What is British pub culture?
The pub is an integral part of country life in the UK. It is a meeting place, a place to relax and a place to enjoy good beer and good conversation. Historically, country pubs were located on main routes through towns and were once coaching inns.
The word pub is short for “public house” or community center. On most days, the pub is filled with folks from the neighbourhood who refer to it as their “local”. The history of pubs can be traced back to Roman times and many pubs in Britain claim to be the oldest pub in the land. Our intent is to bring this tradition to Mount Kisco and offer a place for expats, locals and travelers to gather, relax and make new friends.
Food… Table Service?
Walk into a traditional British pub and take a seat at the fire and you may be waiting a while. It is customary for customers to come to the bar to order drinks and take them back to the table. In groups it is often done in “rounds” and it is common to hear “Whose round is it?” and whoever is up heads to the bar.
You will also find very few, if any, bar stools at the bar. This allows people to gather, and also allows room for customers to order (due to the lack of table service).
What about food? Well – unless the pub is a gastro pub (which we are not), food is limited and is also ordered at the bar. You will typically get fish and chips, pies, pasties, etc., but don’t expect fine dining. The Ambleside will serve the above along with typical bar snacks like crisps, scampi fries and nuts.
The all important beer!
Beer - the most important topic. The quality of the beer can make or break a good pub. Beer is served in two sizes, pints and half pints. Keep in mind, a British pint is bigger at 20oz. In most pubs you will find real-ales, lagers, pilsners, stouts and IPAs on draught. When ordering, you will ask for the type and size, i.e. “Pint of bitter and a half of lager please”.
Temperature is very important to beer, with real cask ales served at a 50deg cellar temperature and lagers chilled. You can expect this at The Ambleside when you visit.
The Ambleside is excited to be partnering with expat brewery Old Glenham to produce our cask bitter. We promise you – you will not be disappointed!