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Back in 1943, George Orwell wrote an essay on what he thought the best English pub should have. I thought that I would look at his requirements for the perfect English pub and make comments about American Bourbon Bars.

First of all he said the perfect English pub should be Victorian in décor. No glass top tables with plenty of wood without any plastic, fake décor. I would agree that American Bourbon bars need to have plenty of character and without too many fake décor pieces. Next he wrote that in winter there should be a fireplace with a good roaring fire and plenty of elbow room for the patrons. Who does not like a cozy fire in the winter with comfortable chairs to relax in while enjoying a drink of whiskey? This sounds perfect to me. Next, there should be allowed game playing only in public places so patrons do not have to dodge darts while enjoying a drink. Darts are not that big of a thing in America, but I can see his point.

His next point is a pet peeve of mine. There should be no radio or piano playing so that people can enjoy conversation without having to shout at each other. I would go so far as to add no television. When I want to join some friends for a drink, I hate very noisy bars where you cannot hear each other. The bar staff should know the customers by name and take an interest in them. This is always a good thing when you enjoy a drink with friends. Friendly attitude goes a long way to making the evening enjoyable. Nothing ruins a good drink more than a bad attitude. 

There should be a good snack bar where you can get cheeses, pickles and other bites to enjoy with your drink. This sounds good to me for any Bourbon bar. There should also be an upstairs dining room where you can get lunch in an English pub. Food service is a very good idea when drinking with friends, I am not sure that it needs to be “upstairs” but a separate dining area is a good idea.

George Orwell also believed that the beer needs to be served in a mug with a handle, no glasses without handles. I agree that the whiskey needs to be served in whiskey glasses when served neat, without ice. The appropriate cocktail glass for cocktails is also a plus. 

Finally, the perfect English pub should have a garden where families can go and enjoy the evening, so the family can enjoy the night out as well as the man. This seems a bit sexist in this day and age, but I agree that an outdoor seating area is nice in the warmer months for everyone.

These are the requirements, according to George Orwell, for the perfect English pub. He admits that hardly any pub meets all of these requirements, but some come close to meeting them. I think that it is a very good list for pubs and Bourbon bars. What do you think?

Photos Courtesy of Rosemary Miller