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What makes a really great bar or pub ?

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What makes a really great bar or pub ?

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Old Mar 16, 2012 | 10:59 pm
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Bars where I don't have to wait 20 minutes for a drink & have to deal with attitude.. lol
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Old Mar 17, 2012 | 1:04 am
  #62  
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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
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Old Mar 17, 2012 | 7:44 pm
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Originally Posted by thebat
A heavy handed bartender always helps!
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.
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Old Mar 23, 2012 | 11:25 am
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Originally Posted by Showbizguru
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
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.
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Old Mar 28, 2012 | 12:39 pm
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Originally Posted by jsdickinson
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.
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Old Mar 28, 2012 | 1:46 pm
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Originally Posted by Serpent
1. Good selections of beer and liquor.
2. Good bartenders/staff.
3. Good non-healthy food
4. I need to be able to hear my friends and talk to them without yelling at the top of my lungs.
5. No loud music. Background music is fine.
6. Us regulars need a couple of reserved bar stools/tables
7. Couple of TVs is fine...long as its not too loud unless championship game/race/match.
+1 to all of these too
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Old Mar 31, 2012 | 11:42 pm
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- 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.
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 1:36 pm
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Originally Posted by Serpent
A bartender that will hold a specific beer for you knowing that you come in every Friday

...

1. Good selections of beer and liquor.
2. Good bartenders/staff.
3. Good non-healthy food
4. I need to be able to hear my friends and talk to them without yelling at the top of my lungs.
5. No loud music. Background music is fine.
6. Us regulars need a couple of reserved bar stools/tables
7. Couple of TVs is fine...long as its not too loud unless championship game/race/match.
Great list, nothing to add ^
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Old Apr 10, 2012 | 6:44 am
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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.
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Old Apr 10, 2012 | 7:25 am
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Originally Posted by Showbizguru
What makes a really great bar or pub ?
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.
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Old Apr 10, 2012 | 8:39 am
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Originally Posted by Sweet Willie
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.
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Old Apr 10, 2012 | 2:22 pm
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atmosphere/character, great beer selection, clean taps and good clientele.
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Old Apr 15, 2012 | 10:39 am
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internet jukebox, attractive girls, few to no d-bags, bartenders give me free booze.
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