, nothing to add ^

Leffe beer on tap, good selection of crisps, attractive bar ladies, and a selection of pies on the menu. Oh, and comfortable seating.

Also, in the summer a pub garden is a must, and in the winter a fire place is a bonus.

simple answer: a bar/pub that fits my mood.

While I like and generally seek out the pub that Orwell describes, one would get bored to tears of that experience day in/day out, at least I hope one would!!

I recently vacationed in Florida, I generally don't seek out 'redneck' bars but during our week there Mrs Sweet Willie & I found ourselves in more down n dirty oyster bars with country/rock blaring from the jukebox, drinking cold cheap beers & slurping down oysters, it was heaven.

:)^ Sounds wonderful. I'd agree, variety is the spice of life. Sometimes it's a fine Jazz bar, other times just a quiet cocktail lounge. Never tried "redneck" bars, but would not discount them.

atmosphere/character, great beer selection, clean taps and good clientele.

internet jukebox, attractive girls, few to no d-bags, bartenders give me free booze.