What is a Public House?

In the British Isles, a Public House, or Pub, is defined as an establishment licensed to sell alcoholic drinks for consumption on the premises and often serving meals as well. The pub is as much an integral part of British culture and society as baseball here in the States; it can only be removed at the expense of national identity.

While America doesn't have the rich tradition of the public house, we can still create a similar environment, adapted to our own way of being, and here's where the other, more informal definition of the public house comes into play. A public house is exactly that - a public house. It's easy. Think about it.

Here's what you may expect to find at the Brewers Union Local 180:

• A smoke-free, family-friendly environment. Minors are allowed on the West side of the pub until 9 PM.
• A cozy front Parlor, the choice spot for enjoying a pot of Oolong tea, some freshly baked Focaccia bread, and a good book from shelves stocked by our local bookstore.
• A newly constructed Public Bar, with pub meals, wine, cider, brewed soft drinks, and our own cask-conditioned ales served from our six beer engines. The 9 U.K. gallon casks (firkins) can be viewed in the temperature-controlled cellar behind the bar.
• [In the certain future] ... An ice-cream and soda bar in the family side of the pub.
• A small billiards room, with free pool offered weekdays between 12 and 4.
• A music room, with occasional live music sessions. Assorted instruments are available for your enjoyment.
• A reservable meeting room.
• Wall maps for planning your next adventure into the wilderness our down one of the local forest roads.
• Free wireless Internet; inquire at bar.
• A clearing-house for local information.

Our Sister Pub

The Owner and Chief Brewer of the Brewers Union Local 180 wishes to ackowledge The Woolpack Inn, home of the Hardknott Brewery, for shepherding him through brewing, cellaring, bartending, and demonstrating what it means to be a good publican. If you can ever get the chance, you should visit the English Lake District and see what scenery, pubs and good real ale are all about. If you don't get a chance to go, then you need to make one. Dave and Ann have worked tirelessly to create a unique yet traditional (hard to explain) inn, and the beer and food are exceptional.

Acknowledgements also go to the the Prince of Wales Pub and Foxfield Brewery for letting an American through the back door on a windy Thursday morning to brew 'American Encounter'. I have fond memories of the June 2007 Brewers Weekend, being handed an actual 'Brewer' t-shirt, puzzling over the choice of 40 different hand-pumped and gravity dispensed ales, and being tucked into one of the rooms upstairs at the end of the evening.