Britain
The word tavern is no longer in popular use in the UK as there is no distinction between a tavern and an inn. Both establishments serve wine and both serve beer/ale. The term 'pub' (an abbreviation of 'public house') is now used to describe these houses. The legacy of taverns and inns is now only found in the pub names, e.g. The New Inn, The Railway Tavern.
The range and quality of pubs varies wildly throughout the UK as does the range of beers, wines, spirits and foods available. Most quality pubs will still serve cask ales and good food. In recent years there has been a move towards 'top-end' pubs where the food is of a very high quality. These pubs are usually found in rural areas and are referred to as gastro pubs.
Pubs are still popular meeting places but they are declining in popularity. It is widely reported in the UK that many pubs are closing each week. Popular consensus attributes this to economic conditions, the inexpensive sales of alcohol in supermarkets, and the banning of smoking in public places.
Read more about this topic: Tavern
Famous quotes containing the word britain:
“The proposition that Muslims are welcome in Britain if, and only if, they stop behaving like Muslims is a doctrine which is incompatible with the principles that guide a free society.”
—Roy Hattersley (b. 1932)
“The only reason I might go to the funeral is to make absolutely sure that he’s dead.”
—“An Eminent Editor” Of Press Baron. Quoted in Anthony Sampson, Anatomy of Britain Today, ch. 9 (1965)
“I’ll stay until I’m tired of it. So long as Britain needs me, I shall never be tired of it.”
—Margaret Thatcher (b. 1925)