These days, it's quite rare to come across a pub which still
has two bars - too expensive, i suppose, in terms of staffing
and use of space. But until only a couple of decades ago, it
was still common. The "lounge" and the
"public bar" were known by various names in various parts of
the country. As well as the sex divide, there were other
reasons (which, again, varied by location). For instance, the
lounge might ban work clothes and muddy boots; the bar might
be where you'd find pub games (darts, shoveha'penny, etc).
Often, the seating, decor and so on would be rather nicer in
the lounge - and the drinks might be a penny dearer, to
reflect that. Way back, respectable people would never set
foot in the bar, and working men wouldn't dream of going into
the lounge. In more recent times, I can remember that I would
use the lounge if I was on a date with a girlfriend; it was
quieter, more comfortable, more suited to sitting and
chatting. If i was out for an evening with the lads, of
course, I'd use the bar. (The "snug" or "snuggery" was
usually a small room, or bar area; a kind of
uber-lounge).
- Mat C - who knows far more about pubs than nine out of ten
doctors recommend.
<A HREF="
http://hometown.aol.co.uk/matcoward/myhomepage/newsletter.html">
http://hometown.aol.co.uk/matcoward/myhomepage/newsletter.html>
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