German brauhaus, French bistros? Forgeddit! Raise your glasses because we’re about to serve up some real ace pubs around Great Britain – to good health!
If there’s one thing the Brits have given the rest of the world apart from cricket, the industrial revolution and the steam locomotive, is great pubs.
It seems to be an ongoing debate among historians around Britain’s oldest pub, so which one is it?
Well, the building of ‘Ye Olde Fighting Cocks’ apparently dates back around one thousand years, making it one of the oldest pubs in England.
It was open as a tavern in the 17th century during a time when cock fighting was in vogue if the name is anything to go by (fashions come and go as we know and an animal rights group is now less charmed by the name).
Fighting cocks or not, the Brits have never been known for being shy of a tipple or two, however in the early 18th century the average Londoner was knocking back an astonishing 14 gallons of gin per year.
The over the top consumption of ‘Mother’s Ruin’ resulted in beer being considered a pretty healthy alternative (hey, who’s to argue with the benefits of Vitamin B) and at the time, beer was after all safer to drink than the city’s water.
Fast-forward a quarter of a millennia and today’s pubs have become a British institution.
Luckily gin is still on the menu, but perhaps, luckily again, now served in shyer quantities and probably with a dash more tonic.
Fortunately for the Brits there is always a reason for a pit-stop at the local gin mill – it’s your birthday, is your friend’s birthday, you owe your friend a drink, your friend owes you a drink, you’re happy, you’re sad…and the list goes on.
So for your next trip to the UK make sure you do yourself a favour and seek out these pubs for a couple of Britneys.
The Marksman, Hackney, London
The Marksman has received the Michelin Pub of the Year accolade for 2017.
Expect local beer, ales and lagers and culinary delights.
Getting there: located in London’s Hackney, The Marksman is best reached by Hoxton overground station.
The Spinners Arms, Cumbria, England
Housed in a Grade II listed building, The Spinners Arms in Cumbria is an ideal haunt for those who appreciate the culinary complexities of a good pint.
Getting there: located in Carlisle, Cumbria, The Spinners Arms is less than two hours by car from Blackpool in England.
The Bushmills Inn, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
The Bushmills Inn has been a spot for saddle-weary travellers heading to the causeway since 1608. Not only is the Inn a 41-bedroom hotel, it also houses its own award-winning restaurant.
Getting there: located in Northern Ireland, the Inn is a 80-minute drive from Belfast.
Babbity Bowster, Scotland
Built on the site of an old monastery, Babbity Bowster is the perfect spot for a pint in Scotland’s second city Glasgow.
Getting there: located in Glasgow city centre, the pub is a short walk from the High Street Station.
The Griffin Inn, Llyswen, Wales
The Griffin Inn dates back to 1647, is dog-friendly, and promises homely hospitality, locally sourced produce, and a selection of real ales and fine wines.
Getting there: located in the heart of Wales, The Griffin Inn is a 75-minute drive from Cardiff.
For more ideas for your next visit to Great Britain visit www.visitbritain.com