Many customers of pubs do not quite understand the difference between a bar and a pub. Most visitors believe that these names can mean the same place. In fact, this is not so at all. Bar and pub have differences, and significant. These are two completely different institutions.
Origin history
The first thing that distinguishes a pub from a bar is its history of origin. Traditional British institutions appeared even before the creation of Great Britain as an independent state. The Roman Empire organized a very effective road network to quickly move its army to these lands. So that travelers could relax, wait out the bad weather or find out exactly where they are, enterprising people began to open new institutions. They served food and alcohol.
Over time, the Romans nevertheless left Britain, but the pubs did not stop opening. As a result, there are too many such establishments. Then the king decided to enact a law prohibiting the opening of more than one pub in one city or village. So the pubs became a resting place where almost all the locals gather in the evenings.
In the establishments at that time, it was not beer that was served, but ale. Each pub brewed this drink according to its own unique recipe, which was kept secret. Two types of this drink were common: light (they drank it like water to quench thirst) and strong.
The name of the institution comes from the English phrase "Public House". So before they called restaurants that served alcoholic beverages.
And the name "bar" has American roots. Initially, only the bar counter was called so, but gradually the rest of the establishment began to call this word. Behind the counter outside the visitor’s visibility are shelves (the so-called “back bar”), on which dishes and bottles with alcoholic beverages are stored.
Most often, the client sitting at the counter can order food from the menu, even if the bar is part of the restaurant, and visitors usually place orders in a completely different area of this establishment. A bar is a place where alcohol is served for immediate consumption. Customers are served by the bartender, who is behind the bar. The institutions that are part of the hotel are better known as “long bars” (in English - long bars) and “hotel lounges” (in English - hotel lounges).
Pub - a place where residents of provincial English cities are going to chat and have a drink. Pubs are often opened by brewery owners. Bars are located mainly in large cities.
Visitors
The next thing that distinguishes a pub from a bar is visitors. A pub is a quiet place. It can be visited by whole families. It is aimed at people of all ages. In such an institution, even a child accompanied by an adult can come. This is another answer to the question: what is the difference between a bar and a pub.
Bar - a place where minors are not allowed. Mostly young people go to these establishments. Here you can hear loud, energetic music. Often a DJ works in the bar; this establishment is intended for large, noisy and cheerful companies.
Menu
Pub is a traditional drinking establishment. But it is always possible to order a full lunch or dinner.
The menu in the bar is not very diverse, it is fast food, food for a quick snack and snacks.
Alcohol
The main thing that distinguishes a pub from a bar is its range of drinks. The bar offers customers a variety of alcoholic drinks of various strengths. These are cocktails, wine, beer and other alcohol.
In the pub, the main drink is beer. In such an institution you can try several types of lager and ale, wine and cider. In many pubs, visitors are offered exclusive drinks of their own production.
Kinds
What is the difference between a bar and a pub? Bars for their intended purpose are divided into the following types: cocktail, sports, topless bars, karaoke bars, thematic. Restaurant bars are establishments that are a bar, but have a menu that can be compared to a restaurant.
Pubs are divided into brewing and private, as well as they are divided by territorial basis. In some countries, pubs that provide hotel services are called hotels, and regular hotels are called private hotels (hotel and private hotel, respectively).
Bar and pub are completely different establishments. Only one thing unites them - they sell alcoholic drinks to their client. Atmosphere, an assortment of alcoholic drinks, menus, visitors, a history of origin - that’s how the pub differs from the bar.