Why PUBS Are More Important Than Ever…

“A good local pub has much in common with a church, except that a pub is warmer, and there's more conversation.” -- William Blake

A Pub.., that local go-to spot in your neighborhood you go visit to indulge in a few beers, ales.., or maybe something a bit stronger, is short for -- Public House… And when they originated, they were much more than a place then somewhere to go to get your drink on… They were usually the focal point of the community and a social center for it's inhabitants .., a place where the people of that community (village) come and spend hours upon hours… They served food that was local and home cooked.., and very often offered some kind of live music.

A Pub (or Public House) dates as far back as 43 AD when the invading Romans built roads and established their form of Pub, a Tabernae… And as far back as the 17th century, they were being described as.., and referred to as -- The Heart of England. As far as the English are concerned, it is almost impossible to discern which is actually the "oldest" pub still standing.., which makes for some rather lively and colorful discussion over a few pints…

"A pub can be a magical place." -- Rhys Ifans

From the Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham dating back to 1189.., to The Porch House in Gloucestershire, which parts of the building are said to have been around since 947 AD. And there are many more that claim to be the first.., but from England to Scotland, Ireland to Germany.., the Public House (Pub) has been a part of peoples lives for a long, long time.

In America.., we have the same debate as to which is longest or first Pub in existence… And while the arguments are just as colorful as in the motherland, it seems to be a little easier as to determine that Old '76 House in the the small town of Tappan, New York.., built in 1686 by Dutch immigrants holds the title.

Pubs were such an integral part of the culture, that unless a town or village to be recognized as a settlement -- it had to have a Public House! They even held the trial of one of Benedict Arnold's co-conspirators at the '76 House, which back then was called Mable's Inn. George Washington actually tipped a few back at this pub while receiving plans to evacuate New York.., and it is conceivable, that because the way these plans were worded, the United States was first recognized as a sovereign state -- in a pub…

The importance of a Pub has wavered over time.., and it's value as more than a place to get hammered at, diminished… But, from there inception, a lawyer, doctor, plumber and mailman could shoot the shit over a few cold ones, as equals.., no matter your job title -- sort of unwritten code. There importance in history, both politically, militarily and socially stands alone…

The public space they offer to congregate is irreplaceable.., and has served the communities they stand in, well. Once you add alcohol to the equation, people from all walks of life tend to loosen-up (to say the least)… New friends are made and old relationships cemented, all over your drink of choice. A place to share the news of the day.., that my friends, is a lot more fun than Facebook.

The relaxed atmosphere created by the shared experience of a pub.., from talking a load off at the end of a long days work, to blowing off some steam (not steem).., to inspiring some of histories most prolific writers -- is unmatched. They are the part community that pulls people together and lets their spirit loose… And the decline of many of these "pubs," as they are being forced out by higher rents and taken over by soulless chains, only adds to the decline of the community. Taking away the meeting place of strangers that would soon be friends is nothing short of heartbreaking.., and the sign of our more isolating and decisive times.

Sitting in front of your computer, banging away at your keyboard cannot hold a candle to toasting a friend, while looking them in the eye (another unwritten code -- always look the person your cheers with, in the eye)… While social media has many advantages for our modern times, the importance of the human contact and the sharing of social issues, that communities would go without is devastating… And according to Oxford University, living near a Pub makes you happier!

"One of my beliefs is that there are certain institutions within a community which stand for the spirit and heart of that community, there's the church, the local football team, the local pub and the theatre." -- David Soul

By providing a place for friendships to flourish and communities to gather, the local pub is a boon to our health and wellbeing… And while pubs are on the decline and much of our social interaction takes place online, we are losing the real connections made with our fellow man or woman. What good is having 10 thousand Facebook friends if you could walk by them on the street and not even recognize them…

The social environment created by a local pub gives one the feeling of a "second home." The TV shows Cheers that took place in a pub in Boston was a smash hit, because people could relate to it… It embraced the spirit of community and togetherness.., two things that are sorely lacking in many of todays societies. The sense of belonging that is awakened just by walking through the door of your local pub and being welcomed with your beverage of choice before you even ask for it.., beats a "like" on Facebook any day!

"I miss the banter with friends and family, which more often than not takes place within the confines of a decent public house. So I miss the pubs."
-- Chris Vance

While times change, people stay the same… And with the decline of the pub we are slowly losing more and more of our history.., and even more important than that -- our connectedness. Today, more than ever, your local pub provides you with the much needed opportunity to get away from it all -- all the in your face advertising that pops up in your feed and your email. A place to step away from all the technology that has invaded our lives.., and a chance to bond over a drink or two.., and remember what it's like to be human.

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