Watering Holes

If you’re heading down to your local, there is no reason to fuss about what you will wear.  If you are going into the toon, then measures have to be taken to prepare.  Such measures include; hair, nails, dresses, high heels, eyelashes, and fake tan.

Pubs, the short form for Public Houses, are a focal point for many Brits.  Having a local pub to go to for a few pints is more like an extension to your living room.  I have talked about pubs before, briefly, but I have thought for quite a while now, that an entire blog should be devoted to explaining the ‘pub culture’ that I have witnessed while being here.

First, like always, the vocabulary.

Your local: The public house that is within your neighbourhood.  Your local watering hole, for a lack of a better term.

Living in South Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne, we are very fortunate to have more than one local.  We have three.

They all serve for different purposes.  The Millstone, which is the closest and probably technically is our actual local, is fit to watch a match, but attracts an older crowd.  The Millstone is a great retreat away from the flat.  It is where you can have a few, near a warm fireplace and to catch up with mates.

About ten steps away is the Brandling.  Here, you can have a yummy meal, catch a live band and play risk.  You can also view a film on a big screen free of charge!  The Brandling attracts all ages, and has recently been transformed into a swankier atmosphere.  This is where we have gone to enjoy the outdoor beer garden, and to watch Ebbie, a new friend of ours play an acoustic set.

If you’re really motivated, you can take a 15 minute jaunt into Gosforth, where you will find the Bullman.  Here many Friday and Sunday dinners have been ordered.  For only £6.96 you are awarded a double cheese burger chips and a pint.

These are not bars, cafes, our restaurants.  Pubs have a completely different vibe and culture inside.  At the same time, all pubs share the familiarity to one another.  Many of the locals truly do make you feel as if you are amongst family and friends.  With leather chairs, sofas and fireplaces.  Even the crown molding and vaulted ceilings, which many of the locals reveal a history in themselves.  It is taken quite seriously here, it is not just any old watering hole, it is a, ‘Ye Old Brewery’ with a past and rich history that Brits are proud to have as a part of their culture and everyday lifestyle.

Last night, I had to fuss about, because we headed into the toon to visit a pub.  This was not my local; therefore, out of respect for this new public house, I dressed appropriate.  I Geordified my hair as much as possible, wore 4 inch heels and applied 2 layers of mascara and lip gloss before heading in to the almighty toon.

Geordie Hair!

Lucia, the reason for our outing.  She is beginning a new position with a new company, so we all went our to celebrate!

 Here we go again with my nasty video skills.  I was trying to capture the building, and the crowd.  It did not translate the way I wanted it to, but ah well!  Still take a view anywho!