These days, pubs are much more versatile when it comes to eating. In the 1960s thru’ 1980s everyone will remember Chicken in the Basket and before you ask - Yes, the vinegar did leak out through the bottom!!

In those days you didn’t see anyone under the age of about 16 years old in a pub – even if the pub sold meals. Youngsters in pubs were frowned upon because the pub was predominantly a ‘mans domain’. It was where he went to get away from the trials of family life and spend some leisure time bonding with his mates. He certainly didn’t want to have to avoid spilling his beer by dodging around the neighbours kids!!

As time progressed, certain pubs transformed themselves into restaurants whilst at the same time still catering for the occasional drinker. Consequently, establishments such as the Bernie Inn and Beefeater chain evolved. Here kids were accepted as long as they were accompanied by an adult. They were provided with facilities such as play areas and enclosed areas outside where they could safely play, while mum and dad got down to the serious business of drinking. These types of pubs are still with us today, albeit under different guises.

Pubs today provide a much more varied fayre when it comes to serving meals. There are those that specialise just about every type of meal you could imagine including Indian, Chinese and even Thai. You may have to travel some distance to find one, but believe me, there’s a pub out there somewhere that will cater to your taste-buds.